Ex-'Idol' in rehab; drug trial delayed

TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Former "American Idol" contestant Jessica Sierra is in a rehab program, her attorney told a Florida judge hearing her battery and cocaine possession case.

The charges of battery and possession of cocaine against Sierra, of Tampa, Fla., stems from a confrontation with a patron in a nightclub.

Her attorney, John Fitzgibbons, told Judge Gregory Holder that Sierra entered the program in July in California and was expected to be in rehab for several months, the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times reported Wednesday.

"I believe this is in her best interest,'' Fitzgibbons said. Outside of the courtroom, he wouldn't specify Sierra's exact problems but said the comprehensive program covers drug and alcohol abuse, and other issues.

Holder rescheduled Sierra's trial for November.