American Idol: Carly Smithson shocker in the Idoldome

Absolute shock and pandemonium in the Idoldome tonight as the great Carly Smithson's Idol journey came to an end.  Carly fell as part of the most unfair bottom two in Idol history.  Outside, feelings ranged from anger at some of the surviving contestants to confusion.

I'll have more thoughts later tonight, but please use the comments section to say goodbye to the singer I have called the most electrifying Idol contestant ever.  Let's all try and get some closure on this together!

More later.

- Richard Rushfield

Comments

[H]

this show is dead to me...Carly was the only reason i watched and now that she is gone I am done! Carly is a SUPERSTAR and I hope she realizes what a joke this show is. I know she will make an amazing album and I will be first in line to buy it.

[Ruth Wetsell]

Is this a talent contest or a popularity contest? Every week I get a little angrier and more cynical. First, Michael Johns and now Carly?? Is the prerequisite cute blue eyes and dreadlocks or a back street boys vibrato? A year from now no one will remember Jason's eyes or Brooke's personality and they will go the way of Taylor Hicks, who was a nice guy, but forgettable. If the record industry is listening, cut a record of Michael Johns or Carly Smithson and I'm buying. Are you listening???

[jane madison]

Carly has an incredible voice, probably the best female vocalist in years, but, I'm sorry, I just couldn't stand her as a person. Maybe I hate garishly tattooed females, or felt that she had more money invested in her career than 99.9% of other aspiring singers and still couldn't connect to her audience, but, she didn't thrill me. At all. I found her personality completely off-setting. As a result, performances which should have been astounding were spoiled by her egotistical delivery and shrieky over-singing. She just didn't have a charisma which kept me in her corner and to be honest, I was thrilled she was voted off, even though she can outsing Brooke and Syesha by miles, and was certainly more vocally gifted than Jason. Jason is unique. He has that magical quality which is engaging, and I'm not a teeny-bopper. I love the guy. Brooke is so endearing and her voice is pure and touching. I'm glad Syesha got to stay as well. The only other annoying player is that 17 year old with the stage dad from hell. He gives me the creeps, despite his talent, but, at least Andrew Lloyd Weber made him open his eyes. He is a little easier to stand now.

[Drew]

Shocking... and demoralizing. Jason was so far and away the most deserving of the boot. When the result is so far from reality, it does make one question whether it's worth making the emotional investment in the show.

Both Carly and Syesha handled themselves with dignity; the result was so far from just, there was nothing else they could do.

[tom]

That was so totally wrong. Dred boy should have gone.

Two theories.

A) Red America didn't like her singing about "jesus christ" or

B) Her loser boyfriend with the tattooed face put everyone off.

[Scott]

2 of the best in the bottom, the worst is safe again. In my opinion a lot of crack is being smoked during Idol this season. Think about this - these votes are coming from the same people who will be voting for President in a few months. Be afraid, be very afraid.

[Gary K]

Wow. What a shocker. Neither girl belonged in the bottom 2. My biggest shock to date was Michael Johns departure. I thought for sure he would be the finalist with David A. I thought for sure the bottom 2 would be Jason and Brooke. I'll have to just listen to the TIVO from Tuesdays show to see what transpired. Both Syesha and Carly gave the performances of their lives. Even Brooke was in disbelief she is still there. At the rate this year is going, Ryan Seacrest might finally win !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[KT]

ridiculous and i hope she knows it. what a bogus show.

[Louis]

Wow, I'm stunned. There were past weeks when I thought perhaps Carly would get the boot, but not last night. She is simply amazing and I'll have a tough time watching the show the rest of the season. Looks like it's become more of a popularity contest than a singing contest. There's way too much psychology involved from the judges... who never really gave Carly a fair shake. She didn't win, but she certainly has a great future ahead of her. I'l be the first on line to buy her new album.

[Ingrid Brown]

What a travesty!! The teeny boppers of American have taken over: no taste, no sense of real talent, nothing!! First Michael Johns and now Carly Smithson. I can't believe it. What two digit IQ's brought this about. No wonder American TV sucks: We have eliminated (with the exception of David Cook) the best. Can I even bear to watch more? And if little schmoozy David Archeleta wins, I'll never watch American Idol again!

[Karla]

I voted 25 times for Carly last night, should have voted more, she has been my favorite all season long and I am very sad to see her go. I was very surprised to see her go so early, I felt she should have made it much farther, she has a much better voice than several of the candidates still left. I am very disappointed in the Idol fans, they are not voting on skill, they are voting based on other factors, which will end up leaving us with a very boring final.

[Suzanne Aguilar]

I have said on several occasions how much i think Brooke stinks. She cannot sing. I can sing better than her anyday. She made a great mistake by starting then stopping then starting all over again. She needs to go. There is no way that she is better than carly or saeysha.Christy Lee Cook was better than her. She needs to go, go , go. NOW!

[gimbo]

Carly is immensely talented, but what a horrible song choice. You want to appeal to as many people as possible, so you don't sing "Jesus Christ, superstar, do you think you're what they say you are," and lose the votes of a large segment of the population. It's indicative of Carly's hubris, and unfortunately hubris don't sell unless you're Barbra Streisand. Look at her comment that in "future weeks" she'd be having more fun with her songs. Psych!

[Leo]

OMG...What just happened?? Carly was awesome and made the show worth watching. I feel the strongest and best is David Cook by far. However little boring stoner Jason is still in it?? And as for Sucky David A. Well sell him to Disney!! Can you imagine what Jason would look like bald?? He would look like those green men from the star trek series!!! As for Brook she is real for sure just a little under-confident. And Sy..well she's in a class of her own..very fine! I just have this to say. Ever since every kid in the world got a cell phone us reasonable adults have lost our say!

[Geoff Berkshire]

The only good thing about the David vs. David or David vs. Jason finale that we seem to be headed toward is that it will clear up a couple hours in my week to do something else.

It'll be the most anti-climatic ending to a decent season since Taylor vs. Katharine.

[Amir]

America made another big mistake again! If American Idol is Jason or Brooke, so what is a different between IDOL and IDLE?

[Jeannie]

What a completely disappointing result. Frankly, the only person who still interests me in the remaining is David Cook, and I actually hope he doesn't win -- I think he'll go farther faster if he isn't limited by the Idol producers. He could go the way of Daughtry right now.

Carly did NOT deserve to go. However, I'll be anxiously awaiting her album.

[john]

surprising and another mistake by AI AGAIN!! This shows rating is gonna be rly low someday. But not as shocking as michael johns being eliminated though

[Jenni]

Idol has lost a big fan/watcher since season 1. Talent has been lost to youth, and youth is who is voting. A youth, in which, has no sense (or care perhaps) of what is good and right. This show is sadly becoming high school- a place where only popularity counts. TIVO no longer has my season pass including American Idol. It's an unfortunate realization what has happened to the show. There are far better quality shows that deserve the attention. Let the teeny boppers have American Idol.

[Industry Chick]

Um, just so you all are clear, all the finalists are under contract to the "Idol producers" if the producers want them, so David Cook gains nothing by losing. As for Carly and Syesha being in the bottom two, it's about likeability, not about singing talent. I am so over Brooke's earnestness. I used to like her, but now she's the kid I'd beat up on the playground she looks so ready to be kicked. And having tattoos on one's face doesn't make Carly's husband (not boyfriend) a loser, but comments like that show why Carly was eliminated. If this is L.A., imagine what they thought in Idaho.

[iris]

OMG she was my fav, Why is Brook and Jason still in? Carly was the best.

[Michael]

I was also surprised that Carly Smithson was eliminated; she didn't deserve it. One could've argued that she was the best female remaining. However, I don't agree with the attacks on Jason Castro and Brooke White. Jason was doomed as soon as the theme was announced; Broadway certainly isn't his thing. He has turned in some of the best performances of the show, though -- Hallelujah, Over the Rainbow. He has a unique voice and, as Simon has repeated, he's charming. In my opinion, he DIDN'T deserve to go based on that one performance. And, in spite of some comments here, Brooke CAN sing. She doesn't have a spectacular voice but has a warmth and sincerity that is very appealing to a lot of people. Smithson has neither of those qualities. Finally, I'm aghast at Richard Rushfield's choice of words here: the GREAT Carly Smithson? The most-electrifying contestant ever? You gotta be kidding. She's pretty good but that's going way to far.

[vito]

Good Night Carly.....You will enjoy an amasing career I'm sure but it won't be at my expense. I can add its unfair you leave tonight as there are others that should leave the show before you but you were not destined to be the American Idol this year at any rate.
I personally think you murdered ALW and the song too - however it was only one of a few others - I guess your just not my cup of tea....Best wishes nonetheless

[John]

Wow. Syesha and Carly as the bottom two. Totally unbelievable. While I haven't liked all of Carly's performances, her performance of Jesus Christ Superstar absolutely rocked. I was blown away. And Syesha. Wow. She was HOT!! I'd even buy the video so I can watch her get off that piano over and over. She consistently gives top rate performances and is consistently in the bottom. But Brooke safe? WTF? She was terrible last night and hasn't had a good performance in weeks. Syesha and Carly are much better performers and vocalists. Despite what American Idol voters say, both of them have a much better future in the music business than Brooke could ever dream of.

[MacKenna]

Brooke's a one note wonder and Jason should be doing Karaoke. Although Carly struck me as tense and aggressive at times, I couldn't blame her because it seemed she wasn't liked by the judges, particularly Simon, from the moment the auditions were over and the show started. Time and time again Randy and Simon seemed less than enthusiastic about her performances, even though they were always light years ahead of others. I'm wondering if this has to do with Carly not being an American citizen and not fitting some desireable physical mould. The other stunner was Syesha being voted in the bottom two. What's that about? She's infinitely better than Brooke and goofy no talent Jason.

[Mark]

Carly is awesome! American Idol is a great show but the producers have become a little obvious in the pusuit of their own agenda. I still don't have a clue why any level headed parent would let their child pay money for the privilege of casting a meaningless vote.

Best of luck to Carly.

[Christina]

I'm already bored to tears at the thought of watching Idol without Carly. In my opinion, she was the best contestant to ever grace the Idol stage. I've watched the show for six of its seven seasons, and I've never been compelled to vote until my fingers hurt for anyone else but Carly. Hell, I've never before been compelled to vote weekly for any contestant period, but she was worth those arduous two-hour sessions.

I can't bring myself to watch the rest of the season. David vs. David is inevitable, and though I really like the singers as a whole this season, I'd throw 'em all on the Idol chopping block to hear the sensational Carly sing again on my TV. Not only will I buy her album, but I'll be on the lookout for a San Francisco date when she (hopefully) headlines her own tour.

On the bright side of things, I've regained my Tuesday nights back...

[Katie]

I can understand anyones anger when their favorite is voted off AI, but I can't understand how people still believe that this show is only about who has the best voice. It's been on for seven years. If you have ever read blogs or message boards on the internet, it is totally about fan bases. That is the way it is set up and has been from the beginning. As we speak tonight, people are planning on who to vote for, to stop someone else from advancing, even if they do not like the person. Stop being naive. He who makes it in fast enough to vote helps their favorite. After people are voted off, then people gravitate toward someone else or vote in retribution. Also, I get tired of hearing about season five. Taylor Hicks was a breath of fresh air that season. He created excitement and his versions of songs were unique. He has not disappeared from the scene at all. He is still thrilling his fans, but he, and they have moved on. Be careful who you vote for though.........the show can be very cruel if you don't meet their criteria . Whoever wins, they had better be a strong person to withstand the vitreol they can create against you.

[giancarlo]

this is a very very sad moment in the history of AI -- once again, it's a popularity contest, and not a singing contest. The three judges have their responsibility in all this, because they've been unfair to Carly for weeks now. And yes, the frequent closeups of Carly's husband's tattooed face didn't help, nor did Carly's histrionics last week when she was revealed safe -- the tshirt was not brilliant either. But she was the best singer, together with David Cook. Her Dolly Parton week will remain as one of the most perfect performances in Idol history, comparable to Kimberley Locke's New York State of Mind or Band of Gold. Stoner Jason remains there, lost in the cloud of smoke he's been inhaling, David A. will keep wowing pre-teens and force their families to vote for him. Syesha is off the show in 7 days, for sure. And Brooke? She'd better wake up and pick up the pieces, since America has obviously proven they do love her...

[Ryan]

Not so shocking. Carly's been down near the bottom before. She did reasonably well on Tuesday, but David A. and Syesha did better. She's got a big voice, but I never thought she connected well with the audience, at least on TV (the overheated praise for her on this blog notwithstanding). And, come on, her favorite band is Heart.

If Carly's ouster wasn't this week, it would have been soon. That said, she shouldn't have been voted off this week -- it should have been Brooke or Jason, but that will work itself out in short order. We remain headed inexorably toward a David vs. David final.

[jozielee]

AI is growing up. Winning the AI title isn't the crowning glory it once was. That show is producing many "idols" per season as other producers come in and offer opportunities to the "cast-offs."

Carly will be HUGE in short order, especially if she works with someone like Andrew Lloyd Weber. She could probably use the rest between now and AI tour rehearsals.

There's so much talent in the pool of contestants this year it was inevitable voting would change. I applaud AI for staying fresh and evolving.

[Dan]

She sucked and it's good she's gone.

[Daniel]

She was never as good as she thought she was. She has had many chances and they finaly ran out. Good bye, good riddance!!

[Rick Boy]

She didn't have the talent to connect with the crowd, it was just about look at me. But mainly it was America just got fed up with the camera cutting away to her husband's face after she'd finished her work. This is American Idol!! not a freak show.

[Kate]

Carly is an exceptional vocalist but it seems like she failed to connect with the viewers for some reason. As a result she didn't build up a fan base like some of the other contestants have.

It's pretty disturbing that people would get angry at the surviving contestants over this. It's not their fault. It would be like getting angry at Carly because Michael Johns was eliminated. Ridiculous.

[Thomas]

This has to be the most disappointing 'boot' from Idol since Daughtry two seasons ago. Carly is magical and so gifted. How Dreadlock Boy is still in there can be explained in 3 words: Cellphoned prepubescent females. There needs to be a monitoring system online or via phone where you can only vote ONCE. But the producers would never go for this.
So our dear Carly, as Simon says, can hold her head high. Maybe she can have a life on Broadway, but could be equally successful as a Pop singer.

[idollover]

carly had a nice voice, sure, but can u imagine her as the next american idol, she doesn't have the range, or the emotional connection or the vocal restraint. She has the voice, but can't do anything with it. Simon was right, she was a little bit shouty. She always is - I do think though that she was a little better than some others....like jason. i wish he or maybe syesha went....i'm rooting for brooke and david c to win now...he was by far the best. i hate david a....he has a voice sure...but imagine him as our next american idol...c'mon - he won't even know whether he won because of his voice, or his ability to woo the teenage girls in america.

[dana]

david c is by far better than carly, and i'm glad she's gone. while interesting, and very loud, carly wasn't at all connected, emotionally or otherwise - to the audience. i have to say, i'm a little relieved i won't have to bear another week of her just shouting in my face. her voice is brilliant, true, better than others, and i loved her accent....but she was no american idol. the word 'idol' just doesn't go with her. she's just not idol-like...i wouldnt' want her as my idol. it doesn't matter...everyone knows that david c will win, or maybe because of his fans, david a.

[JW]

Randy Jackson is part of the problem. So many people who vote actually listen to that idiot and he keeps saying. 'If you can sing, you can sing anything". That is absolutely absurd. Can you imagine Aretha Franklin, the late Ray Charles, Tony Bennet, the late Janet Joplin, Barry Gibb or countless other artists who are great singers, attempting to sing some of the idiotic categories that they give the contestants to sing? It's pure lunacy. In my opinion, they jumped the shark this week by having them sing Andrew Lloyd Weber songs and I just removed Idol from my Tivo season pass. This show has really become a joke.

[LB girl]

Week after week, David A. is given a pass. He is never criticised for his boring sameness or goofy personality. He actually is starting to creep me out--he doesn't seem human. Just wind him up and send him out on stage and he will shuffle his feet, giggle and sing. And artistically--he has not a clue about depth and soul and how it relates to music. He does have a gift with his voice but still, he ain't all that. I dont know why the judges were so harsh on Sanjaya last year--who was the same age--and David is never criticised. Sanjaya was awful, but at least he was interesting! Obviously, I am not a teenybopper, so perhaps I don't appreciate what makes the little girls cry, but it feels to me that the powers that be want him to win very badly, so a hands off order has been issued to the judges. I mean, you would think Simon would find *something* negative to say!

[Adi Azhar]

This show is, quite rightly, a popularity contest, not a talent show. Why has everyone forgotten that? It is, after all, called American Idol, not American Singer. Therefore, the person who ultimately wins is the person with the most idolisers (also known as.. you guessed it... fans). If one can sing like Sarah Brightman but has very little fans, of course she's gonna get the boot.

That being said, I'm a huge fan of Carly since the first day. So sad to see her go.

[C]

It is sad to think about how the teens of America can participate in a show and not comprehend their actions. AI is about singing and performing, not about who is cute, charming, etc. It is about ability and talent. Unfortunately, we are seeing some contestant’s time on AI come to an end to soon.

Michael Johns and Carly you will be missed....

On the other hand, there are 2 AI contestants that need to go. It is excruciating watching them sing through their performances each week.

[Naomi Mendonza]

What a bogus show. Now the only people left, who in my opinion, are worthy of the title 'American Idol', are David Cook and Syesha.

[grace gower]

I loved Carly, I will buy her album, someone please sign her! If it weren't for David Cooke, I would stop watching idol at this point. My husband is so disgusted he said he will never watch again. Nothing personal, but Jason is awful, and if tweens are the deciding factor, then it is really a kids show, I am so disgusted, Idol is losing its relevance.

[Mike]

Professionals don't forget lyrics. Those who voted for Brooke have helped to call into question the validity of the show

[GLORIA WOOD]

I agree with the comment that this years American Idol is over for me. Carley will hopefully do the same as Chris Daughtery, put out an album which will soar on the charts. The past few seasons the show has gone from a talent show to a personalitiy contest.

[Rocket13]

I'm not sure if Carly was going to win this competition, but I'm most frustrated with the unbalanced fairness of it all. This is suppose to be a singing competion, not a popularity contest. Yes, I know that popularity means a lot, but come on America, what are you thinking? American Idol, once a powerful and meaningful show that truely had the ability to set America on it's ear by bringing in talent through a logical and focused process, has unfortunately become a joke -- every week its credibility lessens. Without exception, Jason and Brooke continue to do worse than the others, but somehow continue to move forward. It's because of their popularity, not their talent, and that's wrongt! Both of their performances were absolutely second rate on Tuesday night. Neither one of them will ever become true stars, it simply isn't in them. I know that ALW must have been dieing inside when they sang his hits -- both were poor performances. While Carly may not have become a star either, she desered the chance to continue her charge for the top and not be tossed out when clearly she did so much better than Jason and Brooke. I'm out Idol, you've lost another viewer. Not because of Carly, but because you're just not what you use to be.

[groovesmoothy]

Well I thought for sure all of you Carly kooks would keep her around longer than this but thank goodness I was wrong. The real world of vocal entertainment generally requires that you can sing more than one song before you need to be connected to an iron lung. If Carly is serious about this she will use this break to quit smoking and start doing some cardio so she does die on tour this summer.

Long live the singer/ song writers!!!!!! Jason and Brook on dueling pianos in the finals!!!!!!

[Steve in Santa Barbara]

Someone commented earlier tht Jason has a "unique voice." He does have is own style, but his voice is as pedestrian as they come. When this guy does get eliminated, soon I hope, he probably wont even realize it for a couple of weeks.

[Sarge]

If Jason wins will he be the American Idle?

[Larry]

It was the song choice that swamped her. Consider the fact that probably 90% of her audience had never, ever heard of the play or the album, "Jesus Christ Superstar". Being a 1945 "boomer", I can remember when this album hit the streets and the world's Christian conservatives' negative reaction to it. It caused quite a controversy. Now fast-forward 40 years later: how many AI watchers-voters and their parents were turned off in "shock" to such a seeming blaspheme (in their eyes). I really feel it was her choice of song that hurt her. I, for one, loved the album (I still have the LP's) and her performance. We haven't seen the last of Carly.

[Jeeps]

Come on people. Singing isn't just about standing on stage and seeing how many notes you can hit. If that was the case, computers would have record deals. Carly always made her singing look like work, hard work and that kept her from ever really connecting with the song and the audience. Her "soft" performances were trite and her "rock" performances scraped by because she can wail. She won't have a career, because her public image and performance style comes across as arrogant and distant. She has all the tools, she just doesn't know how to show a genuine connection with her music.

This is the year of musical artists, not just singers for hire and if Syesha goes next that will affirm that.

[ghrtt3]

It was not the song choice or her husband. Try and grasp this: IT WAS HER. Totally overrated, annoying, voice cracking almost every week, and not pleasing to the eye at all.
Overall: Just plain hideous. Can't believe she made it this far.

[Robin Delaney, Las Vegas NV]

First of all, to correct an earlier post by Tom; Carly's tattooed "boyfriend" is really her husband and I doubt people voted her off because of him.

Secondly, I don't think too many young people are familiar with Jesus Christ Superstar to understand the power in the song.

Thirdly, Carly did have an off-putting personality and I think a lot of people were not overly thrilled that she had a previous album. Also, she was turning more and more into Amanda, the rocker chick that was voted off. Her performance this week was screechingly over the top. She never did have much of a fan base and really won't be missed.

[TruAnn]

Carly Smithson and Michael Johns already had recording contracts, and that turned many voters off. Also, I've heard it said that Carly was another "screamer," and that is not a style many enjoy. Jason Castro seems to be getting a lot of backlash here, but all I've heard about him is praise. His voice is beautiful, with no big runs, theatrics, of painful crouching yells, much like Willie Nelson, Joe Cocker, and Leonard Cohen. There is a place for "big" voices, certainly, like Patti Lupone, for example, but while Carly may have Patti's pipes, she doesn't have her vocal control and she doesn't have her charm. Brooke White will be the next to go, not only because she is weak vocally, but because a certain disingenuousness is beginning to rear its head. Lastly, remember: it's not just a singing competition, it's an entertainment competition, and those who want to spend money on their favorites' future CD's and downloads will vote for the person who entertains them most and most consistently. That means that YOUR personal definition of the best technical vocalist, fans and writers, will likely NOT win. Jordin Sparks was certainly not the best technical singer last year, but she was "poppy," confident but not so attractive as to be inaccessible, and she had the judges on her side. The fun is in watching the show, and watching it play out. Don't ruin your fun by getting too emotionally invested in the wiinner.

[Lisa]

Carly is a great singer with a very powerful voice. I think it's OK that she got voted off because she is going places without American Idol. At least she got her name out there. There can only be one winner and there are still a few really good singers left. I'm sure it's not the last time we will see her face, all though I was shocked!

[Sabrina Cox]

American Idol is turning into a joke. People are not voted based on their talent, but on feeling sorry for them. This show is about picking someone with the best voice and personality, not out of sympathy. Michael was unfairly voted off, he should have been in the top four, along with Carly, Syesha, and David A. To vote Carly off was unacceptable, she is clearly one of the most talented left. I don't think it is worth watching this show anymore, because the best ones are being eliminated. Jason has no singing voice at all, and clearly should have been the one voted off last night.

[Danette]

I was sad to see Carly go, her voice is amazing. As much as I love the tone of Brooke's voice and I know I would buy whatever she puts out there, I felt that in fairness it was her turn to go. I want to add a couple of observations from other posts: Christina, you are right about the retaliation voting...that's exactly what happened in season 5 when Daughtry and Elliott fans voted for Taylor to make sure Katharine didn't have a chance. They were "mad" that their fave got voted off, "blamed" it on her and in droves they threw their vote to Taylor so she didn't have a chance. Those voters didn't care about Taylor they just didn't want Katharine to win. Daniel: The camera ALWAYS cuts away to family members and he is her husband so why shouldn't they pan over to him? I guess the cameramen don't have the ridiculous notion that he is a "freak" just because of the way he looks on the outside...thank God for that!

[Jack Scribe]

Carly has a potential career out of this...as does Michael. AI is a popularity contest - right or wrong - and it's how the contestants effectively connect with the audience. On talent alone, Jason would have been gone before now. It will be David vs. David in the finals. At this point, I give Mr. Cook the edge.

[G-Money]

Carly should not even been in the top 10. She does not fit the mold-- she has an arm tattoo which is so dreadful, her arms are flabby, her teeth are twisted knots, and her husband... enough said.

Added on top of this is that she OVERSINGS as much as possible.

As much as I dislike Archie, he has a very mature sense of musicality- way more developed than Ms. Oversinger Smithson.

Brooke looks like she has bad breath, she'll hopefully be gone next week. And that huge ZIT on her upper lip has to be lanced.

Syesha is the best looking of the bunch and might do better in coming weeks.

This leaves Mr. Cook ready for #1, and Archie #2.

The show should have voted Dolly off, because she made the show jump the shark.

[Michael]

Carly Smithson Is an outstanding talent, and to be eliminated is beyond belief.
American Idol has turned into one big joke. And with Jason Castro still in the competion it's even a bigger joke. he has no vocal range what so ever, the only reason the silly little girls vote for him, is because of his girly voice and stupid dreadlocks.

Come on America, wake up. This is not about the SYMPATHY VOTE, THIS IS VOTING FOR PEOPLES TALENT. It seems to me to the less talent you have the further you go these days. Case in point Jason Castro and Brooke too.

[Ron]

I think the judges have a very significant part of the blame for this. You can't crack on a contestant every week, even though he or she might be outsinging most of the others, and not expect it to have an effect on the viewers.

Everyone on that show knows that in the long run, MJ and Carly (and probably even KLC in the country arena) will outsell most of the others still on there (except David Cook). But week after week, they picked at MJ and Carly and criticized them more than Brooke, Jason, etc. in some weird reflection of "expecting more" or having higher standards or something. Most of the viewing public (teeny boppers) can only interpret that as the judges suggesting that Brooke and Jason are better at what they are doing, which is completely ridiculous.

So, as a reward, the judges and the producers are going to get finalists who are forgotten in a year. With any luck, David Cook will outlast the others and save the show's bacon.

[Leigh]

I am shocked and disappointed at the ouster of Carly Smithson. Those who refused to vote for Carly because they disapproved of her husband's tattoos (although not attractive to me) or did not regard her as a TRUE AMERICAN discounted her tremendous singing voice. I hope she will be able to continue her singing career because, selfishly, I hope to be able to continue to buy her music and listen to her fabulous singing. My husband and I echo the sentiment of those who will no longer be wasting their Tuesday and Wednesday evenings watching AI. Now that the weather is nicer I had much rather be outdoors anyway. I think Simon and Randy did her a great disservice. Regarding Jason and Brooke, pleeease don't tell me that you think they deserve to continue warbling on this show. Brooke's "broken sparrow" routine has worn very thin and Jason is sweet but his voice is oh so weak.

[Kat]

Carly sings well, has power, but as a personality lacks, lacks, lacks. She provokes a trashy image. When Simon suggested she consult with somebody regarding her fashion sense, he was boo'ed, though he was right. Being an American idol is the whole package ... voice + image + relatability with an audience. Brooke is like the girl next door ... Carly is like the girl every mother wants her son to stay away from. She is a Courtney Love type.... most can't relate.

I thought her trashy.

[Everybody's a critic]

Here is why I think Carly was voted off despite a spectacular performance:

If 2 of the 6 IDOLS did not even know the story of the musical or the context of the song they were singing, you can BET the vast majority of the voting viewers (especially youngsters) did not know the context of "Superstar". They simply heard a song taunting Jesus Christ (think of Sinead O'Connor ripping the Pope's picture). A moment of explanation of context/storyline from each singer either before they performed or after the judges' comments would have done wonders.

[Mabbish]

There is no great singer on the show this season; even Syesha is mediocre, although she is a knockout. Carly had a ton of stuff going against her: not "American," a former professional, a tendency to shriek and yell, a hideous, HIDEOUS tattoo on the length of her right arm and shoulder (clips of her audition two years ago showed her without that godawful mess on her arm and she looked much, much better), poor song selection, and a husband - not a boyfriend - who looked like he belonged in a carnival sideshow. That's a load of negatives to overcome in what amounts to a nationwide popularity contest. She's lucky she lasted this long.

[Robin Delaney, Las Vegas NV]

What I like about Brooke, Jason, and David A is their uniqueness. Brooke doesn't oversing, doesn't screech at the top of her lungs, doesn't wander around stage flailing her arms as if she's hailing a cab; she sits at the piano and sings. It's really a refreshing change. Both Jason and David A are similiar to Brooke in that their style of singing is based solely on singing; not the theatrics that go along with it. David Cook and Syesha are so "cookie cutter' that if you closed your eyes, you'd never be able to pick them out of a musical line-up. David Cook sounds like every other "Rocker" and Syesha sounds like every Mariah, Rihanna, Whitney clone.

I have to laugh at those who say that MJ or Carly will outsell the remaining Idols. How many times over the years do we hear this from fans of AI contestants voted off the show? What happened to Melinda Dillon, Mandisa, Constantine, Bo Bice, etc..... While Constantine has been on Broadway (and a Soap Opera, I believe) wasn't his latest album panned? And what about LaToya London. I'm not saying these people do not have recording careers but being BIG TIME RECORDING ARTISTS?????

[scottydigital]

This show has been frustrating for a few seasons now. And, to the person who said Carly can sing Syesha under the table, I beg to differ. Carly is a decent singer, but Syesha's voice is richer and steadier. Her rendition of MC's 'Vanishing' is a shining example. What did Carly in was her personality. She came across like a humble talent during the early auditions. But, since going to Hollywood, she seems like she is already famous and cocky. She talks to much, and I'm turned off by her weirdly tattooed right arm. Sue me. I'm glad she's gone, and I'm glad Michael Johns is gone.

This show should be about finding someone special who couldn't get discovered anywhere else. These finalists aren't special at all. And, in the end, I hope they are all voted off, so that they can re-examine what it means to be a humble, starving recording artist.

And, before I get off my soapbox...I wish the judges would stop saying that this is the most talented group in the show's short history. If I had a dime for every sour, dropped note so far, Bill Gates would be my maid's loser husband. And, would somebody please spritz some pepper spray on those screaming teenagers up front?

Thanks.

[bgs]

Carly wasn't going to win the whole shebang, so she had to go one day. I'm just upset because others far less worthy should have gone first. Jason couldn't sing his way out of a paper bag and I'm sick of Brooke's theatrics. She has limited talent and I don't predict much of a career in music for her. Syesha is good, but nothing special. She has yet to establish a persona. . David Archuleta is creepy and all his songs sound the same. He is becoming very robotic and annoying. On the other hand, I just downloaded all Carly's songs as well as those of Michael Johns and David Cook. I am so amazed at the talent and versatility of David Cook. Whether he wins or not, he's going to have some major hits and a long, successful recording career.

I agree with some others who have stated that Carly's downfall was her tattooed husband, the prejudiced judges, and the misinterpretation of the lyrics of JCS by the viewers.

[D]

I've got to say, I am happy that Carly left Idol this week. Grant it... she wasn't my first choice to cut but I am still happy. During her performance of "Jesus Christ, Superstar" she was screaming. This is not singing and I know that she has a better voice than what she gave us on Tuesday. I also didn't like her stage presence during every show. She annoyed me.

Now I have got to say my first choice to cut this week would have been Jason. He is just creepy!!

[LA Girl]

Brooke, Jason, David A? They're all cut from the same white-bread, cookie cutter, you're-boring-me-to-tears, teenybopper cloth. Idol is going downhill fast. Before long it will become a comatose-inducing competition between a bunch of young, supposedly good looking kids who all sing exactly the same songs every week in exactly the same way they sang them the week before. No thanks. Thank goodness Lost is back.

Tweeners with the cell phones, AI is all yours.

[Mary]

I'm totally with H's comment below. This show is so dead to me. I mean, this is beyond dissapointing and ridiculous. It's sickening. I was such a fan, i really felt a little broken when Ryan said Carly was going home; i'm still not over it. Carly's a talent, an incredible singer and from what i could tell, a pretty rockin cool person, so I wish her nothing but the best. She was robbed.

[jen]

Carly I think is the most vocally gifted singer in Idol history. It kinda upsets me when she was voted off... But still, I can't wait to see her doing an album and belt out pop-rock-power ballad songs.

[The Dog]

What a crock, eh? I'm not Carly's biggest fan, but Carly and Syesha gave the two best performances on Tuesday night BY A MILE! David C and David A did well, but played it safe. And Brooke and Jason gave the worst performances.

I'm not talking just about the singing itself, but the overall performances. Carly and Syesha were both superb in all. Carly's was a technically difficult effort very well done. Both of them had great stage presence.

I'm close to believing that Jason need not sing, but only stand on stage with a goofy grin and say, "What's a cat?," and he'll sail through. And Brooke seems to do best by stopping and then half-way starting, and looking rightfully stunned.

Not a surprise, I guess, after seeing Michael Johns booted.

I guess this show is intended as pre-teen para-comedy.

I agree with the comments that Carly and Syesha handled their absurd and outrageous placement in the bottom two with dignity and good humor. Good for them.

[Peter S.]

I just got a whole bunch of free time on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. The show has turned into a joke and that judges have much to do with that. This is not a singing contest anymore and I am happy to say good-riddance to the Fox Network and this past it's sell date show.

[sean]

i am writing in response to jane madison's post. despite her grotesque tattoo, american idol is a singing contest, not an appearance battle. yes, of course, appearance can make a difference - unfortunately the world is bent on superficiality - but we all know, whether or not we want to admit it, that carly had the best voice on the show. michael johns was indeed a superstar as well. it is a shame that america is filled with idiots who vote for lackluster singers. and on one final note, jason is not an attractive person - he's not ugly, but nothing special (a horrible singer, in my opinion as well!). as for brooke, she does have a great personality, but she has an inferior singing ability than the rest of the remaining contestants and certainly was no where near as good as carly or michael. i do not vote for contestants, but maybe i should, seeing as america's other voters are so incompetent.

[sean]

i am writing in response to jane madison's post. despite her grotesque tattoo, american idol is a singing contest, not an appearance battle. yes, of course, appearance can make a difference - unfortunately the world is bent on superficiality - but we all know, whether or not we want to admit it, that carly had the best voice on the show. michael johns was indeed a superstar as well. it is a shame that america is filled with idiots who vote for lackluster singers. and on one final note, jason is not an attractive person - he's not ugly, but nothing special (a horrible singer, in my opinion as well!). as for brooke, she does have a great personality, but she has an inferior singing ability than the rest of the remaining contestants and certainly was no where near as good as carly or michael. i do not vote for contestants, but maybe i should, seeing as america's other voters are so incompetent.

[Marvy]

This is ridiculous. AI allows people to vote repeatedly....one person voted 25 times. Hmmm..does "get a life" ring a bell. Anyway, if it is a popularity contest, doesn't that show who will sell the most records??? Go ahead and have your sour grapes and say you won't watch (I bet you will!!!) And if not. I think the millions who will watch will keep AI afloat. Ask any of these contestants and they will all tell you they are grateful for the opportunity AI has given them to have a platform to perform and be infront of millions of viewers. Where else would they get such exposure. All of the finalists have built a fan base. So your favorite didn't win, the ones who are left are favorites to many people or they wouldn't be there. Now take your toys and go home.