'American Idol' Tracker: Elegy for Carly Smithson

Shock, grief, anger, betrayal.  These were the feelings that swept through the Idoldome after the stunning dismissal of Carly Smithson, the contestant this column has called the most electrifying in "Idol" history. But the tidal wave of horrified feelings was entirely in the audience. On stage, Carly Smithson herself, always the most spirited and nurturing of this year’s contestants, stayed upbeat and even cheery as she said her good-byes and took a last look around from the "Idol" stage, knowing perhaps that for a talent such as hers, now that it has been loosed to the world, the journey is only beginning.

It is a funny thing about mortality –- we never ever have enough time. Although there is only a month left in this marathon, and although the spots on the Nokia stage are in all likelihood locked up by David Cook and David Archuleta, meaning that all the others will meet their ends very soon, Carly’s departure brings floods of anger and sadness.  While there was still a hope, while there were still lesser candidates in the field, it seems impossible to let go of every moment we might have spent with Carly on the "Idol" stage. After the show, the crowd shook with resentment toward perceived undeserving survivors, akin the impotent frustration of people on the losing end of a stolen election. But such is why "American Idol" remains so compelling in its seventh season -- this ability to summon such emotion from its various partisans, even when they are miserable, only fuels its strength.

From the beginning, there was an odd, jittery feeling in the Idoldome, presaging strange things to come. This deep into the season, the stakes for each elimination are all the higher, driving the collective nerves to new heights. Before the top of the show each week, the judges play a game with how late they can come in before airtime, striding in generally with only a minute or two to spare.  Wednesday night, two of the judges (Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell) missed the cold open entirely, and had to sneak in while the opening credits sequence rolled, causing stage manager Debbie Williams, for whom getting the judges in their seats is the bane of her existence, to warn the crowd not to cheer for them as they slipped across the room.

Simon’s high jinks continued during the group number.  As they sang, one of the vocal coaches came into the audience and stood next to the judges' desk so that he might conduct the contestants through the number. However, ever the mischief maker, Simon grabbed a makeshift baton and offered his own rival conducting along a different beat. At the next break, Debbie admonished “Simon was a bad boy.  He conducted the children wrong.”

The high jinks however, took a more dramatic turn after Brooke White and Syesha Mercado took their turns on the stage. Once Angel of Death Ryan Seacrest gave Brooke the all-clear, she rushed to collapse on the couch, lying face down once the show went to commercial and openly weeping, a spectacle that summoned Paula to the stage to comfort her and raised many an eyebrow about her seeming bottomless well of neediness. Meanwhile, across the stage, Syesha, alone on her death stool, turned her back to the audience to let her tears flow, clearly thinking, I gave it my greatest performance and I’m still here on this damn stool. What more can I do for you people?

Throughout the season, Carly has very much played the den mother on elimination night, being the first to comfort the eliminated or the merely rattled, joking around, keeping the atmosphere light even as Angel of Death Seacrest flapped his wings nearby. So when her turn at last came, had she demanded her share of comforting, especially considering the outpouring of affection for her, she would have been within her rights. But all class to the end, she stayed smiling, cheery and grateful in her last minutes, seeming to comfort Syesha and Brooke rather than receiving reassurance herself.

So what are we to take away from this?  Right now, in the hours after Angel Seacrest wrapped Carly in his icy embrace, it still seems much too soon to say good-bye, and the reality that she will not be with us for Neil Diamond week seems too harsh to accept. It will take years for historians to have the time and perspective to sort through the meaning of what happened tonight, but in an attempt to write a first draft of history, let us consider that the winds, for all her talent, were blowing against Carly from the start:

• The Youth Vote.  If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times in this column, the children cannot be ignored. One 11-year-old supporter is worth literally several hundred grown-up supporters given that is how many times the child will call. Carly’s was the maturest of talents in this group; she and Michael Johns both offered in their singing and personas very grown-up styles and appeal. We can hope this will serve the both of them well in their post-"Idol" careers.

• Pastel tones. The finalists on "American Idol" are almost without exception those whose auras radiate in bright, soft, warm colors. Jordin Sparks was pure pink. Blake Lewis shone in azure. Taylor Hicks was green teal. Katharine McPhee -- a light red.  Carly’s aura is a deep, complex magenta (when she performs at least, unlike her chatty aura, which is very sunny).

• Female rockers. Seven seasons in, we can affirmatively say, they don’t seem to fare well on "Idol."  From Nikki McKibben to Gina Glocksen to Amanda Overmyer to Carly (who was only half-rocker) it’s a tough road.

• Definition. Without a clear, easily describable in two words or less outline of what kind of singer you are, it makes it hard to gather a consistent reliable demographic group and a singer is forced to ride the waves of fortune week to week.

• The judges. This season, Simon in particular seems to have an outsized effect on the results, writing the story of how every performance is seen. He was, ironically, favorable on Carly's final performance night, but that came after weeks of very grudging compliments at best. 

We will be debating what happened for ages to come, but whatever the reason for her elimination, let us rejoice in the hours we spent together. Critics threw stones at the fact that Carly had a recording career prior to "Idol," but it always seemed to me, that as a result of her past, she brought to the stage a richer, more complex and fascinating history then any other contestant.

The narrative I constructed for myself of Carly’s story, based on her comments and what we know of her history, went something like this: Carly stepped foot on the stage professionally very, very young, touring with Les Miz as early as age 8. After devoting much of her youth to music and performing, she finally, at the end of her teens, lands the big one –- a record deal with a major label. She moves all the way to Hollywood from Ireland thinking she is on the cusp of her dreams coming true. However, for whatever reason –- poor marketing, youth, etc. –- the record does not take off. In the wreckage after the deal falls apart, Carly flees Los Angeles for San Diego, where she waitresses at a bar through what must have been very dark times, wondering after a life spent wanting to break into music, and no doubt feeling cast aside by the industry, what does she do next?  The only hint of her dreams, the weekly show she performs at her bar.

Years pass.  Taking a crazy chance, she tries out for "American Idol," and is picked from the auditions to move forward. But because of problems with her immigration status, she is unable to be on the show. It must have seemed that fate was irredeemably against her.

More time passes. She marries. She keeps singing in her bar. And finally she auditions again. And makes it through.

Every night she went up on the "Idol" stage, Carly projected both the sure hand of someone who had spent her life working for this moment, and the gratitude of one who has learned that life doesn’t owe her anything. Hers was the joy, not of a dream that she felt the world had an obligation to fulfill, but of a dream that had been forced to hide away until its flame was so tiny, it was this close to being blown out. And finally, when it seemed just about to disappear forever, to be allowed to shine once again!  No other contestant’s story could match depth and poignancy to Carly’s euphoria at being given this chance once again, to paraphrase her countryman, W.B. Yeats, a lonely impulse of delight drove her to this tumult among the clouds, which is why I called her the most electrifying performer ever to take the "Idol" stage.

No one could match that intensity, but we take comfort in knowing that that flame now burning so, so brightly can no longer be extinguished, and like many before her who came to this stage, even if they did not make it to the final rung of this competition, her career will undoubtedly continue and we will see its fire again and again in the years ahead.

And so I close tonight with the words of the poet C.P. Cavafy. His poem, “The God Abandons Antony,” reminds us, difficult as it may be, to not be filled with recrimination for what now passes, not to second-guess the way things have gone, but to draw on the strength that brought us to these heights to get us through and cherish the sublime moment we have known. And in Carly’s case, we can close this chapter knowing this ending will be the beginning of a new journey greater than anything that has come before it.

When suddenly, at midnight, you hear
an invisible procession going by
with exquisite music, voices,
don't mourn your luck that's failing now,
work gone wrong, your plans
all proving deceptive -- don't mourn them uselessly.
As one long prepared, and graced with courage,
say goodbye to her, the Alexandria that is leaving.
Above all, don't fool yourself, don't say
it was a dream, your ears deceived you:
don't degrade yourself with empty hopes like these.
As one long prepared, and graced with courage,
as is right for you who were given this kind of city,
go firmly to the window
And listen with deep emotion, but not
with whining, the pleas of a coward;
listen -- your final delectation -- to the voices,
to the exquisite music of that strange procession,
and say goodbye to her, to the Alexandria you are losing.

-- Richard Rushfield

Photo courtesy of Fox

Comments

[Dropping By]

Yeah, that's all well and good -- but you're overlooking song choice. "Jesus Christ Superstar"? The AI audience likes mentions of its Savior to be reverent, as this season's previous 10,000 or so Jesus references proved to be. Carly screaming his name at us -- perfectly in tune, charismatically bringing us ALW's composition -- was never going to fly with the AI demographic.

[Izzie]

Carly was the best vocalist in the entire competition! Someone needs to crack down on the show once and for all. It is definately not a singing competition!!! Not only does Carly have the most amazing voice, her personal story is so touching that you want to see her finally win!!! She's such a great person and has been beaten down by the music industry many times. In this competition alone she has faced many obstacles ... her immigration papers coming through...her being tattooed and her full-body tatooed husband...her not being a born US citizen. I sometimes don't know how through all of that she remained so happy and bubbly! She always kept her chin up and kept moving forward and never looked back! I also believe Simon liked her the best! He pushed her the most because he wanted her to blow everyone else away and he knew she had the potential but be amazing..and in her last week..she looked as if she's been doing this for 30 years!!! CARLY IS THE GREATEST..LET THOSE AMATEURS STAY IN THE COMPETITION...YOU CAN GET ON WITH YOUR CAREER AND BE BETTER THAN ALL OF THEM!!! YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO SO MANY PEOPLE!!!! CARLY LOVE 4 LIFE!

[Mo Blo]

What REALLY happened:

Idol was on last night. The Irish chick got the boot. Meh. She was OK. I thought the guy with dreads was out. Maybe next week.

[Mike]

Can't understand this blog at all. To me, Carly has always been the most overated talent on the show. She sings with passion, yeah, but she also comes across angry and shouty. And although she seems to have a nice personality, it never comes through in her performances. I'm suprised she lasted this long to be honest.

[Mike]

Carly screamed JCSS and forgot the words. She was garish and she may have been a den mother but every time she was saved she was too exuberant, too happy, too crawl to me David A.

Glad to see her go, never downloaded anything of hers, never would. Couldn't stand her, thought she stunk.

[becky christen]

America should not be able to vote

[becky christen]

I quit watching when Micheal got voted off week before last, America will ruin the ratings for American Idol, it is a singing contest, not a popularity contest

[Jaej]

Carley lacked the "it" factor. It is not enough to have a great voice.

[liz]

Carly was going - sooner or later, she had a big voice - but - her tats and her husband's tatooed face - were way off putting.

"we will be debating what happened for ages to come" ??? NOT

she lost and is going to tour with the IDOL show for a year -

not a bad gig - she would not have won anyway -

stop whining about the results! IDOL is what it is
- wipe your eyes and wait for next Tuesday

[Lisa]

Wow one of the most literary and compelling articles about American Idol. A thoroughly enjoyable read on this Thursday morning. Bravo.

[Franco]

Wow, I loved your post. You're 100% right.

Carly Smithson is AMAZING. She was simply the best there. America is simply ridiculous - we did elect Bush TWICE, didn't we?

I want to be voted off of this country, honestly. American Idol is now a popularity contest.

Good luck to her. This is only the beginning.

[KG]

How can America reject Carly and keep the likes of Brooke and Dredlocks king of which neither can sing worth a darn??? I don't get it. Many people have lost interest in this show due to results like this. UNBELIEVEABLE>>>

[Kim]

I have to whole heartedly agree with this article. I think that Carly was the best voice out of all of the contestants, much better than Brooke or Jason who America had voted to stay on(?) At least we know that Carly was such a talent-and she herself knows it- that the floodgates have opened. Get ready world for Carly Smithson...If it were not for my 9 year old-I would have to call American Idol quits...but Simon is much too popular at my house for that!

[Marie Baumann]

i feel that carly should not have been voted off, thare are some other idols i feel that should be voted off is David Archeletta, I also like syesha Mercado, I would like to see her be the next american idol.

[Mary]

I voted for Carly, but I am 42 so I figured she was a dark horse. She will be OK without Idol. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article.

[cheryl]

I can't believe that stupid, crybaby Brooke with the big mouth is still there

[Nancyb]

Surely you gest? I never felt that Carly connected to the audience and I ain't no young'n. Michael Johns was another story. He left too early and he did connect but I wonder how many people over 12 actually begin the voting process so early in the Idol game. I think they, me, choose to watch the drama play out, assured the good will last.

Johns will have an enormously successful career, of that I am sure; though for Carly, only time will tell. The true test is who will buy the records. And we know, many idols win only to fail in the chart contests.

[Joel]

Oh, this is sooooo inappropriate to the subject matter. "Carly's aura is a deep, complex magenta"? "That flame burning so so brightly can no longer be extinguised"? "...cherish the sublime moment we have known"? You really need some counseling. And maybe you should pay attention to the real news about the real world.

[Niamh]

You so poetically expressed the exact emotions I felt since watching Carly be voted off. I am not your typical idol watcher. I usually glance at it in the final weeks of the competition. This year I caught the preliminary rounds on TV, saw an Irish girl and was hooked. Truth be told - I am an Irish emmigrant myself so I admit some bias. However, I was truely blown away by her talent and being irish became secondary very quickly. I hope this is the beginning of a wonderful career for Carly. Life so far away from family and friends persuig a dream is always a struggle - how sweet the taste of sucess when it comes with such a price.
Go neiri an bothar leat Carly" ( "May the road rise with you")
Niamh

[NS from Rock Tavern, NY]

I can't believe Carly's gone!!! She was the only best singer left on the show!! I promise myself I will never watch this show again!! Carly, I know I will see you singing again, and when you get your first album out , I will be the first one in line to buy it!!! YOU GO GIRL

[kel]

Yes, What a crock...After voting Carly off, it makes me think the whole thing is rigged...we voted for her and only her ALOT...as many times as we could get through. I'm sorry, Brooke may be a "NICE GIRL" But shes another Taylor Hicks, nobody wants to hear her sing, shes cute and nice...thats it. Sayesha is good, but she sounds just like every other urbanfemale singer nowdays...at least Jason has a distinct voice..even if he looks like he does'nt care whether he stays or goes! David A. looks like hes going to have a panic attack every time he gets ready to perform. David Cook is now the only one left that might make it big...but knowing American voters or however they are being ousted...he will probably leave next.

[brad]

Funny how you claim her journey is just beginning; I'd say it's quite over after she failed at both selling albums backed by a MULTI-MILLION dollar record contract as well as American Idol.

[Sue]

Is this a parody? I certainly hope so. Otherwise, the author needs therapy.

[E-Licious]

Sorry but Carly sucked.

[Leslie]

I'm at a loss to understand why you can vote more than once. Obviously the 'tweenagers' are ruling this outcome because I really believe that David Archuleta will win this only because of that. Had this been radio and not television, he would have been eliminated long ago because, although he has a good voice, he's boring and not very diversified. Sometimes we tend to hear better when we can't see.
Carly has a great voice and so does Syesha who could be a great singer and performer with a little help from a voice coach to work with her occasional ups and downs. Jason has a totally different sound but it's always the same and David Cook would make it in the rock and roll world. As far as Brooke goes, good voice, not entertaining at all.

[brad]

Lastly, Richard, you are a terrible writer. Really reflects the quality of the LA Times.

[Frank McLean]

Dude,

Is this a joke? 'Historians'? 'Angel of Death'? 'We will be debating what happened for ages to come, but whatever the reason for her elimination, let us rejoice in the hours we spent together.' !?

This is a Gong show, man. You need to go lie down, or, better yet, go grab a beer. I'm truly glad we live in a society where all people have to worry about is TV shows, but, really, if you need this much drama in your life, join the Army or something. :-)

You made me laugh, anyway. You seem to be saying she's got the talent to just go from here on her own, yet there's all this poetry and other nonsense. Good heavens.

Enjoy your day.

Frank

[Helen]

Dude. It's a POPULARITY contest. How do you expect something to show based on talent when they elected Taylor Hicks last year??? This show is not based on how well they perform and that is proven week after week. The fact that she sang a song about Jesus Chrisst also clearly added to her destiny, which has also been proven in past seasons. But no worries, she doesn't need this hack show to move her forward. Her destiny is far above it.

[Peace bro]

Carly lost me with her " I am not going to act like a Deva" comment in the beginning which transmitted that she saw herself as better than the rest so and thus the need to play this down. This always stuck with me all the way to her comment last night about how she would be in weeks to come...assuming there would be weeks to come, how wrong she was. For these reasons I was glad to see her go.

[T]

Wow......millions of people are starving because of food shortages......soaring costs of fuel are knocking down the people already skirting he margins of poverty......and yet the writer is able to write a 10,000 word eulogy about a "poor poor American idol star" .....amazing.

[joanna]

Wow! A tad dramatic. You'd think Lady Di came back from the grave and died again.

[like it is]

Why won't Richard Rushfield tell it like it is? Carly's loss was also about tatoos--her's and her hunband's (even across his FACE). And it was because she chose a song which many in this country consider just a little bit blasphemous--middle America didn't like the package one bit.

[Andrew]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Richard wrote this review with his tongue in his cheek. Flowery prose like this should never be used for an American Idol recap -- unless, of course, it's sarcastic.

[tls]

Rule mumber one: One should never sing about any particular religous character or politician, which is what Carly did. I am a Christian and was torn as to whether or not I was going to vote for my favorite, Carly.
Carly should be given another chance in light of the fact that her mentor, Andrew Lloyd Weber, picked the totally wrong song for her, considering its religous content.
Not only does Carly have one the best voices on the show, better than Archuletta and paralled with David Cook, but she is genuine and has a fantastic personality,
I've watched this show for seven seasons and its clear to see that people are truly ignorant about true musical ability, considering Castro and White should have gone home and maybe never have been in the top ten. Looks and pouting will only go so far.

[river]

... Are you for real? A "deep complex magenta aura"? And you end with a poem? Yeesh.

Carly was a good singer, and it's nice that she grabbed you. But you were in the minority (or you guys just didn't like her as much as other fans liked their contestants). I thought she was ok, but too belty, great at staying on pitch but overall she did NOTHING for me and I usually skipped past her lame songs. Jesus Christ Superstar was the first time I liked her performance. So the voters aren't all young/stupid/whatever, Carly just didn't inspire enough love. I would have liked to see Syesha go home before Carly, but in the end they both are just... meh.

[Rye]

"It will take years for historians to have the time and perspective to sort through the meaning of what happened tonight, but in attempt to write a first draft of history, let us consider the following winds that for all her talent, were blowing against Carly from the start...We will be debating what happened for ages to come, but whatever the reason for her elimination, let us rejoice in the hours we spent together."

Holy crud, man...I really really really hope that much of this bit is tongue in cheek. If not, you, sir, are taking all of this way too seriously. Fer' serious!

[Dark knight]

Did it ever occur to you - that Idol is rigged? So your vote doesn't count.
It's a farse

DK

[NHannah]

Well said mate. Brilliant voice, great person - real shame. Been barracking for her from the beginning. Well said! All the best lass - don't stay silent, let the world hear you!

[chucky]

learn the facts. she was already signed and failed. she sold a whopping 300 cds with her first album.. she was repackaged by the american idol machine. and she still inst so good. do a google search on vote for the worst and learn about your precious idols.

[Kim]

I tried to vote about 5 times, but the phone lines were busy. Two of the contestants I tried to vote for were Syesha and Carly.

I'm not sure the voting system is quite fair. Maybe they should add a web based voting system that can collect votes more reliably.

Kim

[James Allen]

You have got to be kidding. Why all this praise for mediocre Carly?
Carly never looked like she was having any fun on stage, and never was able to really put a song forward and convince me she was feeling it.
One of Idol's most overrated performers.

[Alan]

I usually ignore the judges when they whine about song choice, but in this case, I think it's what did Carly in. My wife, who knows the rock opera like the back of her hand, says Carly did it marvelously. But I, who barely knew the song, wasn't impressed. It was my least favorite vocal of hers ever. Not quite rock, not ballad. And how do you think this plays in middle-America or the Bible Belt? Not so well, I'll bet. Had she chosen a more reverent song, e.g., I Don't Know How To Love Him, we wouldn't be having this discussion. It would have appealed to people with no idea of the context of the song, and it would have shown her incredible vocal skills to much greater advantage. I think she did this one to herself. I was really hoping that she might possibly win this thing, too. I liked her best out of all the contestants. But it was a very bad song choice.

[Alan]

I usually ignore the judges when they whine about song choice, but in this case, I think it's what did Carly in. My wife, who knows the rock opera like the back of her hand, says Carly did it marvelously. But I, who barely knew the song, wasn't impressed. It was my least favorite vocal of hers ever. Not quite rock, not ballad. And how do you think this plays in middle-America or the Bible Belt? Not so well, I'll bet. Had she chosen a more reverent song, e.g., I Don't Know How To Love Him, we wouldn't be having this discussion. It would have appealed to people with no idea of the context of the song, and it would have shown her incredible vocal skills to much greater advantage. I think she did this one to herself. I was really hoping that she might possibly win this thing, too. I liked her best out of all the contestants. But it was a very bad song choice.

[Pat]

Thanks for such a wonderful tribute to Carly. I agree with every word you said. Of course, I'm not an 11-year-old who is in love with David Archuleta. :) I was heartsick when Michael Johns was eliminated, too, but I do believe both of them (Carly and Michael) will have terrific careers ala Chris Dautry. My favorite is David Cook and always has been, but I'd hoped for a Michael/Carly/David C. finale. I know -- that was always a futile hope. Anyway, thanks for your unbiased reporting.

[Pete Moss]

I also think that some people might have been "disturbed" by her tatoos and, if not, by her husband's tatoos. She also has a gothish look and she isn't as cute as Brooke ou Kristy Lee. Really Sad. I've been watching AI from the very beginning and I've never seen so much injustice in the same year.
The AI voting system has some serious flaws.

[Jeff P.]

Carly -- cover the Tat. I think more people are turned off than impressed by women with Tattoos. Just seems trashy to me.

[Tara]

Carly was my second favorite this season, David Cook being my favorite. That is what I think happened to Carly; David took all of her votes. If you're a fan of David C, then you're probably also a fan of Carly, just slightly not as much. Also, like you said, she didn't have the "young" vote, which is the only reason Jason Castro and David Archuleta still remain. Jason isn't even that good, but he's cute to the young people. David is very good, but kind of boring in a light rock kind of way. He's only getting by on his "cuteness". I don't see him releasing an album that very many young people will buy. I'm 32 and never vote because frankly i have better things to do other than dialing a phone over and over, but I do hope that David Cook wins, because he should. He's clearly the best.

I love Carly's powerful voice and the feeling she shows when she sings. I say if you can sing anything from Heart and sound just as good as Ann Wilson, well then you're an awesome singer in my book. However, David Cook is a slightly more powerful singer. He gives me goosebumps when he sings and I think he's got a bright music career ahead of him. I'll be the first in line to buy his album (unless he completely sells out like Bo Bice did). If David Cook wasn't in this competition, Carly would still be there. I hope to see an album come out from her, too.

[Gary]

Have you noticed that two Iodl contestants this year have been eliminated the week that they sang a song not entirely acceptable to specific large groups of people. Rightly or wrongly Back In The USSR is seen by many to express anti-american opinions and Jesus Christ Superstar is perceived by an overlapping by not identical group of people to be anti-Christian. As apparent as it was that the contestants were not aware of this and ceratinly were not trying to make a statement, the fact remains that there are probably still a significant number of people who were influenced to vote for another candidate ot not vote at all by the song choice.
You misunderstand me entirely, if you think the I am trying to blame the poeple (I'll leave it to you to describe them) who reacted that way for eliminating the two contestants. Their existance is a fact of life that the Idol staff should be aware of and communicate to contestants.

[Ann Pancotto]

I think Carly deserved to go home. Brooke White has a very unique voice with an abundance of talent. That is what the public wants, not the same old voice that you hear a million times like Carly's or Syesha's...you can hear there voice at any wedding or anywhere. Brooke has a voice unique like Cheryl Crow or Stevie Nix. Those voices are hard to find and so enjoyable to listen to. Who cares about the rock voice or wedding singer to hear it on the radio. Not me! I would buy Brooke's cd anyday! And by the way, so what if she cried and sobbed on the couch, she is genuine & pure, and it only showed that she was thankful that she is getting another chance because of the terrible comments that were made about her mistake on stage!

[RealityBites]

If you are judging talent then of course this week was totally unfair. Carly woulde easily eat Jason in whole in any one on one contest. But after all this is a show that is appealing to tweens and white suburban moms. No mom want there kids idolizing a girl that has a husband with tattoos up the side of the face. Yep I said it. Every time they panned to Carly's husband, she lost votes. I would much rather see her leave on a night that she actually had fun. Syesha in the bottom after the BEST performance of her idol career means that the strength of the black vote in the audience has waned since the days of Phantasia. Like it or not we are stuck with Jason and Awfuletta. I only hope David Cook goes soon, so a truly talented guy - who no longer needs Idol doesn't end up losing credibility for losing one on one to Awfuletta.

[Gary]

Have you noticed that two American Idol contestants this year have been eliminated the week that they sang a song not exactly appreciated by significant groups of people? Rightly or wrongly “Back In The USSR” is seen by many to express anti-American opinions and “Jesus Christ Superstar” is perceived by an overlapping but not identical group of people to raise troublesome questions about their religion. As apparent as it was that the contestants were not aware of this and certainly were not trying to make a statement, the fact remains that there are probably still a significant number of people who were influenced to vote for another candidate to not vote at all because of their reaction to the songs and memories they invoked. In competition as close as exists on American Idol losing the votes of any significant segment of supporters is very likely to be fatal.
You misunderstand me entirely, if you think that I am trying to blame the people (I'll leave it to you to describe them) who reacted that way for eliminating the two contestants. Their existence is a fact of life that the American Idol staff should be aware of and communicate to contestants.

[Arthur Russell]

I think that Carly fell victim to song choice. Though I love the song Superstar (and her performance was super) and believe that Jesus Christ Superstar is the best musical Andre Lloyd Weber co-authored, I think that Superstar is insufficiently docile to appeal to the Christian community that makes up a big part of the American Idol voters. Jesus Christ Superstar, when it first opened, was iconoclastic without being disrepectful. It stirred up some religious opposition, but was broadly accepted when it first came to Broadway. In fact it was the senior show of my wife's catholic High School in 1974 or 1975. I don't think that the show could find backers today, because the times demand more servility from cultural works that touch on religion. And, as I said, it finds its way into the voting. The result: Jason Castro performs an awful song from an woeful show in an flatulent manner and he passes through to the next round; Carly performs a zinger from a genius show with verve and she goes home.

[Jeanie Borchelt]

Dear Richard,
Carly will take off on her career...and so will the others. David Archuleta with his pure voice, needs American Idol to have his career take off. He is only 17 and has the purest voice I have ever heard. He is only going to get better. Let us help that voice continue in this world. We need him. I believe he will win.

[Mark Ritter]

For ages to come? Historians will work this out? This just in: No one will remember this a year from now. This article is an in-your-face reminder of just how superficial and overdramatic our lives in America have become. Sad for us.

[Bob]

The tatoo is over exposed and offensive to my senses

[jrb]

Enjoyed the article and the analysis but perhaps the reason for her departure is much more simple than what's presented here. The show is American Idol. Perhaps she and Mr. Johns weren't viewed as being American enough. You think?

[jozielee]

Very poetic, Richard. Well-done.

[Kevin]

Richard, I had a comment previously prepare that was a lot angrier than your eloquent and beautifully written article, so instead of posting my comments, if I may, I will let your words speak for me, Bravo Richard. And Carly, you were by far the most talented vocalist in the competition. Don’t hide your light girl, let it shine. The world will be a better place for it.

[auramac]

Good Lord, it's only a TV show! It's not the Apocalypse! She wasn't that great- she had powerful vocal gymnastics but no sensitivity or soul in her singing! She was no saint, often snotty and over-confident. This article reads like high-school term paper. Her best was not good enough- neither was her performance. It was Jason's turn to go, however... and Syeesha, who also put on a great "performance," does not have the great voice or soul... listen to Brooke's voice and singing, especially on the iTunes studio recordings and you'll understand her fan base.

[kevin]

Richard, I had a comment previously prepare that was a lot angrier than your eloquent and beautifully written article, so instead of posting my comments, if I may, I will let your words speak for me, Bravo Richard. And Carly, you were by far the most talented vocalist in the competition. Don’t hide your light girl, let it shine. The world will be a better place for it.

[auramac]

Good Lord, it's only a TV show! It's not the Apocalypse! She wasn't that great- she had powerful vocal gymnastics but no sensitivity or soul in her singing! She was no saint, often snotty and over-confident. This article reads like high-school term paper. Her best was not good enough- neither was her performance. It was Jason's turn to go, however... and Syeesha, who also put on a great "performance," does not have the great voice or soul... listen to Brooke's voice and singing, especially on the iTunes studio recordings and you'll understand her fan base.

[Sue]

Yes, it was sad to see her go, since she is very talented, but honestly here is the problem I have with her, she is Irish and not an American (still extremely talented), was pretty well established before she started at American Idol, has a CD out on sale (but again so does David Cook), she had her best performance a few days ago, she proved that she has a strong voice, but yeah OK. Was it fair that she got booted instead of someone like Jason and Brooke, no not relly. But it is all about not just talent but fan base that is the bottom line. Most did not like her tattoos, "poor me can't you see, I can't sing" attidue and we did not vote for her, but loved her voice. She will be very successful. Everyone at this point will, if she keeps a positive attitude. The reason she lost her last contract, I believe was bad attitude. So there you. Personally I am voting for David Archuleta (he has not CD's out, very talented, big voice for a young man of 17) the older generation still loves to listen to beautiful ballads (anybody can shout their music at us), and I believe he is not only talented, adorable and humble, but an awesome example for the younger generation as a role model. My interpretation of the American Idol. I am sure with more training on how to dance on stage (that you can teach someone), he will be more incredible than he already is. One thing we can look forward with David Archuleta as our American Idol, his song will not be LOUD, will have no explicit material on his CD's. His voice is so good for everybody's soul. Younger and older. If you like Rock loud music then David Cook is your choice. David Archuleta is mine. Good luck to the rest of the contestants.

[Laura Ann]

I am shocked that it was Carly who was voted off. I do like Brook and Jason, but their performances are, for the most part, non-descript. Especially their last one. Its a shame Carly and Michael Johns we're "voted" off so early...but the good news is, they will do well in their careers, perhaps better than if they had won Idol.

[Mary Taylor]

I couldn't agree with Richard more! I am a huge Canadian fan of American Idol and this season, in particular, captivated me with its array of talent. When Michael Johns left it was incredible to me. I always knew that popularity played a huge part in the final selection of the Idol; however, I thought that sanity would prevail and that the supremely talented and personable Carly Smithson would likely continue to the very last two contestants standing. I'm wondering if the fact that Carly is not a naturalized American citizen had any impact on the public's voting. Without intending to hurt Jason or Brooke, they are in no way as tallented as either Michael or Carly. Alas, America has failed. With the individual talents of these two people, there must be a stellar career ahead for each of them....for surely, this kind of vocal genius will not go unnoticed by the powers that be in the recording business. Rock on Michael AND Carly!

[Scott Aukerman]

Wow! Exceptional. Masterpiece. Kudos to you, Mr. Rushfield!

[JZ]

Richard -
I'm not sure what kool-aid you've been drinking, but you failed to point out the most pressing reason why Ms. Smithson is finally out -- desperation. She sang each week with this desperate quality that projected "I deserve to be here! Please keep me here! I've worked so hard for this!" If only she were able to just transcend all those thoughts in her head and simply sing. And Simon pointed out time and time again how she didn't connect with the music. And she really made poor song choices. Add it all up, plus the tattoos and the screaming - yes she screams when she sings -- she should have been gone a while ago, despite the fact she has a good voice. She just doesn't know what to do with it. Now get over it, man!

[Ann]

After reading a few pro-Archuleta comments, I get the impression if you're not a teeny-bopper voting for him, you're a Bible beater. "Let us help that voice continue in this world"? We need him? (Uh, no.) Please....that's a little creepy.

Like Paula said last night, this show has become a popularity contest. I really expected Carly to at least be in the top 3.

[JZ]

Richard -
I don't know who's Kool-Aid you've been drinking but you failed to point out the real reason Ms. Smithson's finally out -- desperation. She sang each song with an undercurrent of "I'm gonna finally make it! Please help me make it! Don't vote me off! I can sing!" She was incapable of letting the thoughts go and simply singing. Simon pointed that out to her time and time again. And, she made some very poor song choices. And she screams the high notes -- all the time. Too bad, because she does have a lovely voice - when she's not screaming. Get over it, man!

[ajay ess]

No surprise at all. As I said yesterday in feedback on your column, the winner on AI WILL be from a small town and WILL represent the good, clean, moral views of the people who control the programming and broadcasting of the show. Don't get hung up on the belief that the celebrity world and corporate media are in the business of democracy. AI is not an election, it is a managed promotion for the purpose of making money for those who write the big $ cheques. Are AI votes audited? It is quite possible to have a Robert Mugabe effect on the outcome! The only politics relates to the fact that no idol will come from a large metropolitan city nor a non-Family Values (i.e. Republican) state. Carly's San Diego is pretty Republican, but alas her state of CA is not....even though it is the most populated and accounts for far more votes (even unaudited ones) than David's UT or Brooke's AZ. AI is not real life and is not a democratic election so don't get your knickers in a knot about it. It is highly manipulated. Go check all the previous idol winners on wikipedia and you will find that all are from small town red states. Get over it, enjoy the talent of these performers and support their post idol lives with your $ purchases of their music. But then most of America voted for W twice and then give him a 69% disapproval rating at the end of his free reign over all things that make money in the world.....so I am sure most of America will continue believing that AI is a true reflection of our world......whatever!

[Ellen]

As soon as I heard that Carly was going to sing "Jesus Christ Superstar", I knew she'd be in trouble. Let's face it - many in middle-America are going to take offense to that song, wrong though they may be. It's a shame, because I thought she sounded great.

[Janice]

For heaven sakes!!! Unbelievable.! Carly has power, great presentation and an outstanding voice. Can't believe she is not continuing. Her generorisity toward fellow contestants, and real empathy for others far outweight a tatoo. What are people voting for if not a great voice and super entertainer? Absolutely disgusted with American Idol. What's going on here? Only the bland and ordinary go on? First shocked by seeing an early dismissal after 'USSR', and then dismissal of Michael and finally Carly.
Janice

[Dean]

I was going along with it until I read the phrase "...and the reality that she will not be with us for Neil Diamond week seems too harsh to accept." Then I laughed 'til I started having a coughing fit.

[Kevin]

Carly Smithson was Robbed!!, The Judges have for weeks been slamming Carly and Syesha while at the same time giving some of the weaker ones a free pass, trying to push the american public in a direction they want them to go. Why was this done?, So another mistake like Taylor Hick Would not happen(if you don't know what I mean by that ask Simon Cowell). Carly had the best set of vocal pipes in the competition, with Syesha following after her. Both Davids are good, but David A. could do no wrong even when he messed up more than once were he mumbled in songs because he forgot the words , this would never have been tolerated in other performers. The Judges just ignored these and lavished praise not deserved on him. The Judges and America want a final with the 2 Davids, because this is a popularity contest and not a talent contest. My advise America is if you ever want to bring this back to being a Singing contest again, then America needs to take some music lessons and develop an ear, and then put a Judging panel of Musicians who don't have any business interest in who Wins.

[MiddleAmerican]

I expect that someone will now post that we shouldn't be so quick to judge "Middle America" and its collective religious sensibility, but I'm not that someone. I'm a proud resident of a fly-over state who also really wanted Carly to go further into this competition, but as soon as she started singing "Superstar," I knew she was toast. It was a good choice for her and it was, I think, the first time I saw her really appear completely free in her performance. It wasn't flawless, but it appeared freeing. Doesn't matter; her performance was not going to overcome the subject matter. Someone suggested she would have been better off with "I Don't Know How to Love Him." I personally would have suggested "Everything's Alright." Regardless, her elimination was inevitable. I just didn't think it would come the week that Jason Castro made me want to laugh out loud at his ludicrous misreading of his song or when Brooke imploded for what now seems to be the 47th time in the past month. God speed, Carly.

[ExSinger]

Frankly, I was shocked that niether Brooke nor Jason were in the bottom two. However, once that shock wore off, I saw the genius in Carly's elimination. I read the comments here about her song choice being offensive to Christian(ists), but I have to say that's just total BS. Anyone who's offended by musical theater even if it touches on religious themes is a neanderthal. Her cumulative performances, and constant drubbing by the judges, added up to her losing whatever audience that made up her fan base. I read here where someone was a Carly fan, but doesn't vote...that's why she's gone now. Seacrest says it every week: if you don't vote, you risk seeing your favorite voted off. My wife and I are in our 40s, but we vote every week because we care about the singing. I voted for Jason 10 times Tuesday night because I knew that he deserved to have an off night and really picked a bad song; but he didn't deserve to go home.

I'm looking forward to Neil Diamond week. Huge songbook, lots of possibilities.

[DonnaG]

I love your behind the scenes reporting. The parts that don't make it on the air - the interaction between the contestants and the judges, your take on the audience reactions, I look forward to reading what you have to say about all that.
What I miss is reading your week by week analysis of the performances and your predictions of how the voting will go, and why.
And - I hope you don't let some readers' comments make you think you need to limit your vocabulary just because they have to go look some words up.
I don't always agree with your views but I like reading them!

[DonnaG]

I love your behind the scenes reporting. The parts that don't make it on the air - the interaction between the contestants and the judges, your take on the audience reactions, I look forward to reading what you have to say about all that.
What I miss is reading your week by week analysis of the performances and your predictions of how the voting will go, and why.
And - I hope you don't let some readers' comments make you think you need to limit your vocabulary just because they have to go look some words up.
I don't always agree with your views but I like reading them!

[Cameron]

I was so excited by the prospect of a David Cook/Carly Smithson finale that now, with those dreams dashed, I'm not quite sure what to do anymore. I hope she does well -- very well. For the first time I'm thinking, maybe I should go to the Idol tour?

[bill]

C'mon this show is about being an "idol." Carly Smithson is no idol. She is a good singer, but not very attractive, and lacks in charisma. The tatoos, flabby white skin, and ugly smile don't help. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh, but its honest. Mainstream America just doesn't dig chicks in black leather, who ride Harleys and are married to tatoo artists. I'm surprised she made it as far as she did. Her voice was good, bu so are the voices of the other contestants.

[Gloria]

I'm not sad to see Carly go. Let's face it, it's not about who's the best singer or Aretha Franklin would have sold more albums than Michael Jackson. It's about the songs, your stage presence, charisma, presentation, etc. Jason Castro and Brooke, while not the best singers, have mastered the art of charming the audience. They are therefore infinitely more likable than someone who just happened to be born with a good voice and makes no effort to be charismatic or connect with her audience (Carly). Jason had more soul in his performances of "Hallelujah" and "Travelin' Thru" than Carly showed in the entire season combined.

Plus, Carly is from Ireland and already had a chance with a record deal. I don't get why people are saying she's going to be big. I'd rather listen to singers who put soul into their music any day. So would most audience members, and that's why Carly didn't succeed the first time-- bad song choices, bad marketing choices, lack of charisma on her part. Look at her old video on Youtube. She stares so blankly into the camera and doesn't look like she wants to blow anyone's mind. If she continues to do that, there's no hope for her to be a success.

[DonnaG]

I love your behind the scenes reporting. The parts that don't make it on the air - the interaction between the contestants and the judges, your take on the audience reactions, I look forward to reading what you have to say about all that.
What I miss is reading your week by week analysis of the performances and your predictions of how the voting will go, and why.
And - I hope you don't let some readers' comments make you think you need to limit your vocabulary just because they have to go look some words up.
I don't always agree with your views but I like reading them!

[sam]

I have ben an Idol fan for years and have been satisfied that, even though my favorites over the years have not always won or been in the running, felt the final five have been talented enough to be in the final five. Last night with the exception of Jason, I felt this happen again. My two favorites, Carly and Michael have eleminated and Jason is still standing not only writes a bogus epitaph to the show for me, but gives legitamacy to the idea that talent is not necessary in our society to succeed. Given our other pop celebes, Brittany, Paris, Lindsay and the dime a dozen sound alike Rappers; talent is not a prerequiset for success. If the outside wrapper looks good, despite what the contents hold, the public will buy it. This is the case of Jason. The guy cannot sing. They guy cannot hold a conversation. He smiles, stokes his dread locks and gets votes. The Idol show has become bogus. It is no longer a showcase for talent. Possibly His talent is much like the judges.
The judges themselves think they are the show and not the contestants. I think they are envious if the contestants get more air time than they do. Randy knows 7 adjectives, Paula cannot finish a sentence and Simon dislikes Country or Broadway music and only like a certain musical element whch in itself makes him a bad judge. Yet they continue to make millions of dollars from boring week to week "Yo Dude" and "I so proud of you" and "It sounds like a Cruise Ship renition" jargon.
Sad.
Sam

[Taunya]

Good grief - people. It was Andrew Lloyd Webber night. This is a major musical in the theatre world. That song was a song that fit Carly well. It was her style and she sang it very powerful. If people voted against her because of the Andrew Lloyd Webber song she chose to sing - shame on you.

[sam]

I have ben an Idol fan for years and have been satisfied that, even though my favorites over the years have not always won or been in the running, felt the final five have been talented enough to be in the final five. Last night with the exception of Jason, I felt this happen again. My two favorites, Carly and Michael have eleminated and Jason is still standing not only writes a bogus epitaph to the show for me, but gives legitamacy to the idea that talent is not necessary in our society to succeed. Given our other pop celebes, Brittany, Paris, Lindsay and the dime a dozen sound alike Rappers; talent is not a prerequiset for success. If the outside wrapper looks good, despite what the contents hold, the public will buy it. This is the case of Jason. The guy cannot sing. They guy cannot hold a conversation. He smiles, stokes his dread locks and gets votes. The Idol show has become bogus. It is no longer a showcase for talent. Possibly His talent is much like the judges.
The judges themselves think they are the show and not the contestants. I think they are envious if the contestants get more air time than they do. Randy knows 7 adjectives, Paula cannot finish a sentence and Simon dislikes Country or Broadway music and only like a certain musical element whch in itself makes him a bad judge. Yet they continue to make millions of dollars from boring week to week "Yo Dude" and "I so proud of you" and "It sounds like a Cruise Ship renition" jargon.
Sad.
Sam

[Hotwired15]

I have to blame a lot of Carly's fate on the arrangements and backup singers. I was cringing at the discord between the Carly and her backup singers. Both seemed to be on key, but not the same key at times, which made me feel very uncomfortable with the performance. Same thing happened to David Cook on the last line of Always Be My Baby. Not sure what kind of control they have over this but its at times a real annoyance. Even the long sleeves and un-angry face couldn't help her this time.

Relative to Brooke, I'm not sure she has much long-term future. Her and Jason were just born 40 years too late for their style and musical ability. David A is very good but is getting boring with non-stop ballads. I watch because every week, David Cook really surprises me, and no exception this week. He is a brilliant strategist, who understands himself, his capabilities, and the public, and plays it to the max, something the others lack.

[Drucilla Roberts]

At the risk of being too cynical for even thinking American Idol might be rigged or even stooopid, I admit I was sucked in this time by somewhat cool performers including Carly, David Cook and Michael, so it's incredibly sad that two are gone,shows you how little taste most phoning-in Americans have, and how lame and ignorant, like the comment above about her song, com'on, it's a SONG, it's not blasphemy! But I think "America" is not ready for a non-"American" to be the next AMERICAN IDOL hencs no Carly and no Mr. Johns! Nationalistic and Christian-elitest snobs we are!

[Dee]

I must have been a sleep. I thought Syesha was off. Why did she sing? I was at a bar and couldn't hear the sound.

[sam]

I have ben an Idol fan for years and have been satisfied that, even though my favorites over the years have not always won or been in the running, felt the final five have been talented enough to be in the final five. Last night with the exception of Jason, I felt this happen again. My two favorites, Carly and Michael have eleminated and Jason is still standing not only writes a bogus epitaph to the show for me, but gives legitamacy to the idea that talent is not necessary in our society to succeed. Given our other pop celebes, Brittany, Paris, Lindsay and the dime a dozen sound alike Rappers; talent is not a prerequiset for success. If the outside wrapper looks good, despite what the contents hold, the public will buy it. This is the case of Jason. The guy cannot sing. They guy cannot hold a conversation. He smiles, stokes his dread locks and gets votes. The Idol show has become bogus. It is no longer a showcase for talent. Possibly His talent is much like the judges.
The judges themselves think they are the show and not the contestants. I think they are envious if the contestants get more air time than they do. Randy knows 7 adjectives, Paula cannot finish a sentence and Simon dislikes Country or Broadway music and only like a certain musical element whch in itself makes him a bad judge. Yet they continue to make millions of dollars from boring week to week "Yo Dude" and "I so proud of you" and "It sounds like a Cruise Ship renition" jargon.
Sad.
Sam

[Jill]

I think Carly being voted off may end my idol addiction. Maybe some of you need to adjust the sound on your televisions, because that girl was one of the best they had. Brooke is ok, but has shown again and again that she just isn't there yet.....Syesha is GREAT but I definitely see her performing on Broadway as opposed to selling albums...... Jason is very unique, and I think he does a wonderful job, I believe touring with Jack Johnson or Cas Haley would be great for him....David Archuleta is a sweet, dorky, teenager that can sing, but isn't as good as a few of the others. His songs all sound the same and are getting pretty boring. I don't mind that he closes his eyes or gasps or giggles or whatever, this show is supposed to be about musical talent, after all......David Cook is amazing. Now HE has talent. I know he will be recording and selling albums in the future.... And for those of you who are "offended" by Carly's tattoos, how bout we all grow up just a little bit? Lots and lots and lots of the American population today is "inked." It is a very fast growing industry, with many many professional people wearing their own ink. It's not like her tattoos are poorly done, or are negative, dirty images. Her and her husband are their own people, and that's what they like. In fact, they even own a tattoo studio, so that is their contribution to society and the American economy. Seriously, leave her tattoos out of this. Oh, and shame on anyone that voted against her because of the song, rather than the way it SOUNDED WHEN SHE SANG IT. Randy said it, this has become more of a popularity contest at this point, and this is where I usually stop watching too. I think Carrie Underwood is the only Idol ever to win that actually deserved it because of her talent. How shallow has America become? Notice how most runner-ups become more popular than the winners? That's because when it comes down to selling records, it's not the one teeny-bopper sitting at home voting 1,000 times for their favorite that matters, it's the greater population.

[Mary]

Another delightful commentary. Your columns are the most fun read of them all. Thanks.

[David Gentner]

Idol Fans,

I had been voting for Kristy Lee Cook. She got me
the week she did Lee Greenwoods "USA". After
she left I switched my votes to Brooke. I sort of
presumed Carly would sail through.
But I agree with the people said it was song choice
that yanked Carly...about 1971 or 72...my Dad, a flag
waving Baptist, mounted a campaign against Jesus
Christ Superstar...Im not kiddin, his church was
calling networks, letters to newspaper, public
protests, appealing to congressional reps...it
just snowballed. And it was nation wide! This
was not small potatoes...
That being said (as Simon always says)...Kristy Lee probably
received over a million votes the week she moved on...so,
where do those million votes go? Kristy is a Christian, but
thankfully she did not flaunt it....but you can bet your bottom
dollar that not one Kristy Lee vote went to Carly...
Dave G in Nor Cal

[Marlon]

A bit over the top. She was a better than average singer with less than stellar looks, not much in the way of on-stage personality, and the fashion sense of the cash register girl at a vintage clothing shop (with seemingly the same budget).

The problem is that the show sucks this year. The best contestants are mediocre at best. They need to expand the talent pool in some way as they have simply gone through every singer in America who meets their requirements over the last several years and now they are below the bottom of the barrel. Maybe it needs to become "North American Idol" and we can tap Canada and Mexico and expand the age range to 65. Or maybe they just need to shut it down for five years and make a triumphant return in 2013.

[eastcoastgirl]

Let's face it, the same Bible-belters who kept Kristy in the game are the same people who rejected Carly's performance of "Jesus Christ Superstar". Let's just hope that the voting results for the November Presidential Election aren't based on Idol voting habits. Carly did a fantatic job and completely hit the mark. Richard, your editorial was wonderfully written and I love the use of poetry, especially in the your clincher.

[Shane]

Dude, did someone die? It's a $#$@'n TV show. Yes, I watch it. Yes, Carly was my second favorite. Yes, the american public ditched her. Let's get up and go to work or school or whatever you do . . . Oh, wait a minute. I get it. You got me didn't you? . . . Is Jon Stewart in the audience?

[Kevin]

I guess it really proves that talent really doesn't matter, you can really mess up a song by stopping and re-starting (Very unprofessional), or look like a stupid caveman w/ dreads who plays a gay uke singing about a stupid rainbow, and still be 'safe' week after week. BUT, when someone with actual TALENT showcases that TALENT and wowes the judges(the same gerbil-minded morons who thought 4 more years of dubuyh (read it!) would be a good idea along with the nearly $4.00/gallon gas we're paying for now) I guess 'dang didn't really thnk so. I guess the only bright side is that a year from now there will be a phenomeonal artist putting out an amazing CD of music.... but wait.... we're all too stupid to buy it.

[tallguy]

Wow ! Does Carly know you were her biggest fan ! Or....maybe had a 'crush' on her !?
I agree, she had a fairly good voice....but too screachy & "yelly" at times ! I don't think she was the one who should have gone.....just yet......but my life isn't over because of it.
Michael Johns was a far more devasting and shocking loss, in my opinion.....but I didn't have a 'crush' on him !

[Christina]

Richard Rushfield, it's been a pleasure to read such rave reviews of my favorite "Idol" contestant ever. I have never purchased a contestant's album post-"Idol"; the TV exposure often stifles creativity in order for singers to please the masses, but I don't care what type of album Carly makes because I will buy it. The "colors" of her voice, as Paula would say, are majestic. I love both her joy and intensity equally. Sadly, the show is done for me this season, but I now can look forward to my favorite Irish Idol going on to bigger and better things.

[ACPLA]

Carly screamed.

Syesha is a working actress/model--America doesn't feel sorry for her or believe a word she says.

No pity parties here.

[Amy]

Good golly! You'd think someone had died the way you waxed poetic about this woman, and the dramatic picture you painted of the crowd and it's resentments... The latter of which is purely subjective. Reading your article and the following comments, some of which not only insult the rest of the contestants, but much of America, has me rolling my eyes. It's a show, someone had to go and although I think Carly good, the votes did not line up for her this time. If it had been my favorite no doubt I would want to lash out at whoever was handy, although I hope I would have the maturity and class not to do it in the way I have seen evidenced here. Carly is not dead for goodness sake, and I imagine she will have a career ahead of her, so for Petes sake mop up your tears and pull yourself together and quit pointing fingers! All the contestants are talented in very different ways this year and although I have a personal favorite, I am a big enough person to acknowledge that. Maybe some folks around here should take some chill pills and do the same. And to spare us all put the darn poetry away!

[Julie]

Looking at the top five and who's been voted off, it's easy to see what segments of the public are putting any effort into voting: the very young and the Christians. This is evidenced by David Archuleta - young, bland, oh-so-sweet, and simpering; Brooke White - blonde, bland, oh-so-moral, and smarmy; and Jason Castro - young and bland. None of them have successful solo careers ahead of them, they are too BORING. For the most part, the voters who determine the AI winners do not determine the future success of the artists. That is determined by the mainstream, music-listening public, most of whom couldn't care less about calling in a vote to AI. Maybe, as some comments point out, Carly's tattoos or her singing a song assumed to be anti-religious got her kicked off prematurely, but take a look at Billboard's Top 100, tats and views on religion don't have much to do with record sales and stardom.

[Kimberly Alballat]

Is this reality show about talent or about favoritism?

[Kimberly Alballat]

Is this reality show about talent or about favoritism?

[Kevin]

I think America did vote off the best singer in 7 years last night. That's too bad.

[Tara]

I LOVE YOUR RECAPS!!
I wish I can write like you. You should write novels.

Yes, I'm depress that Carly's gone. I knew she wasn't going to win, but I would have like to see her around for 2-3 more weeks. Thanks for appreciating her talent.

[emcee2]

Well... I think she was tossed because, like Michael Johns before, she's not "american"...

[clemycali]

I was and I was not so surprised by Carly's elimination. She has a good voice and for sure she was better on tuesday than Jason but her whole Idol experience was like walking on a tight rope. I was always expecting her to be voted out. I don't know if it was the song or her performance in general. I particullary didn't like her performance of "Jesus Christ Superstar", I thought was a little screamy and fake. Plus she was on her second chance and it seemed to me that it was somehow a forced second chanse in a season with very little talent and with wrong picks of the contestants from the early stages. Maybe Idol discovered what was best in US. I don't know. Maybe they need a 1-2 year break or to change its format somehow to bring more new talents on the show.
Somebody answered one of my curiosities earlier. I was wondering how old David A is. 17. Wouch. I'll be very nervous as a manager, record producer because because boys about his age tend to change their voices. It's a period of time between 14-18, does not have an exact age when it occures. Hec I wish him all the best but I keep on wondering.

[skylights]

Jill: You said a lot of things in your post, and I agree 100% with every one of them. Mind-meld!

[Lucia]

I don't know what's funnier - this article or all the people who either solemnly agree with it (really, who couldn't admire Carly's majestic magenta aura?) or complain that it's "a bit over the top". Brilliant.

[Ann]

Julie, you hit the nail on the head. Smarmy...I like that. I knew there was a word to describe the creepy/weepy Brooke. I liked her in the very beginning, but then she couldn't stop making those weird faces and interrupting the judges. Her holier-than-thou and goody two shoes act bugs me too. No way will she make it in Hollyweird.

[Lucia]

I don't know what's funnier - this article or all the people who either solemnly agree with it (really, who couldn't admire Carly's majestic magenta aura?) or complain that it's "a bit over the top". Brilliant.

[Gina]

Good Lord, get a grip man. The most electriifying performer in Idol history? No way in hell. She sucked. My dog is happy he won't have to endure another night of her shrieking and screaming. Shudder... BTW, I'm 48 and an atheist and I don't care about tats or anything. I just care about entertainment. Carly was not entertaining. I did spend over 5 bucks on Jason Castro's iTunes songs. They don't suck.

[puddle]

LOL! Wow. The comments on here are hilarious! It's a right-wing Christian conspiracy theory akin to George Bush robbing Gore of the popular vote! It's blasphemy of the highest order! .... Um, get a grip people!

Did Carly deserve to go home? No. Are the sweet, white-bread kids skating through on their charms? Yes. But jeez, you'd think the whole process involved nuclear secrets and double-agents the way people are up in arms about the whole thing. Unless you know the contestant personally, you have no reason to be depressed over their ouster. I guess they need to preface every episode with a "No Idols were harmed in the filming of this show" warning.

[carly fan]

she prob hadn't clue that song would annoy middle america, europeans aren't hung up on religion like that.

[Rasty]

I don't even want to watch this show anymore. After Michael Johns and ,now Carly were eliminated.
It seems the best singers get an early boot while the obnoxious Brooke and the dreadful Dread Head continue on talentless, who wants to watch or listen to bad voices?

I think it is time for the Judges and the public to join forces and keep the show on target with TALENT
Very Disappointed
Rasty

[Roger]

Richard --Your column is such a rambling clatter of self-indulgent, overdone silliness. We "get" the drooling sarcasm, the repeated "Angel of Death" nonsense, the "history" metaphor. This would all be cute and interesting--ONCE, but you do the same nutty crap week after week. Have fun and be satiric if you like --but at least try to stop plagarizing yourself by repeatedly saying the same things ad infinitum. Trust me --we get it already.

[maria]

"No surprise at all. As I said yesterday in feedback on your column, the winner on AI WILL be from a small town and WILL represent the good, clean, moral views of the people who control the programming and broadcasting of the show."

Really? Jason with the foot long dreads who sends out that stoner vibe (whether actually a stoner or not) and Syesha (minority) aren't exactly representative of white bread middle America as you claim. Would they have gotten this far if what you say is true? As for the past 6 winners, 3 were minorities and one of those (Fantasia Burrino) was an unwed teenage mother. Yes, there were some stupid comments at the time about her "suitability" as a role model but it didn't stop her from winning did it? People are taking this whole AI thing way too seriously....especially the author of this blog. Poetry? It's a singing contest!!

[Hoku]

I agree wholeheartedly with your article and praise for Smithson. I have been a fan of hers since "Ultimate High," and was fascinated by the WSJ expose. When I saw her on Idol, I wanted her to succeed so much.

She is resilient. Most would think someone who has gone through what she has would give up on music, but she truly LOVES to sing and that is why I like her so much.

Some comments blame her song choice "Jesus Christ Superstar" and others say her tattoos didn't do her any favor. Why should Carly have to sing a bland song she doesn't believe in or hide her tattoos to gain votes? These kind of bickering reflects on the public, who are uncomfortable with women with tattoos, curves, and outspoken. Since Carly didn't fit into a cookie cutter mode, it made people feel uncomfortable.

Whenever society can't fit someone into a neat box, they get scared. I am proud that Carly didn't have to hide her husband (the person who she loves) or her style and tattoos to please others for votes. She's a classy gal with massive talent and knows who she is, and I can't wait for hear what she does next.

[Becca]

Carly should have been disqualified from the beginning. I quit watching IDOL after I heard about her past history with Randy Jackson. Seems they were just going to allow her to slide right on through. No Doubt she has talent, BUT come on fair is fair, and by allowing her to stay IDOL is NOT fair!

http://www.rickey.org/?p=7093

[crabpaws]

Cavafy, very funny.

The thing about American Idol is: It's mass entertainment. With indiscriminate voting open to the masses, you get stupidities.

Maybe American Idol needs an electoral college to protect the masses from themselves?

[Pam]

Let's step back and see what was the most "off-putting" thing about Carly: was it her tacky "sleeve" tatoo? her vampire teeth? her freaky husband? or her screaming of all lyrics that some thought passed for a talented voice? Her voice was NOT memorable--you'd never recognize her on the radio or, heaven forbid, fork out $15 for a CD.

Good job, America. Have fun, Carly, singing Irish ditties from the local pub....

This was obviously written quite tongue-in-cheek unless you are actually a total idiot. Carly's problem has been incredibly obvious to anyone watching. She's certainly talented, but she's reeked of desperation since our first introduction to her. Desperation is not attractive. She was overpimped from the very first rounds. Simon told the other contestants they should hate her. Maybe they didn't, but a lot of viewers sure did. She's been in the bottom three numerous times and was lucky to last as long as she did. After weeks and weeks in the competition, we still have no idea what a Carly CD would sound like (unl