'American Idol' Banter: The Brooke White era begins

What we learned from this week’s results show isn’t pretty. The performances of any given week don’t matter on this season’s “Idol.” This is not, at this juncture, a singing competition. Nor does this season reward the virtues usually associated with champions -- courage, determination, a strong sense of self.

Carly Smithson’s booting is not simply unjust; it threatens to undermine the very premise of “American Idol.” If this show is now officially about well-marketed personalities rather than vocal charisma or even dynamic performance skills, then why not make it a chronicle of the packaging of a pop star, more like MTV’s “Making the Band” or even (though I dread it) “The Search for the Next Doll”?

It’s hardly unusual, in the pop game, for image to trump musical talent –- who can forget the scandal when plus-size Martha Wash was replaced by svelte models in the marketing campaigns for a string of 1990s dance club hits? Tonight proved that we can no longer dream that “Idol” rises above such gimmicks. At least Syesha Mercado survived, by a thread. But the loss of Carly not only robs this season of its best pure singer –- it wipes unbridled passion and humanity from the stage.

Seriously, what is the “American Idol” constituency seeking?  Another pop moppet prepped to fill the pages of gossip magazines and make adorable viral videos? Simpering Brooke White and half-baked Jason Castro (I like him, but come on, it’s a shtick) are sailing through because their images are cute; they’re more like sitcom stars than musical powerhouses.

Brooke’s particularly puzzling success, given her repeated flops in the spotlight, may be attributable to the 8-year-old girl market. For tween voters too young to fully crush out on the Davids, she plays the princess role, her deluxe locks and befuddled manner recall Amy Adams’ turn as Giselle in “Enchanted,”  last year’s Disney hit.  Brooke’s obvious discomfort at the end of tonight’s episode suggests that she knows she’s living on borrowed time. But heck, if I were to sponge a few extra weeks off anybody, I’d take it from pre-teens too. They have a lot to spare.

I can feel the hate mail coming already. But Brooke fans, don’t give me that line about how “human” and “vulnerable” she is. Messing up this far into the “Idol” competition does not make you more real. It makes you lame. If there were a good reason for flubbing her rendition of “You Must Love Me” on Tuesday –- if she’d experienced a personal tragedy, or was really disturbed by the results in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary -- I could forgive her. But Brooke simply hadn’t fully absorbed the song. She was unable to clear a space within herself to let the music move through her.

She couldn’t even fake it, as both Carly and David Archueleta managed to do when they forgot lyrics the same night. Faking it is a skill all memorable vocalists learn, because stuff happens when you’re onstage, and you have to master the skills to get through those sweaty passages. Unless you’re this year’s official ingenue, apparently –- then you just flash your pretty eyes and apologize.

I can hardly even bear to mention that the song Brooke so mistreated once belonged to Madonna, the woman who defined self-determination and personal power for a generation of women artists and fans.

I expect my drubbing of Brooke in the face of Carly’s departure will get some hate mail. But I have to stand up for the woman who showed the most passion, the strongest need to sing, of any contestant this season. I’ll confess, now that it doesn’t matter any more, that the very qualities others hate in Carly make her admirable to me.

Carly understands psychic darkness. She shows her humanity, but never apologizes for it. She has a sexual side.  She loves to rock and to push her voice to the limit. Her ruling emotion is fury, not bashfulness. Carly Smithson is not a princess. She is a queen. I hope the pop world still allows her some corner in which to rule.

-- Ann Powers

Photo courtesy of Fox

Comments

[mary]

Technically she was the best singer, but the judges never stopped telling the viewers for weeks, how the guys were better, every tv show they have been on, they predicted a David C versus D A finale. So why the shock now. Simon never liked her, when he praised her voice, he insulted her clothes, that is why Randy and Simon have a game they are playing against each other. If Simon likes Jason, Randy insults him, because Randy was the producer for Carly's album, and he wanted to prove his ABILITY IN CHOOSING A STAR and Simon was not having any of it. What also counted against Carly big time was those tattoos and that husband's face on tv, was enough to scare anyone off. It really spoils her image, she always looked better when she covered her arms.

[AI fan]

Carly got booted for her song choice, which the judges constantly warn can be determinative. So to answer your question, Ms. Powers, the AI constituency wants to hear the name of Jesus Christ sung reverently from the Idoldome stage, but Carly had other ideas about that. If Carly had sung ANY other ALW song, Brooke would have been sent packing.

[kesia]

Im awared that Carly has the best vocals and I like her. But I honestly have to tell you that Brooke is my favorite, I did think she was going home, but I was thrilled to see she didnt. Because I like her, because I like her style, and what the heck I like her vulnerability too. I've heard both, her and carly songs fom their albums and with the hand on my heart I can honestly say I would rather buy Brookes album.
Anyway this is my opinion. I'm still sad for Carly cause I really like her.

[molly]

Ann I am happy this is considered to be an editorial. Your biased opinion shows that you are not savvy to the fact that singers, as well as actors, are also about what they emanate on stage.

I hope you will print another opinion.

Carly was kicked off as other people saw what I saw. She was the Queen alright. The queen of screaming.

Please realize your review is very one sided, as is my opinion.:) The vote is what counts.

Molly

[URwrongin NY]

Why so negative about the other contestants just b/c Carly got kicked off? She is v good, but she had some troubles the last few weeks... this past show was a good one for her, but yes people watch the show and make judgements based on the body of work. And the reason Jason Castro and Brooke are still on is b/c the world is full of musicians that are engaging, interesting and engulf the audience in their emotions, in what they are doing... Madonna is a great example, she is far from the best singer out there - in fact many on idol are more than her match - my Madonna obsessed wife agreed that Brooke sang it better than Madonna... not the point, the point is some of these contestant have trouble engaging the audience - not even talking ab just pop music here, Syesha is consistently in the bottom b/c although she can sing, people do not like her - she comes off as an egomaniac and as so far from humble it's not funny. The model/actress/singer needs to notch it down and play humble if she wants to stick around... even with that, she is just not engaging when she sings, technically great yes, but why do we love the musicians we love, b/c their music and their delivery of it brings us in, she just does not. Castro and Brooke when they sing, technically great or not, pull the listener in, they make you care about them, not solely b/c of their personalities, but b/c they communicate emotion through their singing... joe cocker, tom waits, janice joplin, mick jagger, mr robert dylan, on and on and on, they draw you in, emotional presence. Syesha does not have it and it was fleeting for Carly although i believe she does have it in her.

[Marty Oliver]

I have nothing to add to your critique of last night's Idol show. You are totally "bang-on".

Well done and thanks for articulating what I've had stewing for a long, long time.

Peace.

[Maisie]

Exactly!!! Very well put, Ms. Powers. Michael Johns and now Carly Smithson. This show is a joke. Those with talent and vocal ability are being voted off one by one. Will it be Jason Castro and Brooke White in the semi-finals sitcom?

[Patricia]

Brooke... shameless!!! She has to go home soon... her time's up since 2 weeks ago...

[R]

I could not manage to connect to Carly this season. Did she have a good voice? Yes, definitely, but she seems determined to ruin it by consistently shouting through her performances, She never seemed to want to feel what she was singing so much as she wanted to deliver an energetic performance, but shouting alone doesn't make it energetic. Besides that, she seemed to have some type of attitude that she was better than those she was asking to vote for, which was very difficult to get past.
Brooke became one of my favorites at her audition. She had heart, she was original and had a voice unlike anyone who's been on Idol, she was unique and put heart and soul into her performances, which she still does. Did she screw up the lyric? Yes, but there are countless performers who have done the same thing and reacted the same way she did, and she wasn't the only one to screw up her lyrics Tuesday night. She was able to feel what she was singing and pour her heart into it and THAT will connect with people. Her attitude right now is that she truly wants to stay on Idol and is depending on her fans to keep her there. Much to the shock of many people out there probably, she DOES have fans who are not tween girls but actually simply people who still hold value for a singer who wants to pour some feeling and passion and personality into the song as opposed to "energy" (read: shouting).
Carly was never able to reach me and connect with me on the show except during Dolly Parton week with her take on Here You Come Again. THAT version I actually liked better than the original and if she released it as a single, I'd buy it. But that's the only exception to this otherwise confusing rule for me.
Brooke connected every week for me because she pours her feeling into every note she sings. I vote for her because I believe in her as a singer and performer. I can't say that about Carly.
And as far as You Must Love Me being Madonna's song, I can honestly say that while I love the musical Evita, I hated the movie with a passion BECAUSE of Madonna. She might have badly wanted the role, but she didn't deserve it. She wasn't a good enough singer, as evidenced by the fact they had to change the musical arrangements around so she could sing lower notes instead of the high notes required of her. Also, they gave her a song that wasn't even MEANT or WRITTEN for her character, and cut it short, basically rewriting the original musical for her, further wrecking it. As far as I'm concerned, her only salvaging moment and the only salvaging song in the movie WAS You Must Love Me. A song about hope and need in the face of death and desperation. While it's true that Brooke didn't understand at first what the song was about, how many people actually know the backstory of Eva Peron for cripes sake? Once it was explained to her, not only did she do the song justice, but the emotion she poured into it was heartfelt and heartbreaking at the same time, as it seemed like she was pleading with the American people to see in her what she and the judges still see in herself: a unique singer who deserves to stay.
I did, still do, and I voted for her and will continue to do so as long as she stays true to herself.

[beachn]

Thank you for so clearly stating the truth about Carly.
That she truly appreciated this experience, savored
every moment in the spotlight, and loved each one of
her competitors unconditionally is the refreshing truth.
I look forward to seeing what her future brings to those
of us who saw her raw talent from the beginning and
will continue to support her career.

[Alan]

I understand that you're upset. Everyone's upset. But the reality is that Carly didn't choose a very good song, and didn't impress some of us who didn't know the song AT ALL. Yes, Brooke is uncomfortably emotional. And that separates her from other famous singers how? You mentioned a few, but personality-wise, Brooke fits right in with vocalist culture. Finally, please don't forget that Brooke, unlike Carly and most of the contestants, can actually play both guitar and piano, play them WELL (enough), and still use that emotional well to infuse a performance. In short, I miss Carly. I really thought she might win. But just because you're mad that she's lost, don't take it out on Brooke. She's much more talented than you give her credit for.

[Jennifer]

Well said! I agree with you 100% I will be following Carly's career post-idol.

[jozielee]

Have you ever been to an AI PopTart concert? All teeny bopping girls being chaffered by their moms, grandmoms or a reluctant dad. Tattoos don't sort of fit into the bubble gum brigade unless its a only-for-one-night lickem and stickem variety. So I'm not surprised Jason, Brooke and even DArchuleta are still in the running. The fit the mold.

[Paulette T.]

A simple "Amen" to Ann Powers! You summed it up perfectly. Paulette T. (Iowa)

[Mark]

You make great points about Carly - she's clearly the most powerful singer, but Brooke White is the most genuine and engaging personality on that stage, and though limited vocally, her voice is sweet and appealing. Brooke is the package deal - great looking, talented, smart, wholesome and real - a true American Idol. She doesn't deserve to win best singer, and she clearly doesn't have what it takes to sell out arenas, but she's someone to be admired and I can see her being a successful singer-songwriter.

[SRod]

Brooke White is terrible and her sweet princess routine is an act! Her voice is the weakest left in the competition, was even before Carly went home, and her pitiful constant crying and talk back to the judges should not be something young girls or anyone, looks up to!

[NoNeedToEarnIt]

Ann, thank you so much for your article!

This country has turned into the biggest bunch of whining, lazy, idiots!!!! You don't have to earn anything anymore. All you have to do is "try your best", even if it sucks, get all teary and pouty over it, and everyone will feel so sorry for you that they decide you "deserve" to win.

I keep reading it over and over in the every blog I read: "Who cares if she's not the best? Getting up there is really hard and she tried her best!! She DESERVES to win." No one DESERVES to win. This is a contest. You win by working hard to be better than everyone else. Not by being more pathetic than everyone else.

I am so done with this show.

[Pam]

Well, you're not getting any hate mail from me. I agree with everything you said. I actually cried last night when Carly was voted off. Even the departure of Michael Johns didn't do that to me. Hopefully, she will become a recording artist and I can buy her CDs - yes, I actually buy them I don't download and I don't have an MP3 player, etc.

This is the first season I have watched American Idol. As a middle-age, middle class women, I'm certainly not the voting demographic (and I can't vote anyway because I'm Canadian).

It was Brooke's turn to go last night or possibly Jason's. I wouldn't have voted for either based on Tuesday's performances. David A bored and confused me Tuesday - the song he sung wasn't recognizable for what it was. Syesha, who usually bores me, did a wonderful job and deserved to go on for another week although her time should have been up several weeks ago.

I guess it's got me hooked enough to tune in for one more week. My prediction is that the Davids will be OK - because after all, one of them is going win. Also, Jason should do well next week because there are enough folksy Neil Diamond songs to choose from. Of course, it isn't really about the music - is it?

[Lexa Montierth]

Honestly, As Paula said last week (when no one minded it was Kristy and Brooke in the bottom) at this stage in the game we have 6 talented people any of them could be an American Idol. Carly messed up the words, just to have no one under 30 or non-broadway fans notice that the background singers were singing different words than her. David Archuleta messed up the words (again) but it was Da Bomb. Brooke was doing a slow, clean song that you can't hide and go on in. If you mess up on a song like a few seconds in, you start over.

Bashing Brooke when she is just doing as many professionals would of done if they had forgot the lyric is just causing contention and hate that is uncalled for.

[Yirmin Snipe]

Frankly Carly shouldn't have made it this far... the name of the show was/is American Idol... not Irish Idol or Visitor to America Idol.

[Vicki]

This has become less about talent and more about personalities and looks. Things haven't changes since I was in high school, the blondes still get all the breaks!

[Melisa]

While I wouldn't consider this hate mail, I do not agree with your assesment of Brooke. I love the earthy tone to her voice...much like the sarah barrillles and Colbie Caillet of current chart topping fame.
My qualm is why the heck is JASON still around. I (who cannot carry a tune in a bucket) can produce a more soulfull and melodic rendition of MEMORY in my shower....That performance showed me that the only thing keeping him afloat is Sanjaya's voting!!!
Carly is wonderful, and I was shocked to see her go last night. BUt like Daughtery, I sure we'll be seeing pleanty more of her talents.

[cbk16]

Carly lost for one reason, she had a bad song choice, when you think about it. Most of this nation is Christian, the song she sang (Jesus Christ Super Star) is Blasphemous to many and makes a lot of Christians uncomfortable, a lot of the Christians in this country could not vote for her this week. Some of the remaining performers have goodwilll from previous performances to outlast a bad week, insulting peoples religion gets rid of any goodwill you may have had.

[David]

Why do you, and so many others, miss the whole point of American Idol? It's not supposed to be a singing contest. It's a contest about who's album people would want to listen to. Most people do NOT buy an album based on the vocal skills of the artist; rather, they buy it based on whether or not they like the music, the sound, the feel, the entire package. I firmly agree, Carly and Syesha have better vocal skills than Brooke; however, I would never buy one of their albums. I don't like listening to that kind of music. But I would buy Brooke's albums. I love her voice, her style, and her kind of music. And the fact that she messed up on a new song that she had 1 week to learn means absolutely nothing to me. And whether or not she can sing Dolly or Mariah, or Weber means nothing to me. Because that's not what she'll be singing on her album. She can sing Brooke. And that's what matters to me. And that's what I'll pay money to listen to. It's very simple- people vote for the artist who they like, who's music they want to buy- not the contestant they think has the best vocal skills (that will be put to waste singing music the viewer doesn't like).

[Big Wedge]

Wow. Ann Powers is my new hero.

[Nancyb]

It is a popularity contest, pure and simple. People felt sorry for Brooke and they voted for her. Ultimately the revenge of this show is that the most talented people not only survive, but succeed. And that doesn't mean they are the idol winners. The past years' losers have done better than most of the winners.

[Grammarocks]

You are sooooo right!!! There are no words for how fed up with Idol I am. It has obviously devolved into a teen personality contest that has nothing to do with singing. I suspected that was what was going on when Michael Johns left, but now with Carly I am fullly convinced. To go out on a performance that strong is just wrong, wrong, wrong. I don't think I can stand to look at Jason C. and his darling little dreds another time. I'm gone.....

[MARY BROOKS]

THE ERA OF TATTOOED ROCKERS IS OVER. YOU NEED TO GET OVER IT!!!

[Christopher Sarsfield]

I am sorry but Carly had a slow start and never really developed a fan base. Brooke had a stronger start and developed more of a base. This is the long and the short of it. People do not vote on this week's performance alone, they vote for who they have liked throughout the competition. Until this week, I never bothered to vote. But this week I voted, and voted for Brooke, because she had a bad night. I also agree that Carly's choice of song was wrong this week. The song is considered blasphemous to many (think Christie Lee Cook's fan base) and those people were not going to vote for Carly.

[ak]

I have to agree with you - Carly is a huge loss and I just don't get why people even vote for Brooke. At the end they should have had Carly and Brooke stand together rather than Carly and Jason --- people need to think about the difference.

and cbk16 brings up a very good point on Carly's song choice and Christian voters.

[Cynthia]

Ann......well said! I didn't follow American Idol for the first few years for exactly the reasons that became so apparent last night. Clearly the American audience is not focusing on the true talent of the singers. It's become about who's cute, who has the nice smile....or maybe even just who doesn't have tattoes.

I studied music and voice for many, many years. As the judges have stressed week after week in their comments, the purpose of this show is to allow the performers to prove their range, to show the breadth of their instrument. From the start of the finals, there have only been three singers with the kind of talent deserving of a win....Carly, Syesha and David Cook. The others have nice voices, but they're limited in their range. Brooke, David A., Jason....everything they sing sounds "pleasant" (as Simon would say) but ultimately all the same....like one endless performance in the same musical style. Carly, David Cook and Syesha have that rare ability to switch styles, adopt different means of delivering a performance and make them all unique and extraordinary. That's what an American Idol should be able to do.

Perhaps Idol should be more like Dancing With The Stars where the judges vote as well to ensure to some degree that the most talented actually win. Isn't that what the show is about? Or is it, as Simon said last night, just about about popularity?

[John]

You said it! American Idol is NOT and never was about talent. The judges can steer audiences to what attracts more audiences. David A. has no stage presence but because of his 'deer stare into the light' look and his popularity with 5 year olds he manages to cruise week by week.
Carly was original (excuse me, She is orginal) and she will probably sell more records that anyone else on that stage. The show has become a religious campaign with Mormons on one side and the born again on the other.

This is not American Idol anymore. (Especially when the dumbest president appears on it). Simon said it couple of seasons ago: "This is what happens when you allow Americans to vote!"
Carly will be a star. Carly is a star! And for you fans out there... stop watching Idol!

[ajay ess]

No surprise at all. As I said yesterday in the trackback 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!

[Jamie]

I agree one million percent!!! I do not understand how Brooke White is still in the competition. There is no comparison between Carly and Brook. Brook should have left, period. And what is with Simon? Isn't he the one who crucifies contestants during Hollywood week for screwing up the lyrics? Why would he say that it was "ok" for her to start over? I don't get it!!! If she were performing this at say the Grammy's, (long shot) would it be ok to stop and restart? No.

She has a one dimensional voice and can not hold a note. I am so annoyed with Brooke and Jason that I debate wasting any more time watching.

I am sick that Carly is gone and Brooke should feel dumb that she is still there….She is turning into Sanjaya. And why the heck don't people like Syesha? Clearly, this show is based on sympathy not talent and it makes me sick.

P.S. Has anyone noticed that annoying thing Brooke continues to do with her mouth? That makes me dislike her even more.

Brooke…GO HOME!!!

[GetReal]

SONG CHOICE!!! This was a week trying to win over a HUGE fan base - Conservative, Country music fans who tend to be bible belt types. NOT a week to sing Jesus Christ Superstar - no matter how good she was vocally, she simply excluded that group from the first word.

Brooke won that group over in spades, she is obviously a conservative christian girl who needs support.

Syesha hasn't humanized herself since losing her voice on Hollywood week - a long time ago - she will go soon.

WHY IS JASON STILL AROUND????

[The Truth]

Personally, I think Brooke is chomping at the bit to get some exposure and make an album of original songs. This gimmicky AI schtick isn't for her. I think she has the potential to be another Norah Jones, in a sense (but perhaps less jazzy and more folksy). The fact that Carly likes to belt and oversing does NOT mean she has more passion than other contestants. I'm happy to see Carly go. I never could quite like her.

[Michelle]

i had no connection with carly, whatsoever. she bored me, week after week. brooke may not be perfect, but its her imperfections and quirkiness that is endearing her to people. the only person carly tried to endear herself to was simon. in fact, her obvious show of only caring what simon thought is one of the things that bothered me about her.

[Courtney]

Thank you. Carly was my absolute favorite. She was one of the people I genuinely looked forward to watching and hearing week after week. In fact, I think I bought most of her performances on iTunes. I can't wait to buy her allbum; I'm sure it will be exceptional.

I agree with Cynthia, that maybe it is time to go to a Dancing with the Starts voting format to prevent what I like to call "the injustice of American Idol."

[Jason]

While I don't think Brooke is necessarily the best performer of the group, I do like her singing the best. So she's made a couple of mistakes. Big deal. I also find it incredibly sexy when a woman can play guitar. Especially when they can play guitar and sing.

[FrederickRM]

I will miss Carly but I don't feel she was the best pure vocalist this season. She was up high but not the best.
Carly suffered from lack of image and that's what killed her in this competition. American Idol is not about pure talent because the entertainment industry is not about pure talent. It's about the BIG picture which include image, stage precense, charisma and personality. This also sometimes includes, sadly, controversy. Carly never hit on a solid image for herself, her stage presence was mostly weak (most of the Idol contestants suffer from this) and she had trouble dialing in on what was best for her voice. She was never able to "package herself" properly for Idol demographic. Chikesie had the same problem. He appealed to a much older demographic and went out much earlier than I think he should have for his talent. But he simply did not appeal to the younger crowd even though he had a GREAT voice.
But you need not win Idol to have a GREAT career. Clay will attest to that as will many others. Despite the fact that Carly may have been voted out earlier than some may like, she wasn't going to win anyway. She has already done what she needed to do get her career started. Now she needs to "complete" her packaging and get going. You all will want to become fans of her solo career and she needs to make sure you can find her. Love her music now that she has escaped the Idol net and allow her to be herself.

[Mark]

Jason or Brooke should have gone home. Emotionally, i don't think Brooke can handle another week of the AI machine. As for Jason, I'm sure he's a sweet kid but it is so hard to watch him sing not only because his voice is so weak and breathy but mainly because i'm constantly put off by all of his facial contortions. He looks like John Travolta or Jason Biggs with dreadlocks.

I think the real crime that American Idol is exposing week in and week out is that the contestants and the voters have no knowledge of music history. I think it was particularly evident this week by having Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber on the show and him talking about how the contestants don't understand the songs or even know of them. They just seem to think if they sing in tune without pitch problems that it's all they need. Jesus Christ Superstar is not my favorite musical but Carly performed it very well. I was shocked to learn David Cook had training in musical theater and he seems to understand the importance of knowing other kinds of music other than the style in which he performs. How can you understand current rock trends without understanding its roots in the blues? You don't have to like all music, or the evolution of it through the centuries, but you should have an awareness of it as a singer/performer. It's Neil Diamond next week and i wonder how many will be confessing they don't know who he is or even know his songs.

[Patrick Wilson]

The conclusions you draw depend on the hypothesis you make. Is this a contest to see who most fits the american idol description, or is it strictly a singing contest. These two hypothesis conflict. Brook White fits the American Idol bill. She is not the best singer technically. Let me put it this way. I would no way pay $10-$20 to hear or watch any of the other remaining singers, except Brook. The guys vary from unkept slob, to childish, to dred locks. That's not an American Idol. Aieysha would make an excellent Broadway singer and likely has a good career ahead of her. However I would enjoy listening to Brook for she represents something decent and human and sings just fine. As far as criticizing her goes, you should try to get up there and expose your character and talents before the nation to scrutinize and then listen to the over critical comments and we will test your courage and self confidence.

[MaryAnn]

They are all good. I was very suprised that Carly was voted off. She has an amazing talent.

[Jordan]

I DISAGREE with you 100%. Carly just didn't have the fan base that Brooke and Jason have. It's not Brooke's fault, it's not Jason's fault...it's American Idol! The American People vote and that's that. You can't fault the contestants for the what the voters did. Brooke obviously feels that she should be the one going, but she isn't and let's be excited for her! Her fans supported her through a tough time and now she's going to pick herself up, dust off, and try again. That's a true start. Brooke really is genuine...more than any other contestant on the show. I don't appreciate your article one bit. Though Carly was an outstanding singer, she somehow didn't connect. Sorry.

[Jordan]

I DISAGREE with you 100%. Carly just didn't have the fan base that Brooke and Jason have. It's not Brooke's fault, it's not Jason's fault...it's American Idol! The American People vote and that's that. You can't fault the contestants for the what the voters did. Brooke obviously feels that she should be the one going, but she isn't and let's be excited for her! Her fans supported her through a tough time and now she's going to pick herself up, dust off, and try again. That's a true start. Brooke really is genuine...more than any other contestant on the show. I don't appreciate your article one bit. Though Carly was an outstanding singer, she somehow didn't connect. Sorry.

[ExSinger]

I don't presume this comment will get posted, but please know that it's not meant to offend anyone.

First, I agree that it was disturbing to see Carly go last night, but I understand why. Fans. She didn't have enough. Those who really loved her were those who were less likely to vote, as opposed to the tween girls who would vote as often as possible to make sure David A or Jason get through. I was sorry to see her go, and I know that Syesha is next for the same reason, but I know that, based on Tuesday's performances alone, they'll have great careers in front of them.

However, I get incensed when I read comments like the one from cbk16 above, who asserts that the song Carly chose was offensive to Christian(ists). The lyrics question Jesus about who he is, and why he is who he says he is. It compares him to Buddha (was he where it's at, is he where you are?) and Mohammed (could he move a mountain or was that just PR?), and if he meant to die the way he did.

And, in the lead-in to the chorus, the singer says, "Don't get me wrong".... as if to say, "Before you start thinking I'm not a believer in you, just hear me out; I'm having doubts." Didn't Jesus have doubts too? Didn't he question whether he really was who everyone said he was? Isn't it human to have doubts? Jesus was human, after all.

If a person's offended by anyone who voices doubts, questions the validity of authoritative, "canonized" text, then what kind of believer does that make him/her? I'll tell you: the kind who feels superior to non-believers, and misses the true message of the religion.

[Mike]

I agree with Yirmin; Carly is overrated. Her first Cd flopped and I don't think we'll be hearing much more from her.

[Jeff]

Get real - American Idol wants to find the best UNDISCOVERED talent. American Idol fans don't want to crown a rejected-recording-star, which is why Michael Johns and Carly got booted. They had been discovered earlier in their careers and deemed not worthy. Why are we getting sloppy seconds in this season?

American Idol is not about SECOND-chances in the music industry, it's about FIRST chances.

America found out about Kristy's former record deal with Britney Spear's company, buh bye. Sayesha and her 'acting career' will be gone next, followed by Brooke (if people find her album) and eventually the Davids. (Archie the star search winner and Cook the band member with tracks for sale on Amazon).

That leaves one true 'unknown' to win the entire thing - Jason Castro. Is he the best singer, probably not. Is he the most undiscovered, you betcha.

[Cis]

Brooke should go home.

[Scott]

I understand that part of "Idol" is a popularity contest. But I cannot believe that the two best performances of the night were not rewarded. Syesha and Carly really shook that sound stage to the core and for the first time we saw both contestants coming into their own. And for that, they favor Brooke instead? Perhaps we need to review the rules of what "American Idol" is? It's a SINGING contest???

[Rogers]

Idol perfrmers are not evaluated on a single performance. As each week passes by, people come to love, hate or dont care for them. So if you have not won people over by now, its not good. Stop blaming America for Carly's fate. If she couldnt win over people, it her fault. But at this level, being in the top few, these things does not matter. They are all good. Getting booted off is not an insult. That how the game is played. To me, I just want to fast forward 3 weeks and watch the Davids fight it out.

David C is more well rounded as a performer but David A has a voice thats pure and magical. I have not seen such purity in notes for a long time. Doesnt matter if his style is the same. And I hope he doesnt get ulcers by the time the show is done.

[April]

If this is an "amateur singing competition" Jason is my favorite. What I like about Jason is his genuine happiness for being in a televised nationwide singing competition--evident in the "I can't believe I am here" expression he has during interviews. He hasn't had recording deals or television appearances on morning shows as Carly, David C. and David A. have. He is what made this show fun to watch in the first years, Americans picked out from across the country and given a once in a lifetime opportunity.

[Emily]

Ann--you rock! A good singer has talent--and when a mistake happens--you KEEP GOING!! You don't do a "stop and do over"!! I was totally shocked that Brooke was left standing and Carly was voted out. (And to the poster who said it's American Idol--not Irish Idol--grow up--I was under the assumption it was about TALENT not ethnicity--that was one remark totally uncalled for). Each year, I stop watching American Idol less and less--this is why. I find Brooke's simpering and lack of talent to be nauseating--the female Taylor Hicks has arrived.

[Bren]

Dreadlocks is a dreadful "????singer????". He doesn't open his mouth, he has no strength in his voice, as Weber said last night, "Jason doesn't listen to anyone." He is there by the power of 13 and 14 year old teen girls. He is not AI material. My favorite is already gone, and I think DC is best overall among those remaining.

Please - the producers or directors or whatever need to alter the voting values. Like Dancing with the Stars, give the judges 50% voting weight against 50% from the American audience.

Last year it was Sanjaya, this season it's Jason. What a waste they both are.

[NoMoreIdolforMe]

As many of the various fans who still hold the memory of the first season, I have enjoyed watching Idol grow-up into the machine it is today. I agree with Ann's comments regarding Brooke, and completely think that the voters today have lost the purpose of the show. It was to find talent, in whatever shape or form it is in. How can Jason's hair be accepted, and Carly's tattoo be "banned"? Good grief! This show was about vocal ability, which Brooke, Jason, and even David A. just don't have. So for me I refuse to continue to support Idol. I do wish the very best for Carly.

[Janet]

Regarding what happened to Carly, I personally don't think that America is ready for an American Idol with such an obvious tattoo. No one seems to bring this up, but I think that it worked against her. Carly is very talented and has a great voice. She will now have a career as a result of getting this far on American Idol. I don't mean to sound prejudiced, but I also don't think that a guy with dreadlocks will win. Besides, Jason doesn't have that great a voice. Who would listen to him if he weren't on a TV show? When he played the ukelele and sang "Over the Rainbow" I thought of Tiny Tim. Brooke is sweet and vulnerable, but think she's exhausted that routine; again, vocally she's not that strong and makes too many mistakes. So as far as I'm concerned, it's down to the two Davids and Sayesha, who I personally think has a lot more talent than given credit for. My choice for the final two are David Cook and Sayesha Mercado. David Archuleta is too young. But we will see how America votes.

[ann]

Or maybe people just didn't like Carly. Just because you and Richard have been praising her all season, doesn't mean she's appealing to everyone else. Personally, I find her performances yawn-inducing at best and irritating and shrieking at worst. Brooke should have been out last night, but ultimately it doesn't matter as neither Brooke nor Carly will be in the finale, so what does it matter if they're 6th or 5th in the long run? They'll both get album deals either way.

[Nadia]

Carly was robbed! I couldn't agree with your statements more. Was it that tatoo, was it the fact that she's not American? I simply and dubfounded that the 2 best performances of the evening became the bottom two.

It should have been Brooke and Jason at the bottom. I am quite perplexed that Jason has even made it this far, and that given his "trainwreck" of a performace which would only have been worse if an actual cat sang it, forces us to be tortured one more week by his limited range.

[Steve]

That was the largest bunch of B.S. I've read. Carly was nothing more than some wanna be rock star screaming instead of singing. Between her and her tatooed face husband, good ridence. Now I agree Brooke is on borrowed time, however she has the kind of personality people can relate to. The kind of girl you wish your son would bring home. In the beginning I was blown away by both Carly and Brooke. I thought Carly was going to be in the top three. She just had to have that one breakout performance. Well she never did. However, Brooke did have a great presentation about seven weeks ago. Too bad it was seven weeks ago.
The only memorable performance have been little David's singing "imagine", David Cook's three or four great performances, Michael John's Queen song, Sysesha's a few nights ago, and Brooke's.

David Cook has totally separated himself from the rest of the pack. Good ridence Carly.

[wtf??]

Brooke sucks, plain and simple. She is forgetable and lacks an real talent. She will be a nothing as in past idol history, ruben, fabraisa?, taylor and sucky kathereen mcwho? Jason is so kitchy, he is useless too. waste of time watching this lame show. get the highlights if you must on redlasso.

[gunner]

it is official, this show sucks, always has, always will... this is not a singing show it is a middle america show for all the folks that live in the middle that have their opinions and entertainment served to them every night on tv... they don't have to think they just pick up their phone and vote, simple, robotic...

[skylights]

What is wrong with people? Her performance of "Jesus Christ Superstar" was awesome-- and I'm an atheist! It's a show tune, for crissakes!

[DeeDee]

Brooke was saved not by her image or personality, but by the powerful-yet-overlooked Vote for the Worst crowd (see votefortheworst dot com).

I loved Brooke, but I agree that this week should have been her last.

[Jessy S.]

The only reason why American Idol is becoming crap is because Idol is due to the priorities of the FOX legal department. I know that there are tons of problems with Idol that I will not get into, but the main one is that the website votefortheworst.com is running the show. That site should have been shut down its first season on the web with the creators jailed because it undermines the show and the voting process.

[Emily]

Carly had a beautiful voice when she wasn't shrieking - one of the best voices in the competition. But I had to switch channels when she sang "Jesus Christ Superstar" because it was too painful to watch and listen.

[Sherry]

Amen Ann! Glad to read that a writer like yourself, as knowing as you are about music, could write as eloquently about the travesty that American Idol became last night. Carly Smithson brought the house down repeatedly and brought the show up a notch week after week. She will be missed on AI - although we will surely hear great things from her in the future!

I suppose we could've gotten the hint when the power vocalist Michael Johns got the boot, or earlier on when the defiantly energetic, Southern rocker, Amanda Overmyer got axed. Perhaps we could have seen the elimination of (debatedly) the strongest female vocalist of the season, Carly Smithson, in our radar. But what does that say about this "singing contest", watched by millions? What message does it give about winning this contest ... that you can screw up, be cute - and go on to win? And does it make the voting process right ... when you can vote repeatedly for the same contestant - obviously fueled by teens and pre-teens - to boost "the numbers" that American Idol uses to advertise its popularity? Did 37 million individual people actually vote? I don't think so ...

Don't get me wrong, I don't love to hate American Idol. As a matter of fact, I love to love American Idol. As I mentioned in response to Richard Rushfield's article yesterday ... Having been a performing musician myself, I find that, to its credit, AI has become an unequaled opportunity for talent to be discovered in a way that has gone beyond any other incarnation of "talent contests". It draws from the patchwork of American cities and towns, both large and small, and eventually narrows the playing field down to a dozen or so of some of the most uniquely appealing & talented young singers ... some of whom we might never get to hear otherwise.

That said, I wonder just how many of our current recording acts would survive such pressure and scrutiny every week in front of millions ... not to mention the judges' criticisms. All of this year's finalists have given it their all - and a chance for us to rise & fall with them. But when we saw, as we did last night, two of the strongest singers in the "bottom two", while weaker contenders are "safe", we have to question the voting system, if not just the overall homogenizing of American pop music. Once again, kudos to Carly - and to you Ann, for bringing to light the fatal flaw of American Idol that we witnessed again last night.

[Joel]

Carly has all the subtlety and nuance of a bulldozer

[Don]

Too be honest....I can see packed concerts for Brooke.....Couldn't see 'YOUR CHOICE"
doing the same. Brooke is not only better to look at with her 6 looks....She's genuine...not ot a punkish nature....doesn't care an independent hard attitude,,,,,AND, folks like those that bleed, cry & make mistakes on occasions. She's human, but MAN, SHE CAN SING LIKE A MOCKING BIRD.....at all levels, you can understand EVERY WORD, and she doesn't have to scream her words. Undoubtedly, you don't like 'PURE UNDERSTANDABLE WORDS . You were hard on Brooke !!!!! You're a hard-rocker lover....Admit it !!!!! I bet you have tattoos & piercings to match Carly's husband & friends.

[Jill]

Whether you like Carley or not, you have to admit she is better than Brooke and Jason castro. What are those two still doing there?
And why is Syesha not impressing America. I dont understand.
Brooke cant sing, I dont care if she made a mistake or not on Tuesday night, She still cant sing!! And Jason, how has he not been in the bottom three? The only reason I am happy he didnt go home last night is bc I could not have sat through another performance of Memory.

[M. Zelenz]

Carly is no queen. She already flopped with MCA and I am not suprised she flopped again. She is no amateur. She is even worse, an aborted professional. To quote F. Scott Fitzgerald, "There are no second acts in America." Get over she got booted, she should never have been an contestant on American Idol.

[M Zelenz]

Pop Singer Fails to Strike a Chord
Despite the Millions Spent by MCA
By JENNIFER ORDOÑEZ
Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
February 26, 2002

MARINA DEL REY, Calif. -- Eighteen-year-old recording artist Carly Hennessy is packing up her small apartment. Her promotional posters will go into storage, and the beige rental couch will be returned. A weight-control message that the slender teen scrawled in marker on the refrigerator -- "NO, U R FAT" -- will be wiped clean.

For two years, Vivendi Universal SA's MCA Records paid the rent here while Ms. Hennessy prepared for pop stardom. And that's not all: The label so far has spent about $2.2 million to make and market her new album, an upbeat pop recording called "Ultimate High." "Some people just struggle," she says. "I was very, very lucky."

Not lucky enough. "Ultimate High" was released in stores nationwide three months ago. So far, it has sold only 378 copies -- amounting to about $4,900 at its suggested retail price.

In many other industries, this would be considered an extraordinary bomb. But in today's troubled music business, it's routine. Of the thousands of albums released in the U.S. each year by the five major record companies, fewer than 5% become profitable, music executives say.

The high failure rate has become the focus of an escalating battle. On one side are big names such as Don Henley and Sheryl Crow, who are fighting the industry's practice of holding top performers to multiple-album contracts that can take decades to fulfill. They complain that labels unfairly enforce such deals because they need to offset their lavish spending on ill-conceived acts that never make it.

"We're expected to indefinitely fund the record company," says Mr. Henley, a solo artist and member of the Eagles, who calls the industry's high percentage of flops "shameful." He and other top performers are staging concerts Tuesday night -- on the eve of Wednesday's Grammy Awards -- in part to support an amendment before the California legislature that would limit recording contracts to seven years. That's the current cap on contracts for actors and other service workers, under a state law that originated from a 1940s legal case that helped break up the Hollywood "studio system," which tied movie stars to multiple-film contracts. In 1987, the music industry successfully pushed to exempt record contracts.

Record companies say they need to keep blockbuster acts on their rosters for as long as possible because they rarely see returns on the huge sums they must sink into virtually all new performers, and because it's so hard to predict who will succeed. The companies warn they won't be able to support as much young talent if contracts are limited. They point out that some of the loudest critics of the current system were its beneficiaries -- before they were rock stars.

Music executives also say it has become harder to launch new acts. Among the reasons: Deregulation of the radio industry in 1996 has led station owners to consolidate into a few big companies, which are under pressure to maximize profits and pull songs off the air that aren't instant nationwide hits. Superstores such as Wal-Mart, which stock fewer titles than traditional music stores, are the fastest-growing segment of music retailing, making it costlier and more competitive for record companies to secure prime shelf space.

As a result, industry executives estimate that major-label releases must on average sell about 500,000 copies just to break even. Last year, of the 6,455 new albums distributed in the U.S. by major labels, only 112 have sold at least that many, according to SoundScan, which monitors music sales. Overall music sales were down 5% last year -- the steepest decline in a decade.

The story of MCA and Ms. Hennessy shows the dysfunctional economics of the music industry at work. MCA, one of Universal Music's major labels, initially hooked up with the spunky teenager three years ago because it was trying to get a piece of the great success competitors enjoyed with young pop artists like Britney Spears and 'N Sync. Ms. Hennessy, a native of Dublin, had released her debut musical effort, "Carly's Christmas Album," in Ireland at age 10, after performing all over Europe as Little Cosette in "Les Misérables." At 13, she was named the Irish national spokesmodel for the Denny sausage brand. Soon, she and her family began hoping for much more, and Ms. Hennessy dropped out of high school. "The most beautiful voice you'd ever heard -- and she would have ended up singing in the bath," says her father, Luke Hennessy, a real-estate investor.

Mr. Hennessy flew to Los Angeles in early 1999 and, after several months and a few intermediaries, got a disc of his daughter performing songs by various artists into the hands of established music producer Steve Dorff. He recorded a new demo of Ms. Hennessy singing some songs he had written, and it eventually crossed the desk of MCA's president, Jay Boberg, who says he found Ms. Hennessy's voice "extraordinary."

Although Ms. Hennessy didn't write her own music and hadn't ever performed solo in front of a big crowd, she had charisma, drive and pipes -- three things music executives say are most difficult to find in a single young performer. Mr. Boberg, 43, envisioned starting her off as a teen-oriented pop singer, in the hopes that she could one day develop into a more mature female vocalist along the lines of Celine Dion.

Over a long dinner at Spago with Ms. Hennessy and others in June 1999, Mr. Boberg and MCA's artist-development chief described their plan. Ms. Hennessy didn't object, even though she saw herself more as an edgy rock-and-roll performer. "This was my big chance," she says.

The executives offered her a six-album contract, under which Ms. Hennessy would get a $100,000 advance for her first album, plus $5,000 a month in living expenses while the album was being made. The label would own the recorded music and would front the cost of recording and promotion.

For Ms. Hennessy to make any more money, the label would first have to recoup its advance, its recording costs and half the cost of any music videos, as well as her living expenses -- meaning the album would have to sell between 500,000 and 700,000 copies, MCA says. At that point, Ms. Hennessy could collect royalties amounting to 15% of sales. But she would still owe a cut to a phalanx of producers and managers, as well as other record-company fees -- leaving her with at best about 80 cents to $1 per album, MCA says.

Such contracts have drawbacks for both sides. Artists can be unceremoniously dropped if they don't live up to expectations. But if they blossom into superstars, they can use their new leverage to demand that their contracts be rewritten to pay them much more.

Ms. Hennessy says she let her managers, including her father, worry about the financial details. "Pretty much I was like, 'Is this a good contract, or a bad contract? OK, it's a good contract,' " she recalls. She was not even sure how many albums she owed MCA.

Back in Ireland, Ms. Hennessy signed the nearly 100-page document as her mother, Marie, captured the moment on videotape. Soon, she and her father moved to Los Angeles, eventually settling into a two-bedroom apartment in the beachside suburb of Marina del Rey. Ms. Hennessy and her producer, Mr. Dorff, spent about three months recording eight songs, including several he had written. The total tab, including studio time, musicians' salaries, producers' fees and Ms. Hennessy's living expenses, was about $350,000 -- typical for a first pop record, MCA says.

Unfortunately, neither Ms. Hennessy nor MCA were happy with the results. Mr. Dorff, who had produced and written songs for Celine Dion and other artists, says he thought the album was "contemporary" and made the best use of Ms. Hennessy's vocal talents. But Ms. Hennessy thought the music was "old-sounding." Mr. Boberg deemed the album "too Barbra Streisand" -- meaning it was too serious for its target teen audience.

At that point, Mr. Boberg could have just shelved the project and sent Ms. Hennessy on her way. But like many label chiefs, he was under pressure to come up with a new star, and he had already invested time and money in someone he believed had talent. In the fickle and unpredictable music business, he says, a performer's success can only be tested in the marketplace. For example, Mr. Boberg took a chance on another unproven pop singer, Shaggy, whose album, "Hotshot," went on to sell 4.5 million copies in the U.S. in 2001, the second-biggest album of the year. "You don't even know for sure how something is going to do until you send artists into the studio, and you see whether the radio gatekeepers accept them," Mr. Boberg says.

MCA decided to rerecord Ms. Hennessy's album from scratch. In early 2000, the company retained London-based producer Gregg Alexander, who had produced hits in Europe for former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and others, to produce four songs. For the rest of the album, MCA turned to Los Angeles songwriter Danielle Brisebois, who had been helping Mr. Alexander on Ms. Hennessy's album.

Ms. Brisebois had never produced an album before, but that didn't bother Ms. Hennessy, who says her producer became "like a sister." Both had been child actresses -- Ms. Brisebois, 32, had played Archie Bunker's niece Stephanie on "All In the Family" -- and both had appeared in productions of "Annie." The women experimented in the studio in search of Ms. Hennessy's sound and creative direction. They found that the teenager sang with more emotion when the lights were turned off. She also seemed to sing better when she wore high heels -- the angle helped her pitch. They taped some vocals at 2 a.m. so Ms. Hennessy's voice would be more raspy.

When she wasn't recording, Ms. Hennessy baby-sat around her apartment complex and enjoyed occasional major-label perks, like the surprise limousine MCA sent to take her and her friends to a Blink-182 rock concert to celebrate her 18th birthday. Ms. Hennessy also got to drive around in a blue convertible Volkswagen Golf, courtesy of MCA.

In April 2001, with the album still unfinished, MCA decided to try to get Ms. Hennessy some notice by releasing her first single, a bouncy tune called "I'm Gonna Blow Your Mind." Its opening lines:

"I really really, I really really, I really really, I really really, I really really want to kiss you/
But much more than that/
Boy, I'm gonna blow your mind."

It was a risky choice. MCA realized the song's subject matter -- oral sex -- made it unlikely to get much exposure on youth-oriented outlets deemed important in launching young artists, like the Radio Disney network of stations. But executives felt it was Ms. Hennessy's catchiest song. MCA spent $250,000 on a video that showed Ms. Hennessy dancing in a disco and jumping around with pals in their sleepwear. On a call-in show, Nickelodeon asked viewers to rate 30 seconds of the video, but the audience was unresponsive. The video was quickly shelved.

The label also earmarked about $200,000 to hire independent promoters -- middlemen who use their influence with radio program directors to secure airplay. In addition, MCA spent about $100,000 on "imaging" for Ms. Hennessy, including photos, clothes and makeup artists. It sent Ms. Hennessy on a $150,000, four-week promotional tour, where she sang at malls over recorded tapes, backed by two dancers, and at station-sponsored concerts. She bantered with DJs and participated in promotions. In Little Rock, Ark., a male listener won a dinner date with Ms. Hennessy. She recalls him as "the most annoying boy I have ever known in my life."

But the single wasn't catching on. In markets across the country, program directors who met with Ms. Hennessy professed to like the song, but then didn't play it much. "She was very nice," says Jon Zellner, a programmer for KMXV, a top-40 station in Kansas City, Mo., who met with Ms. Hennessy and her handlers for lunch when they visited the area last summer. "But Carly Hennessy simply didn't have that sound that seemed like it would kick in at that time." He never played the song.

Greg Marella, vice president of pop promotion at MCA, says the "I'm Gonna Blow Your Mind" single was in an awkward position: The music was a little too mature for regular top-40 radio and a little too pop-sounding for adult top-40 radio.

With the meter running and the album still unfinished, MCA and Mr. Hennessy last spring decided to bring in additional management. Miles Copeland, a close ally of Mr. Boberg's who had made a name managing the Police and Sting, signed on as co-manager. Mr. Copeland felt the recording process was "out of hand," and says he exerted pressure to wrap up the album as soon as possible. Ms. Brisebois says nobody asked her to work faster.

By the time the album was done, MCA had spent about $640,000 rerecording it, including Ms. Hennessy's living expenses. That brought the total cost of making the album to about $1 million -- high for a first album. But at least this time, Mr. Boberg says, "Everybody thought this was going to be a hit."

Called "Ultimate High," it included a few songs from a disc Ms. Brisebois had made years before but had never released. The music had a pop sound, with slightly heavier guitars. The lyrics, mostly written by Ms. Brisebois and Mr. Alexander, dealt with unrequited young love and sexual themes.

The failure of the first single meant MCA was already behind schedule as the album's Nov. 13 release date approached. While albums in some genres, like rock, can build slowly in the marketplace, pop releases generally have to hit big fast. To try to build momentum somewhere, the label scored a Canadian modeling contract for Ms. Hennessy and sent her on a press tour there. MCA also prepared to release a second single, a feel-good tune called "Beautiful You," and spent another $500,000 for independent promoters and promotional appearances by Ms. Hennessy -- bringing its total investment to nearly $2.2 million.

But "Beautiful You" got even less airplay than the first single. With no radio play, MCA and Mr. Copeland decided against a concert tour. Retailers, meanwhile, were leery of investing much in an album by an artist who seemed to be going nowhere. Music stores had stocked 50,000 copies of Ms. Hennessy's first two singles, and sold about 17,000, according to SoundScan. So when it came time to order the "Ultimate High" album, retailers bought just 10,000 copies, MCA says. With virtually no radio play or press, there was little hope for the album as it hit stores. "It was not rejected by the public," Mr. Boberg says. "We just never made it to the public."

In a last-ditch effort to salvage its investment, MCA decided to release "Ultimate High" in Europe later this year. In January, the label instructed Ms. Hennessy to pack up her apartment and turn in her car, and moved her back to Ireland. MCA's European division plans to reshoot the album's cover and launch the single, "I'm Gonna Blow Your Mind," in Europe in March. If the album, due to be released in April, doesn't take off, MCA will re-evaluate. "If we can't find any market in the world that validates our view that she is a talent, then we have to question whether or not we move forward," Mr. Boberg says.

Mr. Copeland, the manager, is more sanguine. If MCA drops Ms. Hennessy, he says, "I can go to a new company and say, 'Hey, we've all learned a lot.' We can try a second time at a vastly reduced price." Indeed, artists often need more than one record before they take off.

In the meantime, Ms. Hennessy is dieting and working out to look good for her European press tour. She got a tattoo -- her first -- of an intricate cross on the small of her back that she hopes will impress her fans, and has started learning to play guitar. "This album is going to be huge," she says. "I won't stop until it is."

[C2]

It's interesting to read the definition of the word IDOL - any person or thing regarded with blind admiration, adoration, or devotion. This show is named correctly because it isn't just about singing. It's the whole pacakge. I acutally like all the remaining contestants for one reason or another, but when I listen to music, I "listen" to music. Image, personality, back story don't come into it. Starting and stopping should have been an automatic out, IMHO, but I'd rather "listen" to Brooke's voice than to Carly's voice simply based on their singing style. I'd rather listen to Jason than David C simply based on singing style. Bottom line, it's what I would like to listen to, not see. When I watch the show, someone usually stands out for me, but it may not be the same person when I go back, eyes closed, and just listen. Madonna has been referenced her a few times. Is she a great singing talent? No. She's an idol. I don't want to just listen to her, but she's fun to watch. I just don't watch a lot of music.

[Mark]

I'm not sure of the purpose behind laying into people who have nothing to do with why they are still up there. I wish Jason C were gone instead of Carly but I am not blaming him and slamming his singing because he is still there. AI's voting methods keep those people there. I think Brooke was genuinely shocked that she was not going home. I think if you asked her she would honestly say she didn't deserve to stay. Give the people who remain a break fer cryin' out loud!

[bill munson]

Where was tattoo face?

[Tara]

Oh Ann....don't you know by now?
The war in Iraq is about oil
There is no such thing as Santa Claus
and American Idol is about making money.

Sorry to burst your bubble. It is sad but true.

[Q]

I can't stand the way Brooke furrows her eyebrows and pouts when she's in the bottom 3 or when she's being criticized by the judges. She looks like she's been working that all her life to get what she wants.

[Jamie]

I agree one million percent with you Ann!!! I do not understand how Brooke White is still in the competition. There is no comparison between Carly and Brook. Brook should have left, period. And what is with Simon? Isn't he the one who crucifies contestants during Hollywood week for screwing up the lyrics? Why would he say that it was "ok" for her to start over? I don't get it!!! If she were performing this at say the Grammy's, (long shot) would it be ok to stop and restart? No.

She has a one dimensional voice and can not hold a note. I am so annoyed with Brooke and Jason that I debate wasting any more time watching.

I am sick that Carly is gone and Brooke should feel dumb that she is still there….She is turning into Sanjaya. And why the heck don't people like Syesha? Clearly, this show is based on sympathy not talent and it makes me sick.

P.S. Has anyone noticed that annoying thing Brooke continues to do with her mouth? That makes me dislike her even more.

Brooke…GO HOME!!!

[Idol Chatter]

I absolutely cannot stand that bobble-headed simpleton, aka the babbling Brooke. She sucks to high heaven. I can't figure out even who her fan base must be. The fact that she wasn't even in the bottom two literally blew me away. Why? She sucked! And, while I am a big fan of Jason Castro, why wasn't he in the bottom 2? He sucked as well!

This wouldn't be an issue in seasons past, but I think that we've gotten away from the pure joy of discovering the next American Idol. It's not about the music! For the producers and judges, it's about $$. And that translates I think to we the viewers. We aren't passionate about the music any more. Just our favorite. Idol has lost whatever soul it use to have. Which is too bad because I've watched every season, every show. My 9 year doesn't remember a time when Idol wasn't a part of our lives.

[la de lala]

when brooke sang, i couldnt stop comparing it to the superb version by madonna; and i also think that she isn't emotionally vulnerable, she is clearly a perfectionist, and probably an annoying one!

[GIna]

You Times writers don't get it at all. You're so off the mark as to what Idol is all about.

"Carly Smithson’s booting is not simply unjust; it threatens to undermine the very premise of “American Idol.”"

The premise is that if viewers care to vote and vote and vote for a performer they "bond" with for how ever many weeks, those viewers may also be be motivated to buy that performers songs/albums. End of premise.

More viewers voted for the 5 other people than for Carly. It's not rocket science. It's not unjust.

You and Richard bought into the Carly hype. Viewers thought otherwise.

[Lisa James]

"Nor does this season reward the virtues usually associated with champions -- courage, determination, a strong sense of self."

I couldn't disagree more, and am particularly flummoxed that this is being used as a defense of Carly. She spent her entire tenure on the show trying to please Simon -- and while I will concede that she was determined, that's not courageous. Nor did Carly have any idea who she wanted to present herself as; she bounced all over the map. She didn't have much of a sense of self at all.

The contestants that are doing well are the ones who are sticking to their guns no matter what the judges say. The judges and fans happen to consistently prefer the guns to which David Cook is sticking, and - to a lesser degree - Jason Castro. Both of them have hidden personal circumstances that lesser contestants are more than happy to blare from the rooftops. David is in the midst of a family crisis but hasn't used that information as a means of getting votes. Jason Castro was so ill this week that he purportedly was on an IV between the rehearsal and the performance shows on Tuesday. Neither of them allowed that information out to the viewership because they don't want sympathy or excuses. If you're looking for courage, determination and a strong sense of self, these two men are where you will find it.

[JKK]

I have been hooking up with American idol from the very season with Kelly Clarkson.
This season is worse than Taylor Hick's! I mean , come on, why do all great performers go leaving the stage with mediocre contestants (like Brooke and Jason).
Carly, Syesha and David Cook, they are the ones should appear in the last few weeks this season.
I'm kinda pissed with David A and Jason. They often screw the show!
I leave no comment for Brooke, I liked her on her first few performances, but on the past few weeks she tends to lose her stand.
Reading the blogs bout predictions on the finale, i might as well agree with them that the Davids would race for the cup... Well in that case, it would be the Cook's grab for the bacon and cheese. He does sing way better than the matinée singing idol with a bunch of shrieking 8-year old girls!

[Tami Burns]

I wasn't a huge fan of Carly's, but am less a fan of Brooke's......... her pouty little face she makes each week drive's me absolutely around the bend! AI is all about popularity and smalltown USA. Unfortunately, that will make it a Brooke, David A finale (both, I agree are bland and boring). Brooke has no vocal range, and David is too young to have success. The biggest winner (not on the show, AI) will be David Cook (my fave).... as he will be the most successful of the top 5! He is unique and oh so talented. Give it two more weeks, and David C will be voted off, only to top the charts soon after! Go DC!!!

[Jennifer]

Okay, I really don't understand why Brooke is still on the show. She was HORRIBLE during Mariah week. The singing was bad, she couldn't hit the notes, and the piano-playing was mediocre. Then this week she sucked again vocally and is the only-person in Idol history to have to stop and start over again. Like the author said, at this stage of the competition, mistakes like that shouldn't happen. Therefore, she doesn't belong here. I'm sick of talented people being kicked so that mediocre people can stay in the competition.

[MelC.]

I love it when people are jealous of her!!! I don't think Carly is as good as you said. Sorry. If I had to choose to listen to you, or Simon Cowell and Andrew Lloyd Webber, I would choose those two. Your comment is foolish, and it makes you sound like an idiot! Remember, the more bashing she gets, the angrier people will become and purposely vote for her. So thanks for what you're doing!!!!

[Jason]

I voted for Syesha for about a half hour after the show because I think she earned the votes in the last few weeks. At other times, I've voted for other contestants including Brooke, Chikezie and David A. That's probably not the norm, but I'm in my 30's - not a teenager. To be honest, I don't have a favorite right now. Even though, I think Carly is a very good singer, I never voted for her. It comes down to a few things for me: the previous recording contract, the tattoo was a distraction and just didn't "connect" with her as well. Last night, her song choice would've been another reason. I think someone said it well in an earlier post, as Ryan always asks "who is going to be YOUR American Idol" - not who has the best voice. In other words, whose CD would you go out and buy if we were to make it right now? For me, Carly is not the one although I love her Irish accent.

I really liked Ace a few years ago because of some of the notes he could hit but I knew he wouldn't win either because just singing the high notes does not an American Idol make. I agree with many others who said that Carly simply didn't create a strong fan base. As far as Jason goes, he has not really showed anything to me, but again, if he has a strong teenage girl fan base who will dial for the entire 2 hours, then he will go far.

This brings up the way the votes are tallied. To truly find out what the complete viewership thinks (not just a certain demographic who will spend the next 2 hours voting for their favorite) then I think they would need to find a way to limit one vote per phone number/text message address. I think the phone number would be easier than the text messages so maybe just limit it to phone calls only and build a huge replicated database that stores every voter's callerID and reject any duplicates. This would probably be a large undertaking but it's AI, they could afford it if they felt the need. My guess is they don't since 38 million votes came in the other night.

[Mark]

Again, I'd have to ask why some of you are tearing apart those still left on the show. Is there really a point to this? Anyone..? anyone..? It's just a show. You'll forget about it soon. But I fail to see the point of crucifying people in public when absolutely nothing gets accomplished by doing so. And I would bet that those "still up there!" when they should be on their way home would agree that their performances were subpar. Lighten up with the personal attacks.

[GaryK]

Isn't this the girl who proudly claimed she had never seen an "R" rated movie? I think she needs a little "Clock Work Orange" treatment to give her an idea what the real world is lilke. Five or six hours tied to a chair with her eyes proped open watching "Taxi Driver and "Superbad"(just to named two) might make her a better singer, and make her seem more real.

[GaryK]

Isn't this the girl who proudly claimed she had never seen an "R" rated movie? I think she needs a little "Clock Work Orange" treatment to give her an idea what the real world is lilke. Five or six hours tied to a chair with her eyes proped open watching "Taxi Driver and "Superbad"(just to named two) might make her a better singer, and make her seem more real.

[Kala]

Ann, I know this is your job, but methinks you are taking this way too seriously. "Carly understands psychic darkness"? Are you serious? Does someone really pay you to come up with such carefully thought-out analysis? My God, this is a hyped-up, pop-star talent show sponsored by Ford and Coke. Believe me, I enjoy it just as much as anyone, but let's take it for what it is and lighten up a little!

And yes, I know that many successful AI finalists go on to become Grammy-winning artists, but you should know better than anyone how the machine works, which makes clear that the role of the "esteemed music critic" is becoming increasingly obsolete. Maybe that's why you're so frustrated?

[NRT]

You said it all...Brooke is lame. Not only lame, but insincere. I was sad to see Carly go and think those of us who feel this way should have a Save Syesha movement. As I looked at the people sitting on the couches last night, I could only think that she and David Cook were the only ones worthy of being there.

[Ian]

the thing that truly boggles the mind is not who was voted off or who is still there, but that ppl are still watching this poor excuse for a show! the ratings show that ppl are starting to catch on (& drop out) - hope the trend continues & accelerates.

[Nanny Bytes]

Your comments are dead on, you overlooked one thing. How absolutely annoying Brooke White and her sappy schtick is. I mean, come on! Now SHE sits on the stage with 4 very talented people. I mean, it's a damn funny sight!

[LowerThePower!]

Oh well, just another subjective article from someone who's upset because her favourite was sent home. Carly definitely can sing, but she (as Simon frequently said) has no star quality: her face is always angry, she looks fake, and her tattoo freaks everybody out. And every now and then she just doesn't sing well. Remember her rendition of The Show Must Go On and Total Eclipse of The Heart? I f-ing hate it up until now.

[tom n]

I vote based on which singers performances I liked best over the season, not on the most recent night alone. I also vote based on who I most want to hear sing more the next show.

I like who I am entertained by, I'm not voting based like it was some gymnastic event. Its about entertainment. I use a tivo to watch the show. I go back and watch the performers I like most repeatedly. I must have listened to Jason Castro's "somewhere over the rainbow" a dozen times. I went online and heard the guy who masterfully made that version but I must say Jason did it way better still. I've listened to many other of Jason's songs more than a few times...same with David Cook a few times, and Brook once.

I find Jason's phrasing, the way he plays over the syllables, fresh and interesting...sure he swallows a few notes but this isn't whether he plants a vault.

And entertainment is about a total performance. How people look and the facial expressions they make are part of the total package. The best entertainers have a grace and a charm, that make you smile without being cloying.

Carly didn't make me feel good. Her songs didn't make me want to listen to them again. She didnt make me feel the meaning of her songs or enjoy the songwriters play of words. I didn't like to watch her face as she sung. (its not a matter of raw looks... I'd love seeing tapes of Ella Fitzgerald sing).

I'm 43 years old, no teeny bopper, and I voted for Jason a dozen times because I enjoy his singing over the season most and I'd like to here him do neil diamond.

People are entitled to different opinions. I guess some of you liked to hear and watch Carly sing...she made you feel good and want to hear more, you liked seeing her on stage. I just felt the opposite about her,, sorry.

Please don't go on about injustice...its a difference of opinion.

[cissie]

Ann, are you fishing for hate mail? Because you mentioned the possibility of receiving same at least twice in your rant. Plus your adoration for Carly is a bit excessive and a little sickening. Are you in love with the girl?

[catherine]

ann i believe you have proved your point with the angry responses above. sheesh! no thanks for telling the truth :)

[RealFan]

AI Fan opined:
"Carly got booted for her song choice, which the judges constantly warn can be determinative. So to answer your question, Ms. Powers, the AI constituency wants to hear the name of Jesus Christ sung reverently from the Idoldome stage, but Carly had other ideas about that."

Are you serious? If the "AI constituency" wants to hear the song "Jesus Christ Superstar" sung "reverently", it explains the entire phenomenon of American Idol, completely. The AI Fan's purported AI Constituency are banal idiots. Sweetie, that song is a spoof, and it is a rock song. Carly sung it properly, and extremely well...as the composer noted. Of course, I do not for a moment believe what AI Fan had to say, primarily because it was wrong. So very wrong. And weirdly frightening in concept.

"Carly got booted for her song choice, which the judges constantly warn can be determinative. So to answer your question, Ms. Powers, the AI constituency wants to hear the