"American Idol" Voters Snub Smithson

(CBS)  The stunning elimination of Carly Smithson from "American Idol" Wednesday proved once and for all that the show is as much a popularity contest as it is a singing competition.

The 24-year-old vocal powerhouse gave one of the strongest performances on Tuesday night's show, belting out the rock gospel song "Superstar" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical "Jesus Christ Superstar."

Her performance won praise from the judges, but not enough viewer votes for her to return next week. The audience cast more votes for Brooke White, who had to start over after forgetting the lyrics to her song, and Jason Castro, who barely squeaked through his number.

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Photos: "American Idol" Season 7

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Judge Simon Cowell suggested that viewers empathized with White and were charmed by Castro's personality.

Even though he had been harsh on Smithson in previous weeks, Cowell tried to reassure her by saying she could leave the show with her head held high.

Smithson has already had her share of showbiz ups and downs. After early success as a child actress and model in Ireland, she moved to the U.S. in search of a record deal. Smithson signed with MCA Records, but the label dropped her after her 2001 debut album, "Ultimate High," tanked.

She managed to stay upbeat after learning she'd been given the boot, saying she was very proud of herself and happy. "I'm not upset that I'm going home," Smithson added. "I had the best time here."

Syesha Mercado -- who also had a great night Tuesday with her lively performance of "One Rock And Roll Too Many" from "Starlight Express" -- joined Smithson in the bottom two. The two contestants, who roomed together and became friends while on the show, each had a chance to reprise their songs Wednesday.

Earlier in the show, President Bush and first lady Laura Bush announced that the show's "Idol Gives Back" special had raised more than $65 million for various children's charities.

The evening also included a performance by Cowell's latest find, singer Leona Lewis.

Smithson's exit leaves five contestants to compete on the show next week.
By Judy Rosen

[rachybaby72]

jerry_in_va , one more thing:

Now who''s the REAL moron??? Hmmm...I think that would be YOU.

Attempting in vain to distinguish between "angry style" & "angry voice" is PITIFUL. We didn''t just fall off the turnip truck, we all know what you meant. At least have the guts to stand by the real, general, overall meaning of what you said - of what you copied from Simon - and not try to split hairs between the words ''style'' and ''voice''. Pitiful, indeed...

[rachybaby72]

jerry_in_va

Don''t call me a moron, you a$$hole. Angry voice/angry style - it''s the same thing. She never screamed her song, and she didn''t have an "angry demeanor". There''s no such thing as having an "angry demeanor" while singing. AND it''s a singing competition, which been co-opted and turned into a popularity contest.

Oh and btw, you DID regurgitate Simon''s "angry comment.

[jerriemc23]

i love how prez caligula hasn''t donated *** to anyone but his buddies and thanks us for giving 20 bucks

[olebd]

And yet, no word on Paul Davis passing???? For you youngsters, he made real music. Had some great songs such as ''''65 love Affair, I Go Crazy, Sweet Life, Cool Nights. Died of a heart attack at 60 years old just a couple days ago.

What is up C-BS?

[ssm9451]

The call in votes don''t get counted. The producers of the show do the elimination and voting. The so called public phone call votes are to determine how many people are watching. Ratings, ratings, that''s what it''s all about.

[cyberus-2009]

Once it goes to call in voting it ceases to be a singing contest and becomes a popularity contest that tends to hold onto the current tweenie heart throb while real talent gets booted.

[jetlizhan]

music_cap

so glad you commented on jason''s yawning - i saw it and burst out laughing - he''s so laid back and totally unconcerned about the whole thing!! lmao!!

[ajaxrose1]

Carly is a good singer, but she''s not that unique. She sounds like anyone else with a good voice. As for the popularity thing, of COURSE that''s part of it. That''s part of show-biz, isn''t it? Carly will have a career after this anyway, so big deal. Out of all the seasons only two of the actual winners have become huge stars. Heck, even Sanjaya has a career in show-biz, so lighten up.

[rosesnpearls]

Gig ''em Jason! Finally someone who is not afraid to be who he is and not another rubber-stamp star. He''s a good kid, construction science major, with talent.

[misssuzq]

BTW...with Carly''s voice and range, I would have preferred she sung a balled, rather than the one that she sang, as it was too screechy.