IRISH-BORN belter Carly Smithson – who was painted as a “ringer” early on in the “American Idol” contest because she had put out a major album – was eliminated last night.
The raven-haired singer seemed to take the shocking news better than the studio audience, which fell uncharacteristically silent when her name was called out.
Smithson, 24, did not cry or show any surprise after getting the boot. She simply embraced fellow contestant and roommate Syesha Mercado, 21, who was also part of the bottom two and waved to the crowd.
“I’m very proud of myself. I’m very happy,” she said.
Smithson had caused much controversy earlier this season when it was revealed that MCA had invested several million dollars in 2001 producing a CD for her under her maiden name, Hennessy. The CD sold only about 400 copies and Carly disappeared from the scene, working as a bartender until she tried out for “Idol” last fall.
She was not signed to any label when she auditioned for “Idol,” in keeping with the talent show’s rules, but some fans argued she was a pro and not an amateur.
Simon Cowell, who had not been one of Carly’s big supporters until this week, put it in perspective: “I apologize for giving you a compliment last night. Kiss of death.”
Then he added, “Carly you can leave with you head held high.”
Paula Abdul chimed in, telling her, “You are living the American dream and this is only the beginning.”
Smithson was tossed in a week when contestants were assigned to sing Broadway tunes by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It was memorable mostly for unremarkable performances and the lowest “Idol” ratings of the season.
Judge Randy Jackson, after the results were announced, said, “I am shocked.
“It must be a bit of popularity vote.” he added, “They sang really good last night.”
That was a veiled allusion to the fact that others had clearly not sung as well as Smithson this week – especially 24-year-old Brooke White who, during Tuesday night’s performance, stopped the band and restarted her performance.
Ryan Seacrest told viewers that there were 38 million text messages and phone calls this week.