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Before she was Carly Smithson

by Reed Dunn

She’s one of the early favorites on this season of American Idol. Carly Smithson has a great story — the Irish singer was a would-be finalist on Season 5, but problems with her work visa kept her from continuing on that season.

Smithson, who now is a Top 24 finalist on Season 7, has shed many tears already on the emotional journey to this point in the competition. But what some people may not know (or maybe you do, because it’s been fairly well publicized) is that Carly Smithson formerly was Carly Hennessy. And she recorded a CD for MCA in 2001. Here’s further proof, as if it were necessary. Plus, you can watch the video for her song, I’m Gonna Blow Your Mind, posted above.

This kind of exposure begs the question, is it fair for such a contestant to be part of the Idol competition? Does it really matter? Or are we all just interested in seeing some fantastic singers and musicians?

Personally, I don’t know what to think. Part of me is like, who cares? Smithson has talent, and that’s a lot better than being forced to see a second-rate performer Simon Cowell no doubt will compare to a karaoke singer or cabaret performer week after week.

The other part of me feels this competition wouldn’t have given such exposed performers such a chance during previous seasons. I mean, did anyone else have a full-on professional music video for their expected first single? I don’t think it’s happened before this season. That’s where I want to say, “Not fair!” Then, again, I would much rather hear the good singers battle it out — even if that puts Whitney Houston on stage against Miley Cyrus. (No offense to Whitney or Miley, of course.)

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Posted in Carly Smithson, Season 7 on February 14th, 2008

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2 Responses to “Before she was Carly Smithson”

  1. American Idol » Blog Archive » The David Archuleta debate Says:
    February 17th, 2008 at 10:24 pm

    [...] much like Carly Smithson, Archuleta’s past is being called into question by fans of the show. Until a few weeks ago, [...]

  2. American Idol » Blog Archive » Live blogging: The Top 12 girls Says:
    February 20th, 2008 at 9:47 pm

    [...] already one of the most controversial contestants this season. But Carly Smithson also has a powerful voice to back up her professionalism. The [...]

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