Carly Smithson (née Hennessy) (born September 12, 1983) is a Meteor Award-winning Irish rock/soul singer-songwriter, who was born in Dublin. In 2001 Smithson released her first studio album for MCA Records called Ultimate High. The album had little success, only winning two awards for Smithson, and Smithson was dropped from her record label in 2002. Smithson was a sixth place finalist on the seventh season of the television series American Idol and she is currently performing in the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008 from July 1, 2008 to September 13, 2008.
Carly Smithson auditioned for American Idol at San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium on July 30 and July 31, 2007. She advanced with a unanimous vote after singing "I'm Every Woman." Simon Cowell noted that he remembered Smithson from her Season 5 audition. In Hollywood, she sang Heart's "Alone" for her audition and received unanimous praise from Randy, Paula and Simon. Smithson was one of the first foreign contestants to make the Top 12 (along with Michael Johns, an Australian). Smithson was eliminated the April 23rd, 2008. Her final performance on American Idol was considered one of her best by the judges.
Smithson successfully auditioned again for Season 7 of American Idol and made the top 24. Shortly thereafter, articles appeared in the mainstream press, criticizing her selection because of her previous record deal. Smithson acknowledged her previous record deal on the February 20, 2008 episode of American Idol, and stated that the record label 'imploded'.
Smithson was eliminated after performing Superstar from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar on April 23, 2008. The day before she was eliminated Simon Cowell stated, "I thought that was the best performance of the night so far." After Simon stated that comment, Smithson pulled out a t-shirt sent to her by her fans with a sign on it that says "Simon Loves Me (this week)."
After Ryan Seacrest announced the elimination Cowell said:
“ I apologize for giving you a compliment last night—kiss of death, but let me tell you, Carly, you can leave with your head held high. ”
On the final results show Smithson performed "She Works Hard for the Money" along with the other Top 6 female singers. She also sang a duet of Box Tops' "The Letter" with Michael Johns. Later in the show she performed a medley of "Faith", "Father Figure", and "Freedom! '90" by George Michael along with the other Top 12 finalists. She also participated in the group number that opened the show, "Get Ready," along with the other 11 finalists from American Idol (season 7).
Smithson's fanbase names while on the show were the "Fighting Irish", the "Smithsonians", and "Carly's Clovers".