American Idol: Carly Smithson Has a Bad Night

Demetria Dixon
Demetria Dixon, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Apr 9, 2008 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
The first few notes of Carly Smithson's rendition of Freddie Mercury's "The Show Must Go On," held such promise. But somewhere along the way, it all went a little awry. Perhaps taking on a song of this magnitude by Freddie Mercury may have been a bit overwhelming. Right in the middle of performing the song, it seemed as if she became distracted and completely lost her connection to Mercury and the music. At that point, it was hard for her to recover. She made a valiant effort but the moment was lost and with it perhaps Smithson's chance at being the next American Idol. I'm no doomsayer. I believe in Carly's talent.

However, I also believe there may be slight bit of confusion on Carly's part as to who she is musically. I feel that she fancies herself to be this rock goddess and I totally get it. The tattoos, the hair; I totally get it. But, there's just one teensy weensy problem, her voice is made for pop. No one is suggesting that she go out and sing teeny bopper Disney pop, but I would at least like to see her sing songs where she can truly shine. Maybe she could do a Lisa Stansfield star turn.

I am aware that some people look down on pop music as somehow frivolous. However, pop simply means Popular Music; the music of the mass of the populace. Pop music is the genre where fortunes are made. I may be completely off base with regard to Carly and her musical identity and I hope so. Even the judges seemed saddened by this turn of events. They, like I, realize that it is down to the wire and a slip up like this could be her ticket home. If,in fact, she was having a bad night, I hope she again has the opportunity to redeem herself.

Published by Demetria Dixon

I am a stand up comedian and a writer. I have committed myself to this path and opened myself to the future. I plan to eat, sleep, breath and be it.  View profile

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  • Terry4/10/2008

    I would love it if she went home. Enough with the angry face. (at least her tatoo lady on her arm is not scowling)

  • Anonymous4/9/2008

    cont'd.
    But Carly, my Idol IS my inspiration.
    Idol is her second chance. I hope she wins ! :)

  • Anonymous4/9/2008

    I don't believe she's trying to portray a 'rock' image.
    She just chooses songs that are somewhere to that genre.
    I believe she can become the next American Idol and one great pop artist.
    Was not a good night,
    I waited long enough through all of the other performances, and when it got to her I was very disappointed.
    The first half was great and it sunk like Titanic from there.
    But hey ?
    The whole country is declaring she goes home tonight. !?
    She has a bad night, she's been consistent all season, she's one of the frontrunners !
    Give her one more chance.
    America has given all the others one : (Archie's brainfreeze, Kristy's constant poor performances .. )

    This wasn't a good night at all !
    Perhaps it was a busy week for the idols.

    Carly needs to choose better songs. And when she finds the perfect one, America will be screaming for Carly to win American Idol.
    Hopefully she pulls it off.
    Overall, was not a good song choice. It didn't inspire me at all.
    But Carly, my I

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