American Idol: It's Time to Say Goodbye to Carly Smithson

On the heels of, arguably, her best performance during her stint on American Idol, Carly Smithson was eliminated. Much like Michael Johns it was a shocker. However at this point someone has to go.

This week, one of Broadway's most prolific composers of musical theater, Andrew Lloyd Webber favored the American Idol 6 with the benefit of his ministrations. While Carly was all set to sing "All I Ask of You," from Phantom of the Opera. Andrew Lloyd Webber suggested that she sing "Jesus Christ Superstar". It was an inspired choice and a spectacular performance. If I might be so bold as to say, she brought the house down. Unlike in some of her past performances, where she appeared distracted, she was fully present and seemed to genuinely enjoy herself. Her joy was evident. Sadly it wasn't enough to keep her on the show. However, for the Idols that crack the Top 10, elimination is not the end of the road.

Smithson, the beautiful, dark haired Irish lass took Idol by storm with her great vocals and fun personality. She made us believe she could win the whole thing. Putting talk of her previous record deal behind her she settled in to American Idol, handily making it through to Hollywood week. However, a series of musical missteps and fashion miscues coupled with poor song choices seemed to trip Carly up. During Mariah Carey week her performance wasmerely ok and even she seemed resigned to her elimination. Turns out the voters weren't ready to let her go yet. With her performance on Tuesday, she proved she still has the goods, and seemed set to stake her claim on a spot in the Top 3. However, her rally was not enough to stave off elimination for another week. I only wish she could have approached her earlier performances with the same aplomb she delivered last night.

While my money was on Brooke to be sent home, I realize that American Idol is as much about the fan base as it is about talent. Paula seemed adamant about the starting and stopping but I find myself siding with Simon on this one. While Brooke is talented, that is not her best feature. She brings level of caring and humanity to the show. She appears genuinely shaken up when her fellow Idols are ousted. I suppose it could all be an act on her part but it doesn't seem that way. She seems altogether human and so having the chutzpah to start and stop makes sense for Brooke.

The bottom line is that the end came for Carly tonight. However, it's no reason to pull out the hankies and go all snotty. Carly has massive talent and no doubt the hard won lessons of American Idol will serve her well. I am sure we will Carly Smithson's name up in lights in the very near future. She is already part of the American Idol Tour which will be coming to city near you. Despite being eliminated, the future looks bright for Carly.