Yesterday, my colleague Shirley Halperin wrote a PopWatch item asking how professional is too professional when it comes to American Idol contestants (a topic also Read the full post.
Jan 18
2008
03:54 PM ET
Does rumored 'Idol' hopeful Carly Hennessy have superstar potential?
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I was one of the few who purchased Carly Hennessy’s album, “Ultimate High”, so in a way, I guess you could consider me a fan. I’m surprised she’s turning up on AI as an “undiscovered” singer. By the way, “Just Missed the Train”, which Carly recorded on that album was a cover itself. The original was written and recorded by Danielle Brisebois (who also wrote Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten”). I find it odd that they would let someone like Carly in, though, when they have a policy that anyone who’s been in the Top 44 (the day where they ride up the elevator to find out if they’re in the semifinals), such as Season 4′s Jaclyn Crum, are not allowed to audition again since they made the top 44, even though the home audience never got a chance to vote for them. So, I find it funny that I may have the opportunity to vote for someone whose CD I already have, but not for someone who has never been signed who the audience never got a chance to vote for before.
I happen to really like this song a lot. I lived in Europe and Australia/NZ and loved that kind of music. I think she can make it; after all, Constantine was on and he was in a band that produced an album. Why not her?
The only thing that might perturb people is her husband’s face for sure as it scared me AND that she is not American. She should have probably auditioned for British Idol….don’t know if she is a US citizen; maybe her hubby is which makes her a resident alien.
Go for it Carly – I like you…
Yea! I really, really liked the song! I like you singing style, it’s art craft, it’s her tallent, and mostly like anyones tallent not everyone is going to be impressed. But she and her band have a nitch, and I’m possitive if there is more creativity where that one came from the band and her will be fine!
It’s their show, why can’t they put whoever they want on it? It amazes me that people devote websites to putting the show down, all the while talking about the last episode…meaning they WATCHED it. Something they hated. And then talk a lot about how much they hated it and why. How incredibly stupid is that? Once again, thier show, they can do what they want. You don’t agree? Don’t watch. Otherwise people might be led to believe maybe you like it more than you claim…or you’re seething with jealousy.
I think the top 44 don’t get to go again because it’s their show, and they can do what they want. They don’t think people want to see people that have been on before? Guess what–their show, they can do what they want. I’m not even sure there are hard and fast “rules” to it. If there are, I bet they can change them at anytime because, you know, their show, their rules.
America is all about second chances. How many people who auditioned this year said that they sang for a living? (whether it be weddings or bar mitzvahs or what have you) I recall a number of people saying that, so should they be allowed? They’re paying the bills with music. So what if Carly had a record deal, she doesn’t now and she deserves a shot and America’s unbiased opinion.
I dont think she was good I think she was great in the video A great singer and the video was done okay. Could of been good as any of the top singers thats something I read about her.Im not saying she will do good now. I think she had a hard life that may of taken a lot out of her after all she is human.And folks try to say something nice once and awhile it will feel good.Remember none of us are perfect.
I swear she was brought over on a Visa just for this show. Simon certainly had his hand in this one.
Won’t vote for her no matter what. We have plenty of fresh talent right here in the USA.
Really hate all the professionals on the show now. I believe over half will be just that. It spoils the fun. I can do without the pimping too. It’s so annoying and unfair.
She was “good enough,” but there are far better choices already.
To Mr. Slezak, those who cant, write. I take your review with a grain of salt. Its obvious you don’t know the back story regarding Ms. Hennessy and the major screw ups the label made with her. Do your research better next time if you purport to be a “journalist” or “columnist”.
FYI, she’s Carly Smithson now…
I saw Carly in San Diego about a year ago at an awesome little Irish bar called The Field and she was AMAZING! To say the least her voice, style, and personality have evolved into something unique and beautiful in the last 9 years. I think she will definitely impress this season on Idol…stand by folks.
her hair looks amazing in that because it’s fake.
The song is pretty good. It obviously has Gregg Alexander’s stamp all over it, and she really sounds A LOT like Danielle Brisebois in the song, but without Danielle’s character. She’s good, but I don’t think she should be on Idol. Of course, the criteria for AI isn’t defined very well. Plus, I believe it’s more than you can’t have a current deal, so if that’s the case, a lot of artists I like could try out. Either way, it’s exposure and Carly will benefit from it. People will seek out her album and she could probably get a deal pretty soon. I think I’d piss myself laughing if she sang that song on the show, though. How great would that be??
The fact is, she was only 17 when this video was made. She’s obviously grown a lot. She meets the eligibility rules, and she’s an awesome singer. Let her have her chance. It’s not her fault that the show’s producers left out references to her previous career… Bo Bice had a successful band, Taylor Hicks was a working musician, Katharine McPhee had an acting career, Melinda Doolittle was a professional, and Daughtry had his own band. The only difference between them and Carly is the degree of earlier experience. I think she’s improved immensely from her teenage years, and I’m looking forward to seeing her compete!
The Idol rules if read state that a person cannot have a “current” record deal, there is nothing in the rules about former record deals. Technically, Katherine Hicks could try out again if she wanted because she is not under a record deal either (not that American Idol would allow it).
These stories about “too” professional are a waste of people’s time. Simply put, either you are currently a professional or you are not. None of the singers are under record deals right now, so they all qualify under the rules. There is an interview with Randy Jackson clearly stating that – and if people took the time to go to the rules page of Amercian Idol on their web site they would realize it as well. If you don’t like these former professional singers, don’t vote for them – and they will be out of your living rooms before you can blink your eyes.
Carly is a beautiful singer… If we are going to nitpick at people..
Here is a list
1. David A – ex star search junior champion
2. Kristy – Had a record deal which failed too..
3. Colton – Is a theatre singer
4. Ramiele – filipina singer hiding her past too.
5. Michael Johns – Semi pro singer as well
6. Robbie Carrico – Part of band/ Has Cds out too
7. Luke Menard – Has singing experience in a band also..
I could go on and on with people’s past singing experience…
Everyone is focusing on her and not the others……