Does rumored 'Idol' hopeful Carly Hennessy have superstar potential?

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lizzie Thu, Apr 17, 2008 at 12:20 PM EST

Carly is my favorite, just because she didn't sound totally polished 7 years ago doesn't mean she can't bring it now. I think her CD is actually pretty good considering it is 7 years old. Her CD dropped on 9-11-01 so she really didn't have much of a chance the first time around so I think she, and the others deserve a second chance. Everyone does. I look forward to her second CD and more. I would most likely buy a Kristy Lee country CD too. With the right direction and producer, she could be very viable.

pifcat Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 07:59 PM EST

Carly absolutely deserves to compete and win if the voting goes her way. Read the RULES about contracts. Besides it's virtually a miracle if you find someone good enough to win without some training or experience. This year actually has substantial talent because of their experience.

About her citizenship, everyone immigrated here, probably even the native Indians. The American melting pot is represented on AI.

BTS_Aus Fri, Mar 21, 2008 at 12:31 PM EST

Carly deserves to be in AI. She's a great singer with a great range of voice. You could see it from the day she did "Alone" in Hollywood week. Google it in youtube!
:D

janet todt Thu, Mar 20, 2008 at 10:54 AM EST

Carly is a tremendous vocalist-perform & has sold herself over and over in each of the categories. Why Idols chose Beatles for two weeks is questionable. Bluebird is not as well known and a beautiful song, so what if Simon doesn't like it...SHE SOLD IT! WHere are the R&B, Motown, Broadway etc. catagories? Barbara Streisand isn't gonna sell Jagger??? But Carly can sell them all....she is versatile and at this stage of her life could sell anything. John Q public is too interested in the drama and locked into a music category by their age not by talent. Carly can sell any music catagory. Great range, tone, quality, stage presence, and most of all identifies with what she is singing in that fact can identify with you that love all phases of music. I to am a vocalist, musician ad wish I had the opportunities that are available when I was in my prime. So CARLY give it all you got GO FOR IT!!!!You will make it over that Rainbow...(tattoos may be beautiful but cause a distraction)
jan

janet todt Thu, Mar 20, 2008 at 10:51 AM EST

Carly is a tremendous vocalist-perform & has sold herself over and over in each of the categories. Why Idols chose Beatles for two weeks is questionable. Bluebird is not as well known and a beautiful song, so what if Simon doesn't like it...SHE SOLD IT! WHere are the R&B, Motown, Broadway etc. catagories? Barbara Streisand isn't gonna sell Jagger??? But Carly can sell them all....she is versatile and at this stage of her life could sell anything. John Q public is too interested in the drama and locked into a music category by their age not by talent. Carly can sell any music catagory. Great range, tone, quality, stage presence, and most of all identifies with what she is singing in that fact can identify with you that love all phases of music. I to am a vocalist, musician ad wish I had the opportunities that are available when I was in my prime. So CARLY give it all you got GO FOR IT!!!!You will make it over that Rainbow...(tattoos may be beautiful but cause a distraction)
jan

Jordan Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 10:46 AM EST

Ok... there has been alot of controversy of Carly being on American Idol... It cleary says in the rules that you can not have a record contract at the time of auditions! So if you had any earlier, it's perfectly fine just as long as that deal is cut off!! Now, in my personal opinion, I think that she is probably the best female vocalist on the show, along with Syesha, and Just behind David Archeleta for the top! Just because she has experience, doesn't mean she doesn't deserve a second chance!! SO INSTEAD OF TRYING TO GET HER KICKED OFF THE SHOW, actually listen to what she's singing, and don't just listen to what everyone else is saying!

John Wed, Mar 5, 2008 at 12:02 PM EST

Carla and little David stand out among the others.Thats my story and I am sticking to it.

Randy Craig Sun, Mar 2, 2008 at 01:53 AM EST

The girl can definitely sing. However, she won't beat David A. This young teen idol is going to walk away with the competition unless he permanently loses his voice! Idol is One Large Popularity contest anyway and NOT an actual singing competition. The good news is, EXPOSURE will help quite a few of these contestants nab a record deal regardless of how they finish and then the cream will come to the top.

Kamie Sat, Mar 1, 2008 at 09:38 PM EST

I think Carly is a good singer, I sure didnt think Taylor hicks was a good singer and he won. You never know who is going to win ai. I hope carly or david wins

Ann Sat, Feb 23, 2008 at 02:42 PM EST

Carla is good as any out there today.If it was a name singer doing the video you would flp over it.Give the girl a break she is a good singer.

nightengale Sat, Feb 23, 2008 at 01:42 AM EST

Carly = Boy George

GoCarly Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 08:35 PM EST

If this sucky song and video are any indication of what her album sounded like, UGH. She deserves another chance. If she bombs again, then she can become a wedding singer and everyone can shut up.

Pete Fri, Feb 22, 2008 at 02:36 PM EST

She has already had a recording contract with a major record label, $5k/month living expenses for 2 years, a new car, $100k paid up front. She's already had the prize given to her once, Does she really deserve it a second time? That's the question, I say no.

Amy Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 11:56 PM EST

I really like Carly and think she deserves a second chance. I don't think anyone but her and her record label know the "real" story of what happened and why her career didn't take off, because I have never heard of her, and you'd think with 2.2 million put into it more people would have. There's something that went on behind the scenes that we don't know about. Also, what about the people that tried out in previous seasons and made it to Hollywood but didn't make it through that, but they get a "second chance" to go again (like Danny Noriega, or Gina Glockson)? Should they not get a second chance because they had a shot at it already? Also, she has obviously grown a lot since she had a record deal and I think she deserves a shot to show us what she's got NOW, because Lord knows people change from 17 to 24. Anyone who thinks she stayed the same is fooling themselves. She's great. Deserves another shot. Enough said.

China white Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 07:24 PM EST

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......

Sam Thu, Feb 21, 2008 at 08:37 AM EST

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.

Kristin H Mon, Feb 18, 2008 at 08:19 PM EST

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!

KB Fri, Feb 15, 2008 at 03:33 PM EST

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??

heather Fri, Feb 15, 2008 at 02:53 AM EST

her hair looks amazing in that because it's fake.

Em Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 02:45 AM EST

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.

Monee Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 09:54 AM EST

FYI, she's Carly Smithson now...

mick Mon, Feb 11, 2008 at 11:42 AM EST

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".

susanna Mon, Feb 4, 2008 at 11:03 AM EST

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.

art Tue, Jan 29, 2008 at 03:04 PM EST

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.

me Mon, Jan 28, 2008 at 09:47 PM EST

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.

Sheesh Thu, Jan 24, 2008 at 02:11 AM EST

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.

Chris Rawlings Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 11:28 PM EST

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!

Denise Wed, Jan 23, 2008 at 12:50 PM EST

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...

Tim Mon, Jan 21, 2008 at 06:08 PM EST

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.

justin Sun, Jan 20, 2008 at 08:01 PM EST

I just googled the name David Archuleta. His name is linked to a youtube AI commercial in which he sings John Mayer's "Waiting for the World to Change" P.S. I do recall the young face.

AC Sun, Jan 20, 2008 at 02:42 AM EST

No wonder her name sounds so familiar! I knew Kelly covered a song that was already on another person's album but I didn't know that it was her! I think actually putting a cd out on a major label is being too qualified..other than that, I don't think that she would win anyways based on that voice. Also, the females that win on Idol have a girl next door relatability factor so i don't think people would want to vote for someone who already had a chance

Arnold Sun, Jan 20, 2008 at 02:29 AM EST

What is the matter with the Idoltry video? It works up until the part where they talk about Kristy Lee Cook, and then like the picture goes away, but you still hear the audio.

JamesB Sat, Jan 19, 2008 at 02:18 PM EST

The Archeletta kid that is also going to be on Tuesday night, won Star Search when he was 12. You all better get together to get him tossed off the show. Do it now!!!! So you don't all lose sleep over it. Hurry!!! Hurry!!!! Hurry!!!! They haven't even cut down to 24 yet, so there is no sure thing that she is even going to make it to where the public gets to vote.

microdon Sat, Jan 19, 2008 at 08:29 AM EST

Her voice is not bad at all. But the writer \ director of that video should be shot.

Jason Sat, Jan 19, 2008 at 01:59 AM EST

So... anyway, i did a bit more digging and found that the song actually dates back before Carly to some Norwegian singer, Trine Rein. But still... you gotta admit it's kinda cool that some girl auditioning for Idol and Kelly Clarkson both have debut albums including this melodramatic ditty.

Jason Sat, Jan 19, 2008 at 01:50 AM EST

The best part about all of this is that KELLY CLARKSON covered one of Carly's songs, "Just Missed the Train" on her debut album, Thankful. And I mean faithfully covered it. Slezak, you should check out Carly's CD. It's got a few great ballads on it... "Rip In Heaven," "No One's Safe From Goodbye," and "What I've Found" are kinda awesome.

Preston Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 11:54 PM EST

1999 was NINE years ago. The voice matures SO much in that time, so I don't think we can really judge her just yet.

I think it's awful that people have already decided to dislike her before they've ever seen her perform on the show.

JamesB Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 10:50 PM EST

She isn't that good. Her having a record deal is no different that Taylor having albums out. You all are just nitpicking and if it bothers you that much I am sure that you can find plenty of others thing to watch on Tuesday nights.

CathyEM Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 10:04 PM EST

I think what bugs me the most is the sense that the producers are trying to deceive us. We're not stupid, we're able to find out this background information on contestants like Carly and Kristy Lee and the show avoids telling us the full story. Who do they think they're kidding???

Sally Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 09:33 PM EST

AI is the best A&R development venue in the world. Nowhere else where an artists, pro or non-pro get the kind of care, tutoring, education, and breaks that AI gives the show. Give it props for taking unknowns who are lemons and turning them into lemonade. This girl Carly obviously didn't have the best "team" or else she wouldn't have failed. AI is her last change. Let's see how it goes for her.

nunya Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 08:39 PM EST

the lyrics to this song are so bad and cliche, i really couldn't get past them. as for the girl, her voice is passable, but she is forgetful. i want raw talent on AI who have never gotten any chances previously. elliot yamin is the perfect example. this girl already had her chance and didn't do much w/ it. why should she take the place of someone who, with equal or greater talent, wouldn't even get close to having a music video?

IdolFan Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 06:33 PM EST

She's good, but I don't know if I see her winning. Kind of Michelle Branch type voice.

daisyj Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 04:33 PM EST

I'm of two minds about this. On one hand, it does take some of the thrill out of it to be watching seasoned careerists use Idol as just another step in the standardized march to the charts, rather than novices thrilling at a once-in-a-lifetime break. On the other hand, better singers make for a better show, and the fact is that if someone is really that good, they will probably have had some professional success at some point. I am getting kind of sick of the parade of countrified blondes, though.

winnerspotter Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 04:15 PM EST

As I wrote yesterday, clearly, the litmus test should be whether the American public has any awareness of the artist...this girl is an unknown, and qualifies to raise the bar on AI. As for her voice, I think your hubris is showing on this one, much as I enjoy your columns and the rest and am grateful to you for your passion, because the girl has an extremely pleasant and interesting voice, nicely textured and featuring some very tasty phrasing. So I say: let the games begin!

Christina Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 04:13 PM EST

My answer is no. If you seen recent pictures of her she's seems like she might have a few screws loose. She's heavily tattooed now and is married to a guy who has a tattooed mask on his face. She's the girl in the preview that Simon says was better two years ago.I think middle America is going to be turned off by this girl and she will get booted early

Amber Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 03:14 PM EST

Why would someone who's already had a record deal be allowed to be on AI? That seems totally unfair to me.

flightjkt Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 02:57 PM EST

Five years ago, when the music industry began it's post-Napster freefall, the Wall Street Journal wrote a must-read article about Carla Hennessy - here is a link to said article:
http://blog.mattgoyer.com/stories/2002/02/21/popSingerFailsToStrikeAChordDespiteTheMillionsSpentByMCA.html

dsven Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 02:40 PM EST

Gringo, totally agree with you. They have to set some clear boundaries for who does and does not qualify.

It's just a matter of time before we see ex-members of boy bands audition.

myma Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 02:37 PM EST

I think Annie Lennox should try out, I would vote for her.

Gringo Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 02:08 PM EST

I know that there is another post that I should probably be placing this in, but I don't think this girl should really be allowed to participate in 'AI'. The show should still be catering to the total to somewhat newbies, not someone who has been through this much in the music business. I don't think having had a record deal that fell through (like Kelly Clarkson had) or being semi-pro (Melinda Doolittle performing back-up) counts. If you already have a manager and have had a MAJOR recording deal and had a CD release, I feel you're over qualified. I mean, at this rate, Annie Lennox is now able to audition for the show seeing as she is now without a record deal.

Jonathan F. Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 02:07 PM EST

She sucks.
But give her a chance, sure. I don't think she should get to the finals though. If that's her whole vocal ability, then hell no.

Mozz Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 02:01 PM EST

This is terrible. She's going to hollywood? why the hell would they do that?

cliff Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 01:46 PM EST

She's fine, but not the champ, I don't think. You can tell this was 2002, and the Michelle Branch/Vanessa Carlton train was still chugging along.

Sally in Chicago Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 01:15 PM EST

Wait and see what happens. A lot of Idols had hit or miss singing careers (Daughtry, Bo Bice)...Idol is the last chance for a lot of them. At the least it gets your name out there. She's OK, we have to wait and see. I read somewhere that her manager pushed her on the show as a last chance effort.

Gwen Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 12:55 PM EST

She'll be the shock elimination. Watch.

She's not that good.

bb Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 12:48 PM EST

She has a page on MCA, you can download her album from iTunes, and Yahoo Music.

Just google her, she's had her chance, she should not be on idol.

KAT Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 12:15 PM EST

Awesome. She has what it takes. I love her voice and range. she is sexy, cute, talented and a winner. She'll make it with or without A.I.
Carly will have my support for sure.

Karen Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 12:15 PM EST

Yea.. that hair is all over the place.
She has a good voice, but I don't think that it's all that special.. I've heard better on idol before. It will be interesting to hear her sing live as opposed to recorded with all the "effects"

Elizabeth Fri, Jan 18, 2008 at 12:13 PM EST

Here's where Idol is between a rock and a hard place: the show/producers want "to be taken seriously", like they've "found" some new talent. BUT: if you keep allowing people who've been dropped (for whatever reason) from labels, then is the show what they don't want to be: a popularity contest? Just my 2 cents, and sorry about all the "quotes"