22 January 2013

22 January 2013 - Carly (Smithson) Hennessy - I'm Gonna Blow Your Mind / We Are The Fallen - Bury Me Alive

The Season Seven 6th place finisher was an Irish woman named Carly Smithson.  She has a huge voice and a great personality, but she came with a couple of controversies.

First off, there was the album Ultimate High.  This was an album that Carly recorded, under her maiden name, for MCA Records.  It bombed spectacularly - $2 million was spent on the album, but it sold less than 400 copies.  Really, it's because MCA didn't know how to market Carly in a world dominated by Shania Twain.  Still, this song, from that album that eventually got a sales bump with a post-Idol reissue, isn't half bad, and her strong voice and personality shine through.

 

Since Idol, Carly has taken on lead vocals for the band We Are The Fallen.  They aren't really all that much different than Evanescence, but at least her label knows how to market her now.  This genre suits her better.



I mentioned two controversies.  Season 7 was the 2nd time Carly wowed the judges.  The first time was Season 5.  Sadly, immigration laws, and issues with her work visa, prevented her from progressing in the competition   Here is her Season 5 audition.  Notice how all three judges love her.



And, in Season 7, she was using her married name.  And owned up 100% to her Season 5 issues.  But not her prior label signing.  Again, she sang "I'm Every Woman:, and again, the judges were impressed.



And, to wrap it all up, here she is, doing "Jesus Christ Superstar" on the show.  I've been waiting a very long time to post this one.  Just a huge performance!!!!!!!

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