Carly Smithson - Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Happy St. Patrick's Day from American Idol's Carly Smithson!
Carly Smithson was born in Ireland, but now lives in San Diego. She manages a tattoo shop with her husband.
In 2001, Carly Smithson signed a major recording contract with MCA Records during the time Randy Jackson (the judge) was the VP of A & R.
Carly Smithson's debut CD "Ultimate High" was a high-profile flop as documented in a front page article by the Wall Street Journal. MCA Records reportedly spent $2.2 million on producing and promoting her album but it sold only 378 copies when it was released. Because of fan outrage, Carly Smithson was forced to come clean with her past record contract during the show -- after American Idol initially portrayed her as a singer coming back into the show due to visa issues only. However, Carly Smithson lied when she said that her recording contract "didn't work out because the record company imploded". In fact, MCA Records -- which has signed major artists such Mary J. Blige, Alice Cooper, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Elton John, etc. -- was absorbed by Geffen Records 2 years after Carly Smithson CD was release -- so to imply that a major label like MCA Records being absorbed by another company was the reason for her CD failing is a flat out lie.
Carly Smithson worked with some prominent artists on "Ultimate High", namely Sheryl Crow who co-wrote one of the songs, Shiela E (the drummer) and Danielle Brisebois -- who composed "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield. Brisebois who is very close to Carly Smithson and treats her as a sister also composed (and performed in an unreleased CD) "Just Missed The Train" which Carly Smithson recorded on her album, which in turn was recorded by Kelly Clarkson -- the first American Idol. Carly Smithson had worked with many artists before American Idol existed. These artists also work with American Idol alumni today. Carly Smithson is not an unknown to people on American Idol, and if the conspiracy theorists are to be believed, is an insider using American Idol to bolster her popularity for an already predestined recording contract. [END RICKEYBOT]
Carly Smithson fans (The Rickey Smiths!) on Rickey.org
Carly Smithson audition
Carly Smithson -- Crazy on You (on iTunes)
Carly Smithson -- I Drove All Night (on iTunes)
Carly Smithson -- Shadow of Your Smile (on iTunes)
Good News! Carly Smithson's debut album "Ultimate High" is now available! Ultimate High on amazon.com