This week on "American Idol," contestants sang songs from the canon of music theater genius Andrew Lloyd Webber. The field had been narrowed to six contestants, and each worked one on one with Webber to prepare their song. Carly Smithson, an Irish woman (now married to a US citizen) who had auditioned two seasons prior but had to drop out due to visa issues, had chosen the ballad "All I Ask Of You" as her song. Webber, however, felt that Smithson's voice was better suited to her second-choice song, "Superstar," from the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar." The song is sung in the musical by Judas and questions whether Jesus is real and credible. The lyrics are: "Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, who are you, what have you sacrificed? Jesus Christ Superstar, do you think you're what they say you are?"
The show's three judges agreed that Smithson's spirited, lively performance was strong and one of the night's best. They, along with many in the audience, were shocked when she was voted off on Wednesday's elimination show over contestants like Jason Castro, who had gotten poor reviews, and Brooke White, who had flubbed the lyrics to her song and made the band start over.
Some commenters on "American Idol's" official FOX forums expressed displeasure with Smithson's song choice. Today's New York Times even picked up the story and called attention to the controversial history of "Jesus Christ Superstar."
Many "Idol" contestants have been criticized in the past for their song choice, but that usually means they chose a song that didn't flatter or show off their voice. This is one of the only times a contestant's song choice put them in jeopardy not because of the notes but because of the lyrics.
For what it's worth, Smithson says she's OK with being off the show. "I'm actually not that sad to be leaving," she said in an interview. "I enjoyed every minute thoroughly, but we're back in two weeks to start preparing for the tour and the finale. So it's like a small break and I'm going to be back. I think I made enough of an impact to reach a good fan base and now I just get to be me without a theme night and make a really cool record."
Add to Del.icio.us
Add to Technorati
Add to Digg
Add to Newsvine
Add to Facebook
Add to StumbleUpon
Subscribe
Right. All this other stuff, and ALSO that Carly freakin' sucked. Like, sucked in an interfaith kind of way.
I am a Christian, and I seem to see more "ranting and raving" from those that are NOT Christian(those who blame Christians for "ranting and raving")than I do from Christians. They also show a blatant ignorance of what it really is to be a Christian. WE are not the intolerant ones. Uh, HELLO! Read the Bible--GOD is the intolerant one! He cannot look upon sin. That is the reason why he always required a sacrifice for remission of sins. And tell me--what kind of religion is it that is being touted here: one that encompasses ALL religions(a.k.a. "one world" or "universal" religion)? A "safe" religion that one can step in and out of at will and requires no commitment? A "god" that condemns no one? Ha! Go-o-o-d luck!
Interestingly,the voting public seems to have become lost in the concept of this show.
The goal is to narrow down talent and decide on who has the best chance to succeed commercially in the music world.(albeit with some visual drama)
The choice of the music to achieve this end should never become an issue based on its content or theme.
Damning a performer on the basis of your personal religious views is reprehensible.
The theme was music from ALW.
Carlys choice was recommended by ALW himself.
The quality of her performance should have been the only consideration.
Those that voted her out based soley on the content of her musical choice, have become part of a censorship attempt that I liken to the very era she sings about.
Shame on all those this applies to.
I sincerely hope the ASPCA is on high alert should 'Cats' ever become the next theme. ~RicBNH~
Most of what people have commented on is a bunch of ramblings. I am a Christian, but I don't go to church. Does that make me pond scum? Regardless, I love that song. Always have. She just sucked at singing it, end of story.
Carly thanked God for "this opportunity" in a recent interview.
Post a Comment
By submitting these comments, I agree to the beliefnet.com terms of service, rules of conduct and privacy policy (the "agreements"). I understand and agree that any content I post is licensed to beliefnet.com and may be used by beliefnet.com in accordance with the agreements.