Carly Sarah Smithson (née Hennessy;[2] born 12 September 1983) is an Irish soul and pop rock singer who was the sixth place finalist on the seventh season of American Idol in 2008.

After being introduced to former Evanescence guitarist Ben Moody in early 2009, plans for Smithson's post-Idol solo album were scrapped and instead she became the lead singer of the rock band We Are the Fallen.

[10] During the time that she was on Idol, reports claimed that her unfinished sleeve tattoo on her right arm seemed to be a drawing of Amy Winehouse.

However, in an interview after her elimination, Smithson clarified that it is a drawing of a Japanese Geisha, based on a painting that she owns.

Despite MCA Records spending over $2 million on the production and promotion of Smithson's debut album, it sold only 378 copies in its first three months.

Smithson auditioned in Las Vegas, Nevada, for the fifth season of American Idol and was unanimously accepted by the judges.

In 2007, Smithson auditioned again for the seventh season of American Idol making it to Hollywood, but this time with the proper paperwork.

After it was announced that she was eliminated, Cowell said: "I apologize for giving you a compliment last night—kiss of death, but let me tell you, Carly, you can leave with your head held high".

[7] Shortly after it was announced that Smithson had made the show's Top 24, articles appeared in the mainstream press questioning her selection because of her previous record deal.

This prompted an unprecedented reaction, with bloggers questioning the popular program's credibility amidst reports from fans of busy signals throughout the voting period.

[7][19][20][21][22] Whitney Pastorek of Entertainment Weekly mockingly called the show "America's Embarrassing Lapses in Judgment", saying "Carly Smithson was sent packing, despite a rendition of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' that Jesus himself would have been hard-pressed to top".

Smithson returned to Idol during its eighth season, as a mentor to contestants taking part in Boot Camp Training during "Hollywood Week," although this footage did not appear on the show.

She also appeared in the season 8 Grand Finale, where she served as a correspondent covering the events of the celebration in San Diego, Adam Lambert's hometown.

[27] Smithson served as a table judge in the stadium auditions for the fourteenth season of American Idol in Minneapolis, Minnesota, New Orleans, Louisiana, Long Island, New York, and Nashville, Tennessee between 18 June and 30 July 2014.

"[28] On 7 April 2016, Smithson appeared on American Idol's farewell episode, performing Dolly Parton's "Here You Come Again.