Carly Smithson Elimination Interview

American Idol' Exit Q&A: Carly Goes Home

Why were you so upbeat after getting voted off?
We're all just so grateful for the experience; I know I am. I feel like 'American Idol' has given me such a gift, you know, such a platform to launch myself off of. And no more theme songs! I'm actually not that sad to be leaving. I enjoyed every minute thoroughly, but you know we're back in two weeks to start preparing for the tour and the finale. I'm going to be back.

Fox

Was 'American Idol' a second chance for you?
Everyone feels that its like a second chance but I'm not even sure if I had a first chance. I did get signed before, but it never really happened. [My first album] went to stores but it was never promoted. It just crashed beneath my feet. The record label imploded. I just like to see this as the first real experience that I've had. I've learned so much more with this and had such a positive experience.

Fox

Do you think the guys have an advantage over the girls this year?
The boys are adorable and I definitely feel the girls had more of a struggle this year, with trying to get the popularity vote. The boys are definitely charming the females a lot. And they're very talented too -- everyone's very talented -- but I think it was definitely a bit of a struggle for the ladies.

Fox

How do you think the two remaining women will perform?
I think they are both so different from each other as artists. Syesha has the whole R&B thing going on and she's got this huge voice. I think there is something so special about [Brooke] that she just stops you dead in your tracks when she opens her mouth. I'll still be there on the phone; I'll always be mom. This entire show I've looked after everybody.

Fox

Many fans think the final will come down to the two Davids. What do you think?
I have no idea. It's anyone's game. People have their favorites already. Castro could look into the camera and bat his eyelids and go into his amazing falsetto voice and Brooke could just melt someone's heart. Nobody saw Michael Johns going home. There could be another shocker. You never know what lies up the sleeves of 'American Idol.'

Kevin Winter, Getty Images

Do you think Simon was too critical of you?
I guess Simon just had a different idea in his mind. I'm not sure he really wanted me to be who I am. I don't think they liked the whole pop rock, Heart idea that I have about myself. I can't please everybody and he's only one person. He said that he truly believes in me and that he has high hopes for me. I think all of his criticism wasn't necessarily negative, he just really wanted me to do well, and I gave everything I could.

Fox

Andrew Lloyd Webber loved you. Do you think you have a future on Broadway?
Maybe! I have to say every contestant had nothing but high, high words about that man. He was one of our most amazing mentors. Every one of our mentors taught us something different ... but Andrew Lloyd Webber took so much time with us and really cared about every song that we were doing and every choice that we made.

Fox

What's the significance of your Amy Winehouse tattoo?
It's a geisha. It looks nothing like Amy Winehouse. It's just not colored in. It's actually been on my arm for two years before she even came out so when it's colored in you'll all understand. But it's so funny, even Andrew Lloyd Weber said, "Oh look you have Amy Winehouse on your arm."


Fox

What will you do next?
I'm just ready to make a record and just enjoy life in general and I don't know ... go to the beach, do the things I used to do in my everyday life. I've craved all the simple things I used to do in life. I miss my pots and pans the most. I really do. I'm like a kitchen gadget nut. I miss my kitchen so much.

Fox