Carly Smithson

An Irish girl with a voice that packs a powerful punch, Carly Smithson began cultivating her rich, soulful style from the time she was a child. After moving to the States as a teenager to pursue a career in music, the singer scored a record deal and released an album under her maiden name, Carly Hennessy, but after it fell flat, she was dropped. Undeterred, Smithson continued to sing and eventually tried out for American Idol, season five. The judges gave her a unanimous pass to continue on to Hollywood, but when troubles arose with her visa, Smithson was forced to drop out of the competition. Smithson's issues with the Department of Immigration were eventually resolved, and she returned yet again to audition for American Idol's seventh season. This time when she made it through to Hollywood, she was able to continue her winning streak, beating out the competition to earn a spot in the show's top 24. - Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide