Carly Smithson's "American Idol" Elimination Blamed On Song Choice

New York Times:

Carly Smithson might be the first "American Idol" contestant to be voted off the show for blasphemy.

Online chat boards devoted to "American Idol" have been abuzz since Ms. Smithson performed the title song from "Jesus Christ Superstar" -- the 1970 rock opera, which many Christians consider offensive -- on Tuesday's episode. Ms. Smithson received the fewest votes of the six remaining contestants following her Tuesday performance. Her elimination was announced on Wednesday night's episode. The week's performances were drawn from the works of Andrew Lloyd Webber, who wrote "Jesus Christ Superstar" with Tim Rice.

Since its debut, and particularly following the release of the 1973 film version, "Jesus Christ Superstar" has been railed against by some Christians for its portrayal of Jesus as confused and at times unwilling to accept his role, and because it hints that he had a sexual relationship with Mary Magdalene.

Read the whole story: New York Times

Comments

[slobone]

Is it just me or is this a really lame season? There isn't anybody I'm that excited about, except maybe David Cook. I like Syesha -- and she keeps getting better every week -- but obviously she's headed for the bin in the near future. As for Brooke -- somebody please put her out of her misery! She only knows how to do one thing, and she can't even do that without taking a big breath every two notes...

[enoughalready]

I happen to think Carly was one of the top talents in this years American Idol lineup. I knew she wouldn't make it to the finals because she has tatoo's and she showed them proudly. Her husband in the audience displaying his tatoos, even on his face. American Idol has become a popularity contest not a talent contest. Chris Daughtry's being voted off early proved that. Talent gets you into the top 10 because the judges vote on your talent - after that - it's nothing but a popularity contest. If we are to go on true talent and stage presence, David Cook should win - any bets he won't?

[GeoNorth]

Once again, the religeous right has demonstrated their narrow minded bigoted attitude. Carly was dumped because she sang a 40 year old song about Jesus and, oh my God, what a sinner, she has tatoos.

This Sunday morning CBS ran a story about a soldier who is leaving our military because he is an atheist. The military has demonstrated that you must be a Christian or you are an inferior soldier. He is harrased for his beliefs. Yeah, that's American. How many Jews, or Muslims get a fair shake in the Army? Not many.

I don't know what in this song could upset these clowns. Could it be that it a rock song written by someone who doesn't belong to their fruity little club?

I do know that what upsets some Christians is any questioning of their beliefs. They take the word of clergy and refuse to think. They believe that doubts in faith are a harmful thing. Doubts are what make us humans. If we don't ask questions, we are not serving God. Did not God give you intellegence? Why then do they deny this? Someone said that religion is the opiate of the masses. Must be because so many of these people are mindless, by choice.

And the first person to say that America was founded on Christian values gets a kick in the balls. It was founded in spite of Christian values.

[KingGeorgetheShrub]

You did forget that Adam and Eve were forbidden to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge.

[AERO]

I'd blame the reason Carly got voted off is that she is really creepy.

[SonofKong]

Jesus is a lot like Elvis. I love the guy, but the fans really creep me out sometimes.

- MK -

[totalliberal]

Jesus was tall, thin and white and could easily be seen, even in the dark by the glowing ring around his head and outstretched arms. (I always wondered how he could eat that way.) Everyone knows this. And he certainly did not sing or have fun. How dare she suggest otherwise.

Evangelical Christians are the American version of the Taliban.

[ZenCrusader]

You make the error of stereotyping Christians. Such sweeping generalizations mean little if you fail to consider the many many exceptions to your narrow view of anyone who is a Christian.

[totalliberal]

I'm sorry, did you miss the part where I said "Evangelical Christians". If so, I said EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS.

[AERO]

Please don't insult the Taliban like that.

[piquet]

Even if this is mildly true...doe­s it surprise anyone?
This country has been taken over by a Christan-Taliban style of intolerance that WILL be the downfall of everything that was great in this country.
3 words..kee­p your gun

[Calylily]

Wow, whose idea was that to write this rediculous article?

Skip the cherade . . . their voting system doesn't work any more. Simple as that.

[jadez]

more proof that americans are the dumbest creatures on earth.

[leftbehind2000]

The fact that Americans even watch this wretched show proves they are the dumbest creatures on earth.

All this bit of, um, "news" informs us is that Ms. Carlson has no clue how to tailor her musical selections to the limited IQs of her target audience.

[totalliberal]

Next to the English, who invented the show.

[auramac]

Ah, yes, the Jesus Card. Now we must decide who to diss next: her, the competition, or the show itself. Or "those Americans" or "those Christians­."

I have the sneaky suspicion that Carly won't be back because she simply had less people call on her behalf than the others. No one calls to vote someone off- you vote for "your favorite."

The Red Sea did not part when Carly sang. Of the remaining candidates, the audience didn't "like her best." That's all. No conspiracy- we don't need an investigative commission to get to the bottom of this.

[arsphidius]

Absolutely what I was thinking, but you put it into words better than I could have.

[anastasiabeaverhousen]

WWJD. Who Would Jesus Dump off of this AWFUL show.

[bryand1]

American Idol viewers might be young enough and/or stupid enough not to know this ground breaking musical and its incredible score....a­nd to blame the singer for the song. What a joke. Webber should record her just to make up for this...tho­ugh it's not his fault that the viewers don't know the history of musical theater. You'd think they'd all done it in high school...b­ut never underestimate religious ignorance and dogma in America and beyond..

[arsphidius]

Public high schools are not allowed to perform anything that even hints of religion, like Jesus Christ Superstar or Godspell. My old school couldn't even perform Grease because it "portrayed teenagers in a negative light".

[MNmommy]

If there is anything to this, I'm sure that ALW feels awful since he was the one who suggested the song for her.

[rainydaypeople]

Good riddance.

[johnwalt]

My wife thinks Carly's husband and his facial tattoos are what sank her. Combining "JCS" with a very unconventional spouse might have done her in.

[ZenCrusader]

The husband was frightening. Plus the news broke that she has already had a record contract and has already had a break & entry into show business.