Carly Smithson Joins The Fallen

Former American Idol finalist Carly Smithson has teamed up with the band from Evanescence to form a new band named The Fallen. The Fallen, whose name alludes to Evanescence's first album Fallen, are set to release their debut single "Bury Me Alive," which can be downloaded for FREE HERE, on Monday, while more new music is to be gradually released every few months. Their music is said to sound quite like Evanescence, which is cool with me because 1) that's the kind of music Carly has shown interest in making & 2) Carly has those same powerful pipes that Amy Lee does. This is such a great opportunity for her & I'm pumped for what's to come!

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Carly Smithson Performs "Let Me Fall" On American Idol Extra

I sure do love me some Carly Smithson, so you can imagine my excitement when I stumbled across this clip of her singing "Let Me Fall," the first single off her upcoming album, on American Idol Extra. I say 'upcoming' album with a bit of hesitance because I don't recall ever reading that she got signed... but HOW? It sounds like Carly is making music that is the perfect cross between Kelly Clarkson & Chris Daughtry. I'm loving it!

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Idol Review: Top 36 Group 1

Now that season eight has officially begun, so have my Idol Reviews again! First up, season seven's Carly Smithson & Michael Johns performed "The Letter" together again on last night's results show. I love Carly & she showed this year's contestants how it's done ... cause do they ever need to be taught! This week, the first group of 12 hit the stage & not a single one made a good song choice. In fact, I'm really not jumping for joy at the talent overall this season, but I'll wait until the Top 36 is over to really get a feel for it. If I had to choose three people to advance this week (based on talent as well as their performances), I'd give it to Ann Marie Boskovich, Ricky Braddy, & Anoop Desai. I know those choices sound desperate ... & that's because they are; all of these contestants feel like second-rate versions of people from past seasons of the show. Nonetheless, my hope for this season dwindled even more when it was announced that Alexis Grace, Michael Sarver, & Danny Gokey had advanced to the Top 12. Let's just hope the next two weeks bring us some better talent (Adam Lambert, Lil Rounds, anyone?)

American Idol Finale Highlights

David Archuleta & OneRepublic "Apologize"

Syesha Mercado & Seal "Waiting For You"

Jordin Sparks "One Step At A Time"

Ruben Studdard "Celebrate Me Home"

David Archuleta & David Cook "Hero"

"The Love Guru" Skit

Jason Castro "Hallelujah"

Top 6 Girls - Donna Summer Tribute

Carly Smithson & Michael Johns "The Letter"

Top 6 Guys - Bryan Adams Tribute

Brooke White & Graham Nash "Teach Your Children"

Gladys Knight Auditions New Pips (Skit)

Carrie Underwood "Last Name"

Top 12 - George Michael Tribute

David Archuleta Guitar Hero Commercial

Overall, this was a pretty good show. There were a LOT of musical numbers, as you can see. Archey sang with OneRepublic ... & I kinda wish he could've just sung the whole thing by himself(!), but it was cool. Syesha was great, as always, in everything she did. Jordin sang as the reigning Idol & probably had a slightly difficult time hearing herself sing, but I love her anyway. David Archuleta's reactions to Mike Myers' Guru are priceless! (...Mariska Hargitay! lol) I also gotta give credit to Carly, whose talent was very underrated this season; I really hope she has a successful career because she deserves it. Lastly, Archey's Guitar Hero commercial ... kicks Cook's commercial's butt (no pun intended)!

Idol Review: Top 6

Above is David Archuleta's performance from this past week, which was, as always, the best of the bunch. Syesha & Carly weren't too far behind, however. Also, how THIS can get you kicked off American Idol is beyond me. Jason wasn't horrible, but wasn't particularly great either. Brooke ... wow. Awful. David Cook should not be singing that song (or screaming it, as he did). Hate him. What was good, though, was Leona Lewis' performance of "Bleeding Love" on the results show:

She made it exciting! Finally! Well, sorry for the delay on this--I think I've finally caught up though. Enjoy the Top 6 Ford Music Video below:

BONUS: Check out Carly Smithson on American Idol Extra & Live With Regis And Kelly (Interview/Performance)!