I think by now we've established that "American Idol" is NOT just a singing competition. It's also a popularity contest.
It's rather like running for student-body officer in high school. You have to have a lot of friends vote for you. In this case, it's a lot of fans.
This week, I think it's safe to say a lot of "American Idol" viewers were shocked to see a talented singer like Carly Smithson leave the top six — especially after she brought down the house on Tuesday singing Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Jesus Christ Superstar."
"It was one of my favorite performances of the night," judge Simon Cowell said. But, shockingly, the viewing audience didn't agree — or simply didn't express their enthusiasm in votes. Cowell even apologized for giving Smithson the "kiss of death" by complimenting her.
Perhaps that's why he's been so cold the past few weeks?
There is such a wide range of emotions that come over you when you hear your name as the one voted out.
For me, it started out as relief. I was truly ready to go home. I felt that, emotionally, I wasn't strong enough to stay for another week.
I told myself it was OK; that this is what I wanted; that now I could attend my senior prom and graduate from high school with my friends. As a 17-year-old, those were two things I was looking forward to most.
But as soon as my "goodbye video" came on, I couldn't hold back the tears. It hit me that a huge part of my life was over.
And looking over to those blue benches and seeing my friends smiling at me was so comforting. I felt lucky. I couldn't believe what I had just accomplished. I was also content with the outcome. But it was still all a bit surreal until I actually flew home.
Everything seemed different, not just that the leaves on the trees were green. I hadn't been back to Utah since February, and my friends and family also seemed different to me somehow. I had just been through "the craziest ride of my life," in Smithson's words, and now had to try and figure out what to do next.
Making it to the top six of "American Idol" was much further than I had ever hoped or dreamed of going — so it wasn't much of a shock to me.
Smithson's ouster, on the other hand, was a shock.
Fans tend to vote for underdogs like Brooke White and Jason Castro. Both had rough performances Tuesday. White even had the band start the song over because she "lost the lyric." Yet both were safe, joining David Archuleta, David Cook and Syesha Mercado in the final five.
But Smithson's didn't seem bothered by her elimination. In fact, she was, I dare say, the happiest contestant ever to leave "American Idol."
"I'm very proud of myself," she said. "I'm happy. I'm not upset that I'm going home."
Even Cowell agreed with Smithson's positive attitude. "You can leave with your head held high."
A FEW WEEKS AGO, I heard from fans saying, "We enjoy reading your column but would like to hear more about what goes on behind the scenes. For example, how much coaching do the contestants on 'Idol' get?"
So, eager to please the readers, I began to write. Little did I know I'd make quite a splash!
After a few read-throughs, I sent the column off to the Deseret News. The thought that it would be controversial never crossed my mind. It certainly wasn't my intent to offend or whine. That can be very annoying, and it isn't allowed in the Rasmusen/Herbert family. (My husband and I constantly remind each other of that.)
I wrote that the coaching "Idol" contestants receive "is not always evenly distributed." That's true. If you're surprised that reality shows aren't always pure reality, take it from someone who's been on a few. (Thankfully, most of you probably didn't catch my stint on NBC's "Fear Factor.")
But I didn't write that "American Idol" is rigged. That just isn't true, and I'm certainly not sour about my experience at all. On the contrary, I wouldn't have had half the success I've had without the show. I wouldn't even be writing this column.
And to Clay Aiken and his great fans, let me say: He deserves every bit of success he's enjoyed and more. He's wonderfully gifted and the reality is, I needed the coaching more than he did. I apologize if what I said came across the wrong way.
I'm just trying to provide insights that fans may not get from simply watching "Idol." I've enjoyed doing that and hope you enjoy it, too.
Utah recording artist and actress Carmen Rasmusen-Herbert came in sixth place during the second season of "American Idol." She wrote about her experiences in her book, "Staying in Tune." Her first full album is "Nothin' Like the Summer," featuring the single of the same name. E-mail: features@desnews.com