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25/02/2008
Previous 'Record' May Wreck Carly's American Idol Dream
An Irish singer hotly tipped to win the American Idol talent contest has been causing a stir online after it emerged she has already been a pop star.
Carly Smithson qualified for the next stage of the competition on Saturday night, sparking an internet backlash after revelations about a past singing career.
In the latest round of the popular programme, broadcast on TV3, Smithson emerged confidently as the second favourite contestant to win — but angry bloggers could now ruin her chances.
Smithson — born Hennessy — who is originally from Dublin, moved to LA, aged 15, with her manager/father and was signed by MCA records for a six album deal.
The company spent millions of dollars on promoting her talents and in 2001 she released her debut album, Ultimate High, marketed on the back of a single I Wanna Blow Your Mind.
However, despite extensive promotion, the record flopped spectacularly, selling just 378 copies and recouping a mere $5,000 out of $2.2 million spent.
Despite this, Smithson won Best Female Singer at the Meteor Music Awards in Dublin in 2003.
News of her past has, however, sparked a torrent of fury and outrage online, with bloggers and gossips livid that her past is not being spoken of in the show.
Some angry American Idol fans are calling for her to be disqualified, while others have posted video montages on the YouTube website, outlining her previous fame.
In a video interview on the American Idol website, Smithson admits that she was previously signed to a record label.
Referring to her father, who left his job in Ireland and moved to the US to manage his daughter, she praised his efforts.
"He did actually get me signed when I was quite young," she said.
"It didn't go very well, but he put his heart and soul into it, he really did."
American Idol contestants are not forbidden to have had previous dealings with the music industry.
However, a previous contestant, Thomas Lowe, was disqualified last year when it emerged that he was signed to BMG Records when American Idol judge and the programme's creator, Simon Cowell, worked at the label.
In the past, success on the show has made Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood into stars.
And for many of the people who continue to appear on it, it is likely to help provide them with a spring-board to the big time.
(BMcC)
Carly Smithson qualified for the next stage of the competition on Saturday night, sparking an internet backlash after revelations about a past singing career.
In the latest round of the popular programme, broadcast on TV3, Smithson emerged confidently as the second favourite contestant to win — but angry bloggers could now ruin her chances.
Smithson — born Hennessy — who is originally from Dublin, moved to LA, aged 15, with her manager/father and was signed by MCA records for a six album deal.
The company spent millions of dollars on promoting her talents and in 2001 she released her debut album, Ultimate High, marketed on the back of a single I Wanna Blow Your Mind.
However, despite extensive promotion, the record flopped spectacularly, selling just 378 copies and recouping a mere $5,000 out of $2.2 million spent.
Despite this, Smithson won Best Female Singer at the Meteor Music Awards in Dublin in 2003.
News of her past has, however, sparked a torrent of fury and outrage online, with bloggers and gossips livid that her past is not being spoken of in the show.
Some angry American Idol fans are calling for her to be disqualified, while others have posted video montages on the YouTube website, outlining her previous fame.
In a video interview on the American Idol website, Smithson admits that she was previously signed to a record label.
Referring to her father, who left his job in Ireland and moved to the US to manage his daughter, she praised his efforts.
"He did actually get me signed when I was quite young," she said.
"It didn't go very well, but he put his heart and soul into it, he really did."
American Idol contestants are not forbidden to have had previous dealings with the music industry.
However, a previous contestant, Thomas Lowe, was disqualified last year when it emerged that he was signed to BMG Records when American Idol judge and the programme's creator, Simon Cowell, worked at the label.
In the past, success on the show has made Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood into stars.
And for many of the people who continue to appear on it, it is likely to help provide them with a spring-board to the big time.
(BMcC)
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Buying a used car can be quite exciting, with no shortage of risks involved. One crucial step you can take to help cover yourself is performing a VIN check. Much crucial information related to the history of a car is contained in a Vehicle Identification Number, and a well-conducted check saves man from costlier mistakes.
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27 October 2004
Sandy Row tobacco plant to close
Over 60 jobs look set to go with the closure of a pipe tobacco plant in south Belfast it emerged today. The owners of Murray and Sons said it was proposing to close its plant on Sandy Row with the loss of 63 jobs because of “a fall in global demand for pipe tobacco as well as rising costs”.
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Over 60 jobs look set to go with the closure of a pipe tobacco plant in south Belfast it emerged today. The owners of Murray and Sons said it was proposing to close its plant on Sandy Row with the loss of 63 jobs because of “a fall in global demand for pipe tobacco as well as rising costs”.
14 September 2004
Fast disappearing red squirrel on show at Fermanagh reserve
The red squirrel, an increasingly rare sight in Northern Ireland's countryside due to the success of its North American grey rival, will be on show for local wildlife enthusiasts in Co Fermanagh this week.
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26 February 2003
Newry consultancy firm set up in Manhattan
Newry City firm, First Derivatives, has taken its expertise into the financial heart of the US by establishing a presence in Manhattan, New York. The company hopes that the presence will give it a platform from which to further penetrate the lucrative North American market.
Newry consultancy firm set up in Manhattan
Newry City firm, First Derivatives, has taken its expertise into the financial heart of the US by establishing a presence in Manhattan, New York. The company hopes that the presence will give it a platform from which to further penetrate the lucrative North American market.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
