Carly Smithson Voted Off American Idol

Despite winning rave reviews from the judges for her rendition of "Superstar" from Jesus Christ Superstar, Carly Smithson was voted off Wednesday's American Idol.

The 24-year-old Irish bartender (who once had a recording contract) got a tad teary-eyed as audience members — including Little Miss Sunshine star Abigail Breslin and Desperate Housewives Josh Henderson — watched on.

But no one was more surprised by Smithson's ousting than contestant Brooke White.

On Tuesday's show, White forgot the lyrics to her song — and then miffed Paula Abdul by stopping and re-starting. ("You must never start and stop," Abdul scolded her.)

White didn't even make the bottom two: Syesha Mercado — who performed "One Rock N' Roll Too Many" from Starlight Express — took her place.

After announcing the bottom two, White ran over and hugged Smithson and Mercado, an Idol attendee tells Usmagazine.com.

Contestant David Archuleta (see what his dad had to say about being dubbed a "stage dad" here) whispered words of encouragement into Smithson's ear, the witness adds, and "got a big hug from her."

Abdul also showed her appreciation, hugging and chatting with her after her elimination.

See kid photos of the Idol contestants, click here.

Next week the remaining five will sing songs by celebrity mentor Neil Diamond.

Tell Us: Were you surprised Brooke didn't get the boot?

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