I’ve only watched one episode of American Idol, but I understand it’s fairly popular with the young people. This season has undergone some criticism for some of its performers already having record deals.
But I as I found out today, record deals don’t necessarily mean that they’re professionals. Carly Smithson (née Hennessy) had an album out in 2001 that sold 378 copies (that’s right – 378, after $2 million in production and marketing). Local bands from DC can sell that much at one show. It’s no wonder record companies are in trouble. I have no idea what she sounds like now, but here’s Carly from 2001 with “I’m Gonna Blow Your Mind”: