The third day wasn't so fun. We were split into groups of three, boys with boys and girls with girls. We had three songs to choose from. I chose "Don't Cry Out Loud," and to this day, whenever I hear that song, I want to puke. I didn't want anything to do with "American Idol" after I was sent home. (Of course, that changed as soon as I received a call back from the producers to try out for the wildcard show!)

This season was different. Not only could the contestants use instruments during their first auditions, but they had a band backing them and that additionbrought out the best in some singers.

The first person who comes to mind is Carly Smithson. The 24-year-old from Ireland tried out for Season 5 of "American Idol," but her dream was cut short when her work visa wasn't OK'd. This year her hard work paid off. In fact, I think Smithson is the female to beat among the finalists. "You should all hate her, because she's very good," Simon said to the remaining contestants.

But even with a killer voice and positive comments from the judges, confidence didn't come easy for Carly. "If this doesn't work out, I don't know if I'd continue singing, 'cause you just get so hurt in this industry."

Turns out she had nothing to worry about. The luck of the Irish prevailed as a very emotional Carly was told she made the Top 24.

Next week, the voting starts up. A word of advice from a former "Idol" contestant: Hometown support means everything.

In fact, Ken Warrick, producer of "American Idol" came up to me one week and said, "You know, you do all right with the East Coast, but I'm telling you, once the mountains kick in, your numbers soar."

Thanks to everyone who ever voted for me, and be sure to vote for David Archuleta next week as the real competition begins.

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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.

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