IRISH Idol Carly Smithson sailed through the first round of viewer eliminations on American Idol last Wednesday, February 20, bringing her one step closer to the prestigious title.Smithson, 24, fought off a bad dose of bronchitis early in the week but managed to blast out an impressive rendition of "The Shadow of Your Smile" which earned the highest praise of the night from Idol judge Randy Jackson."That is what the show is all about," he said before telling Smithson and all of America that the Dublin-born star was "the best vocal of the last two days, the best vocal of the top 24 . you're hot, hot, blazing hot." Paula Abdul was equally as impressed. "You have such tenderness - you don't even need to power your voice, you're that good."However, Simon Cowell put a dampener on Smithson's mood when he told her, "Everything about it (her performance) for me was a letdown."Smithson, who closed the show after the previous 11 female contestants performed on Wednesday night, took her feedback, both positive and negative, in her stride. She has advanced to the next heats, which take place this Wednesday, after which time two more female contestants will get the high road, as well as two male contenders.Tune to Fox this Wednesday from 8-10 p.m. to see Smithson perform live.