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 springboard to the big time.