Rock Star Carly Smithson Headlines The State Games of America Opening Ceremony On July 30 In Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, June 30----- Powerhouse rock star Carly Smithson will be the featured entertainer for thousands of athletes and fans at the Opening Ceremony of the 2009 State Games of America on July 30 at the Colorado Springs World Arena.
The Irish-born singer, who captivated millions during her appearances on American Idol in season seven, has just announced that she has joined an exciting new band, We Are The Fallen, as its lead singer, with three of the four original members of Evanescence, guitarists Ben Moody and John LeCompt, and drummer Rocky Gray, as well as bassist Marty O’Brian.
The popular performer, familiar to millions of worldwide fans, lists her musical influences as Heart, Celine Dion, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ray Charles, Whitney Houston, The Rolling Stones, U2, Janis Joplin, Johnny Cash, and Annie Lennox.
Now living in San Diego, the Irish girl with a voice that packs a powerful punch began cultivating her rich, soulful style from the time she was a child. After moving to the USA as a teenager to pursue a career in music, she scored a record deal and released an album under her maiden name, Carly Hennessy, which never managed to gain mainstream acceptance.
Undeterred, Smithson continued to sing and eventually tried out for American Idol, season five. The judges gave her a unanimous pass to continue on to Hollywood, but when troubles arose with her visa, Smithson was forced to drop out of the competition. Smithson's issues with the Department of Immigration were eventually resolved, and she returned again to audition for American Idol's seventh season.
This time when she made it through to Hollywood, she was able to continue her winning streak, beating out the competition to earn a spot in the show's top 6, but was voted out in a controversial decision by fans. Since Idol, Carly has been busily writing songs and was recently named the lead singer for We Are The Fallen..
“This will be something special for the athletes and the fans,” said Colorado Springs Sports Corporation President/CEO Tom Osborne. “Carly Smithson is one of America’s most popular performers, recognized by millions of young fans everywhere.”
“We are grateful to our Opening Ceremony sponsor, AT&T, for its support and huge role in helping us bring Carly Smithson to the event,” said Osborne.
“We are thrilled to support the State Games of America, the thousands of athletes who are coming to Colorado Springs, and most of all, to be able to help bring Carly Smithson to the World Arena,” said AT&T Rocky Mountain region vice president and general manager Jace Barbin. “This outstanding performer will provide a great start to the Opening Ceremony, and we are proud to be able to support it.”
The Opening Ceremony of the Games gets underway at the Colorado Springs World Arena at 7:00 on July 30. Olympic freestyle wrestling gold medalist Henry Cejudo will cap off a torch run that begins that afternoon at the U.S. Olympic Training Center when he lights the Games official flame at the arena. The evening program includes the Olympic-style Parade Of The States with their athletes, a salute to the Armed Forces, exhibitions by the gymnasts of the Colorado Aerials, a performance by the Southern Colorado popular band, “Nocturnal Tomatoes,” a Pyro show, and an appearance by Colorado Governor Bill Ritter.
Tickets ($10.00/$5.00) at: www.ticketswest.com. Or call (866) 464-2626
A record crowd of 10,007 watched the Opening Ceremony of the 2007 State Games of America at the World Arena, when Olympic and World Champion figure skating star Michelle Kwan capped the evening by lighting the Games’ torch.
