Carly Smithson voted off Idol

Carly Smithson, 24, was the latest to be eliminated from American Idol, as the field narrowed from six to five contestants.

Smithson, an Irish bartender from San Diego, received rave reviews from judges Tuesday for her performance of "Superstar" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Jesus Christ Superstar." But she found herself in the bottom with Syesha Mercado, who also heard positive feedback for her rendition of "One Rock 'n' Roll Too Many" from "Starlight Express."

Although neither of the two were strangers to the bottom two, Jason Castro and Brooke White had the poorest-received performances Tuesday night.

"It must be a bit of a popularity week in the vote," Randy Jackson told Ryan Seacrest.

Simon Cowell apologized for his praise for Smithson, calling it the "kiss of death." He also told her she could leave "with her head held high."

But Smithson stayed positive after hearing the results. She thanked the judges and said she has a great time on the show. "I'm not upset that I'm going home," she added. "I had the best time here."

The tattooed singer's participation on the show had been subject to much critique due to her prior professional recording experience. Her debut album, "Ultimate High," released by RCA in 2001, was a flop, leading her to audition for American Idol.

Also during the show, President Bush and the First Lady appeared in a taped appearance, thanking viewers for their donations during Idols Give Back. The charity event raised more than $65 million for children in need.

Chart-topper Leona Lewis also performed her hit single "Bleeding Love." Watch the video clip of her performance below.