Becky's original audition on American Idol was in Boston where she was supported by Jessie (who did not sing due to recent throat surgery). Judge Simon Cowell praised her looks, but said no to her voice. However, she was let through to Hollywood by co-judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul. O'Donohue made it through to the final twenty-four contestants in the semi-finals, but was the first female to be eliminated from the show when she received the fewest votes on February 23's results show. They briefly appeared on the American Idol season finale on May 24, 2006, via satellite from Birmingham, Alabama, as commentators during Taylor Hicks' cheering rally.