The X Factor Review

So far we’ve got 17 finalists, and from what I’ve read, they’ve got to be cut to 12. In the beginning we were told that the judges would decide which from their category would go home. Tough! Let’s hope they keep the best ones.

First live show, which is exciting! But not as exciting as it will be next week, when we can finally vote! And it’s also exciting because now, Steve Jones will FINALLY be on camera! I can’t wait to see if he’s as interesting and as good as Ryan Seacrest at creating suspense and making each moment different. 

The judges, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and L.A. Reid, came out of the stage and took their seats. Apparently they would sing by category, and the Boys were up first. 

Astro:

Was up first, you know, the annoying kid who can rap quite amazingly. I’ve got to say, the lightning, the dancers, the stage, it was fabulous! Huge and very impressive! So Astro rapped a song called “Jump” and I’ve got to admit… the kid is GOOD, at one moment I was sure he was going to run out of air or mess up the fast lyrics, but he didn’t! I’m sure that performance was enough for him to make it.

Nicole: I couldn’t think of a better way to start the live shows, it’s going to be an easy decision.

Paula: This is what you’re going to be doing for the rest of your life.

Simon: You’ve just come out on this stage, 14 years old, and killed it on this stage.

L.A.: You just made it tough on this guys, that was amazing.

Chris René:

The second act from the Boys category! I couldn’t wait to see this! Sadly, his version of “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” was a bit disappointing. I think he must’ve been very nervous, because he was pitchy all over in my opinion, his vocals weren’t too strong. Either way, his chances of going through are probably as high as Astro’s.

Nicole: I don’t know if I would’ve picked that song.

Paula: Your voice is authentic.

Simon: You are one of the best recording artists in the competition.

L.A.: I like unpredictable, you did a great job.

Phillip Lomax:

The one to prove himself. I like him, but he probably needed the most powerful performance to make it through. He sang “I’m a Believer”, his performance was entertaining, but his vocals weren’t too strong either. The most likely to be sent home.

Nicole: You were radiating, you had fun and we had fun.

Paula: You know how to connect with your audience.

Simon: You’ve got massive potential, but that song is too cheap.

L.A.: You stepped outside of your comfort zone, you’re just fine.

Marcus Canty:

The most unpredictable one in my opinion! I couldn’t wait to see what he’d sing! He went with “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me” and it was good, his vocals were better than the rest of the boys in my opinion. But his performance was so fast! I couldn’t make my mind about if I liked it or not.

Nicole: You were born to be on that stage.

Paula: You owned that stage.

Simon: You gave it everything I would’ve wanted if I were your mentor.

L.A.: Tonight you stepped up and made me proud.

So, it was decision time for L.A. Reid. In my opinion, based on the four performances, I would’ve sent Chris René home. L.A. said it wouldn’t be easy. The four boys were called back on stage. Astro was the first one to make it through. Marcus was the second boy that made it. Phillip Lomax and Chris René were really nervous. Chris René made it. Just like I thought, such a shame, I really liked Phillip.

It was time for the Groups to perform and Paula to decide which three would make it. 

The Stereo Hogzz:

The first group to take the stage! So exciting, this category is much more exciting than the Boys category for me. The sang “Try A Little Tenderness” and it was very good! I’ve noticed now that this show is definitely not about just singing, it’s about performing, and the performance did entertain and call my attention, I think they’ll make it through easily. 

L.A.: As much as I want to have some criticism, I have to say it was really good.

Nicole: It was current and classic at the same time.

Simon: It was a great mix of retro and current.

Paula: You made me proud.

The Brewer Boys:

The second group to take the stage! The song was “Rich Girl”, this was a very cute performance, very fun and nice. This boys are definitely talented, they sing in tune, and they can play their guitars awesomely. I just don’t think they’re commercial enough to make it.

L.A.: I don’t know if I was blown away, but it was very good.

Nicole: If I was a teenager again I would have you all over my walls.

Simon: I think that you’ve progressed. It didn’t shine.

Paula: I think you nailed it and you have a unique sound, I’m very proud of you.

InTENsity:

The biggest group was next, I couldn’t wait! Their last performance was so good, it gave my very high expectations! And it definitely didn’t disappoint, their performance of “Footloose” was fantastic! At first I thought throwing 10 kids together was a mistake, but now I see that they have great chemistry! I read somewhere that they are The X Factor’s version of Glee, and I can see that too, which is great!

L.A.: I feel you guys have grown together, great job.

Nicole: I hope you’re enjoying this, all of you are little stars.

Simon: That was the equivalent of a music miracle. I’ve got the new Glee in front of me.

Paula: You rose the occasion, I’m very proud of you.

Lakoda Rayne:

Another group of four girls put together! Four beautiful girls with beautiful voices! They sang “Come On Eileen” AMAZING, I love how this girls sound together!!! I think they’re still having trouble getting along, I can tell a little bit by their faces, but they’ve got to work hard it they want that prize. And they’re all very beautiful, the brunette stands out a bit in my opinion.

L.A.: l love everything about you, you did a great job.

Nicole: I know you’ve only been together for a short time but you seem like a family.

Simon: This is better than I could’ve thought.

Paula: You made me really proud because you, out of all the groups, have a lot to prove.

Time for the verdict again, pretty obvious in my opinion. All the groups took the stage once again, Paula thanked them all and told them she was proud of all of them. The first group to make it were The Stereo Hogzz. The second group was Lakoda Rayne. The third group, InTENsity. I was very happy with the results, but I was sad to see The Brewer Boys go.

The Over 30s were up next. Interesting.

Dexter Haygood:

The most interesting act of all, probably, because he’s the most different one, the one you wouldn’t expect to see in this kind of competition. He sang “Womanizer” and “I Kissed a Girl”. It was a very weird performance, I didn’t really enjoy it too much, I was just a bit confused.

L.A.: Dexter, I think you found him.

Paula: I know you like to kiss girls, and you like it.

Simon: The combination of you, Nicole, Katy Perry and Britney Spears is like the weirdest milkshake in the world, but I kind of liked it.

Nicole: You didn’t forget the lyrics, yes!

Leroy Bell:

The oldest contestant! Exciting. He sang “Nobody Knows”, and he was so good!! Finally a performance were the vocals were amazing haha, he’s got the X factor and the voice. Love it!

L.A.: There’s nothing missing, really good.

Paula: Your voice is velvet, it’s pure magic.

Simon: I think you have one of the best voices in the competition, but you lack confidence.

Nicole: He had so much confidence tonight, you represent what this competition is about.

Stacy Francis:

The dramatic one! Haha but very talented lady, this was one of the performances I was most looking forward to! She sang “One More Try” and it was INCREDIBLE! She’s got such an amazing voice! The good thing is that she definitely didn’t go over the top, she gave just enough. And also, she looked gorgeous! Good one!

L.A.: I’m really proud of you! Really good.

Paula: Stacy, tonight you came out looking like a star and you told a beautiful story.

Simon: I didn’t like what you’re wearing and the song, you are a church singer. You can’t sell records like that.

Nicole: The moment gave you wings, I’m so proud of you.

Josh Krajcik:

The last one in the category, also a very interesting one. He sang “Forever Young”. It was OK, not a great performance, he’s got a good voice. Somehow I think it’ll be between him and Dexter.

L.A.: I love your voice and energy.

Paula: Your voice is my favorite voice that I’ve heard in the past decade.

Simon: You are the artist I fear, because you’ve got it all going on.

Nicole: That was so beautiful, your voice just ripped out into the air.

Once again it was time for Nicole to choose which 3 acts would make it. The Over 30s came back onstage, and Nicole’s face showed her nerves, she really didn’t want to do this. The first one through was Stacy Francis (Yay!) The second one through was Josh Krajcik. Leroy Bell was the third one! Dexter eliminated, it was a bit obvious. He was very confused, Nicole wanted to tell him something but Steve Jones kept pushing because time was running out.

Girls time! Finally!

Simone Battle:

Was the first one. Simone sang “Just Be Good To Me” and it was awesome!! It also seemed that her song was longer than every single song they had sang so far! Haha she’s definitely a pop star.

L.A.: I still don’t get it. Simone, I love you, it’s Simon I’m worried about.

Simone: You looked like a dive star, I’m proud of you.

Paula: I wish there weren’t that many dancers, I would’ve loved to see you more.

Simon: You made a show, you made an effort.

Rachel Crow:

The youngest contestant! So exciting!!!! She sang “Baby” by Justin Bieber and it was AMAZING! She rocked the song, her voice soared, it was awesome!!

L.A.: You can have a career out of music.

Nicole: I’m so proud, you were amazing tonight.

Paula: You can do anything you want.

Simon: You area a retro artist and a pop artist, you are original.

Drew:

Where did the “Ryniewicz” go?? I had just memorized it! Haha, anyway, this was THE performance I couldn’t wait to watch! My favorite girl!!! She sang “What A Feeling” just BEAUTIFULLY! Ah, I love this girl. Simple ballad, big voice. 

L.A.: You have an amazing voice, you’re the whole package.

Nicole: You’re my little folk princess. I would go to your concert.

Paula: You connect with an audience.

Simon: This is why I want to be back on American TV, to find someone like you.

Tiah Tolliver:

The one to prove herself! I think she’s good, but good enough to beat the rest of the girls? I don’t know. Her voice was flawless in “Sweet Dreams”, but her performance seemed a bit like Lady Gaga. I don’t think she’ll make it. 

L.A.: Great production. Congratulations to you.

Nicole: You looked fierce and I’m very proud of you.

Paula: If you want to work on this world, you have to work on your pitch.

Simon: I thought you did great, well done.

Melanie Amaro:

The best singer of the competition, no doubt. She sang “I Have Nothing”and it was good, though I’ve heard much better versions of this song. Surely, she’ll be in the Top 12 acts.

L.A.: You were unbelievable. You nailed it.

Nicole: I just connect with you every time, I’m so grateful that you’re on the show.

Paula: I’m so grateful that Simon brought you back.

Simon: Melania you’re great, now I’ve got to make the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make.

And definitely a hard decision, two girls to go home. They were called back to the stage. First girl through: Drew! She screamed so much, it was very cute! I’m so happy for her! Rachel Crow was the second girl! Awesome! Only one spot left!!! For Melanie Amaro! AH I was actually worried he wouldn’t put her through!!! But she’s there, so I’m happy. 

With these results, we finally have our 12 finalists acts:

Boys, with L.A. Reid:

Astro

Marcus Canty

Chris René

Groups, with Paula Abdul:

The Stereo Hogzz

InTENsity

Lakoda Rayne

Over 30s, with Nicole Scherzinger:

Josh Krajcik

Leroy Bell

Stacy Francis

Girls, with Simon Cowell:

Melanie Amaro

Rachel Crow

Drew (Ryniewicz)

I actually love the results, and I’m also going to make a prediction of how it will go. No explanations, just how I think they’ll make it:

12. Josh Krajcik

11. Marcus Canty

10. The Stereo Hogzz

9. Leroy Bell

8. Astro

7. Rachel Crow

6. InTENsity

5. Stacy Francis

4. Lakoda Rayne

3. Chris René

2. Drew

1. Melanie Amaro