We The Ghost • Straight Up

We The Ghost, left to right: Dain Samuelson, Matt McHan, Beau Tyler, Jocelyn Rowland, and Jimmy Adams. Not pictured, Calvin Berkenbile.

The generosity of We The Ghost seems to be endless, at least to those who love their music, and follow them. They recorded a studio version of Paula Abdul's "Straight Up", written and produced by Elliot Wolff. The song went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988, and made Paula a star. When I heard We The Ghost had their own take on the song, I have to say it brought a smile to my face. I knew the talented group would put their own spin on the song, and make it something special.

Guess what, they not only make it great, they also made it FREE! You can get your download from Bandcamp. To learn more about the band, you can visit the official website, 'follow' them on Twitter, and 'like' them on Facebook.

X-Factor Results • And The Winner Is...

Before the show began, I was wrapping Christmas presents to place under the tree, and was trying to predict what would be happening tonight. I was lost. I truly felt as though the judges were pointing us to a Chris René win, although I thought Melanie has been the strongest voice this season. So when the show began, I had no clear picture as to what was going to unfold on the stage. The show opens with the usual flourish of pyrotechnics and over-the-top music. There is video of the final three walking down the street in (I guess) Los Angeles, looking focused and driven. Steve Jones is the first out, welcoming the cheering audience to the show. Soon he introduces the judges, Simon Cowell, LA Reid, Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger. They come out to screams from the audience, and the bold sounds of Europe's The Final Countdown.



Soon, Jones brings out the first performance of the evening, the Top 12. It is interesting, but much like with Melanie, I seem to hear Jones' Welsh accent sneaking out tonight, making him far more human and likable. And that is something I never thought I would say about the handsome man. From the Groups to the Soloists, they all sing Lady GaGa's Edge Of Glory.



It was lovely to see some of the acts back performing, while others reminded us of why they left so soon. After a commercial break, we learn the Top 3 will be performing seasonal music, without the pressures of the competition. Melanie Amaro is up first, singing Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas.



Yet the judges still speak afterwards, all giving her big props for singing the song well. And indeed, she did. It was beautifully sung, and so filled with joy. Then Steve introduced a video of some messages from people who know and love her, like her brothers and sister, her best friend, and grandmother, among others.After Melanie was left speechless by the video, we learn Chris René is up next, and soon we shall learn who finished in third. HE comes out to sing Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.



Well, that was interesting. He did nothing with the song, really, and I thought he would add a little spin on it. But it was fairly dry, and not particularly on key. The judges, however, talk about him being an original, and his ability to put his own take on the song. I am a tad confused by it, but decide to let it go. It is time for Chris' video, and we hear from his sister, brother, mother, his son and his baby-mama, among others. Steve asked him a few questions, and he managed to choke back the tears and answer them. After the break, it is time for Nicole to introduce her act, Josh Krajcik. Josh comes out to sing Please Come Home For Christmas, a big hit for Jon Bon Jovi many years ago.



Josh does a nice job with it, and the judges are all rather sweet with him. Simon even announced that he thinks Josh will be selling a lot of records! Soon it is time for his video roll, and he, too, is reduced to tears by the parade of family and friends, including his best friend, co-workers, parents, and, of course, his daughter. Wow, he is a crying mess! Good for him. After a commercial break, The handsome host introduces the next act, Mr Popular, Justin Bieber, who sings The Christmas Song.



There was a surprise guest with Justin on the song, the immortal Stevie Wonder. Stevie not only sings, but also plays the harmonica! The audience when wild, and the four judges were on their feet. But Bieber immediately goes into a second song, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.



At the end of the song, he brings Drew out to sing with him, making the 14-year-old squeal with delight. After compliments flow between Stevie and Justin, we soon hear that next, we will discover who finished in third place. After the break, we are reminded by Steve that the votes will decide who takes home the 5 million dollar prize. Josh and Nicole, Chris and LA, and Melanie and Simon are called to the stage. Based on America's votes, the performer in third place is Chris René.



Chris is wonderfully gracious after the announcement. The judges soon flock to him, and offer him hugs and their best wishes. Steve Jones is soon trying to herd a cats, so to speak, and tosses to a commercial when Simon and Nicole have a tough time staying on stage. They go over the three shocking moments on the stage. This includes Rachel Crow being sent home, although they seems to have skipped over the part when Nicole was booed by the audience. Soon Rachel is out on stage with Steve, and wanting to take his job. She introduces the next act, Leona Lewis. She performs her 2008 hit, Run.



While Leona is singing live, we see some of the highlights of the season, from the auditions, to boot camp, to moments on the show. The judges are moved, and Leona sings just beautifully. Soon we are treated to a Simon Vs LA video, and there is lots of growl, though little real fight. Soon, Los Angeles Laker with Derek Fisher comes out to introduce the next guest, 50 Cent. He performs Wait Until Tonight, well, I think it was, since we seem to have a good amount of the first 45 seconds bleeped. There are plenty of guests joining Fifty, including LA Lakers and Astro!



We are beyond the 90 minute mark of the show, and have one result so far. Soon we are forced to watch a ridiculous and insulting cry-off between Paula and Nicole, and see that boys fight and girls cry. Ugh. Thankfully, we can escape that with a performance from Pitbull with Ne Yo, on International Love.



They quickly kick into Pitbull's latest hit, Give Me Everything.



They are joined by Marcus Canty! There are lights, dancers, and such big production values! Soon, we have the final two, Josh and Melanie, back out to sing a version of David Bowie's Heroes.



After the break, we are promised that results will happen. It happens, and Steve Jones calls the final two back to the stage. Josh and Melanie are joined by Nicole and Simon, to hear the announcement of the winner. It is Melanie Amaro. This means Josh Krajcik is in second place.



Josh congratulates Melanie for her win, a gracious gentleman. He is so very sweet. Soon Steve tries to talk to Melanie, who is surrounded by family, unable to speak. But it is time for her to sing, and she is going to sing Listen, by Beyoncé.



She is joined on stage by the other contestants, and she is overwhelmed in the moment, crying. She is a wonderful singer. That 19-year-old was, in my opinion, the best singer this year, and America did get it right. Congratulations to all involved.

X-Factor Final • Who Will Win?

The show opens with the bravado to which we are now accustomed, with high-charged music and video montages. We are down to the final three, and their respective mentors. Steve Jones seems to be in good spirits, despite leaked reports he will not be asked back for a second season. The crowd seems to be loving every minute of the opening, standing and screaming. Josh Krajcik has supporters at his high school, while Chris René has people at a nightclub, and Melanie Amaro has fans at her church. It is all down to the voting tonight, with no real input from the judges left for this competition, aside from their thoughts on the performances. The mentors offer up last words to the contestants before they turn over the show and the future to the artists.


Left to right: LA Reid, Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell.

Josh Krajcik opens the competition, coming out on stage with simple lighting and a smile. He sings Univited, by Alanis Morissette. Soon, Morissette joins Josh on stage, singing her hit song.



Josh has a nice start on the song, making a soulful and haunting flair. When Alanis joins in, she takes the song to another level, with a magnificent vocal showing. She pulls Josh with her, and lifts him to another plateau. This was a very nice performance. Chris René is up next, and he sings Complicated, the first hit for Avril Lavigne. He puts a reggae/hip-hop spin on it, and on the chorus, is joined by Lavigne.



I have to admit, I find it odd that LA Reid introduces him , starting with a pronouncement of 8 months clean. As if often the case, Chris starts off the song with a weak opening, having trouble finding the key. Any key, really. Once Avril is singing with him, Chris lays in a rap section that was good. Lavigne, who was in very good voice, was really stellar in her performance, and for me, overshadowed Chris. The judges are quite supportive, and seem to be willing to disregard the off-key beginning. Melanie sings the R.Kelly song, I Believe I Can Fly. We now know what this means, and who will be joining her soon.



Melanie starts off the song rather well, although there is a hint of nerves. Once she is joined by R. Kelly, the song takes off to another level, and the song builds really nicely. They are joined by a gospel choir, and the song ends with vocal flourishes from both, although, honestly, Melanie's are more on key. We quickly learn that is the first time R. Kelly has performed the song as a duet, and he is happy to have done it with Melanie. LA thought she was a bit overshadowed by R. Kelly, but Nicole thought that was because the song was sung in R. Kelly's key, not Melanie's. Paula is impressed by Melanie's conviction, and Simon adores her. After a break, we are treated to a performance from the Las Vegas show, Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour. It has another week in Vegas, and then starts touring.



It started with robotic disco balls dancing to Michael, singing They Don't Really Care About Us, from Michael's HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I album. Soon they are joined by Chris, Melanie and Josh, who sing a little, dance a step or two, but mainly, stay out of the way of the mirror-bots.

After another break, it is time for Josh to sing his second, and final song of the night. After a tape to remind us all of his back story, Josh comes out with an acoustic guitar to sing At Last, the great Etta James song sung at his first audition.



It was a nice cover, well done. While Josh didn't blow me away, he didn't turn me away, either. And, thus far, no one has blown me away yet. However, the judges loved it, and are unanimous in their praise. Perhaps it was more dynamic in person. (And it does give me pause that only last week, it was announced Ms. James is now terminally ill. Very sad.) Next up, we have Chris, who, according to his mentor, will have a defining moment for his career. His video roll reminds us of his addiction issues, and how he is still clean today. He is there to sing Young Homie, also his audition song, an original song written by Chris.



He does a good job with it, and the judges start to fall all over him, including Paula's constant chant of "Vote! Vote! Vote!" They are truly getting behind Chris as an artist, and a seeming favorite to win. The talk has brought the the crowd to a frenzy. After a break, it is time to be reminded about the story of Melanie Amaro, how Simon sent her home, how he brought her back, and the discovery of her Island accent. She comes out to the stage to sing Listen, Beyoncé's hit from Dreamgirls.



Once again, Melanie has no problems singing the song that was her audition piece. She has the big voice, and the vocal range. That was a fantastic performance. Again, the judges fall all over themselves to say how great Melanie is. It was a beautiful performance, to be sure. I will say, there was something about them bringing back the audition songs that was a tad underwhelming. It left me without a "wow" moment, for we had heard and seen all that before. Give me something new, let them blow me away.

So, who will win? I have no clue. If I were to read the judges tonight, I would say it is going to be Chris René, or maybe Melanie Amaro. They seem to be so tepid with their praise for Josh Krajcik, I would think he is not there. However, with these shows, you never can tell, and I could be reading too much into the mentor's comments. But I feel as though the momentum has been moving in Chris' direction in the last few weeks. But I am just trying to guess the pulse of America, which I often get very wrong. So the only way to be sure is to watch the results tomorrow night, Thursday, December 22, on Fox at 8PM, the winner to be announced by 10PM. Guest stars include Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey, surely there to sing Christmas releases.

X-Factor Results • No Diggity For Someone

Clockwise: Marcus Canty; Melanie Amaro, Chris René, and Josh Krajcik; .

We are reminded of the eight performances from the four contestants last night, as well as the judges comments. The first few minutes are all "sturm und drang," with the music and lighting effects that bring to mind high drama. After the judges are introduced, we hear there were 30 million votes placed last night. With that, he brings out the contestants to perform a mash-up of the following two songs. They start with Blackstreet's 1996 hit, No Diggity, and use Tears For Fears 1984 hit, Shout, as a chorus of sorts.





Soon, we again revisit last night, checking in on each song, and judge's spat. We check in with the judges, and Paula pulls out Chris René and Josh Krajcik as the high points, and adds Melanie Amaro on Feeling Good. Nicole agrees, and LA admits to being a bit nervous, fearful he might loose a boy tonight. After a commercial break, Steve Jones introduces Florence And The Machine to sing Spectrum from the album Ceremonials.



Florence Welch is in exceptional voice, and puts on quite a show. It was wonderful. But soon it is back to the competition, and Paula leads everyone on a comparison of the remaining acts. Marcus is thought of as the Entertainer, while Chris René is the original. Josh has a voice made for Pop/Rock/Soul music, and Melanie has a voice like honey. Both are radio-ready. Steve Jones calls them on stage. We are reminded there is no competition tonight, the top-three vote-getters go to the finals. The first act through to the finals is Chris René. The second act through is Melanie Amaro. That leaves two to fill in the remaining spot in next week's finals, and an obvious chance to take a commercial break.

When we come back from the break, The introduce Nicole to sing her latest single, Pretty. Well, I can't find a video of this anywhere. It is from the album Killer Love.



She gyrates and contorts on the stage, but not enough to distract from the rather pedestrian vocal delivery. She is quite happy, and Simon makes fun of her critiques in a rather amusing way. But I am bored, and ready to move on. Thankfully, they bring on another commercial. We come back to Steve Jones, with his rather innocuous cardboard delivery on everything, to discover that Melanie and Chris are excited and grateful to be through to the finals. So Marcus and Josh are back with their mentors, LA and Nicole. The person making it to the finals next week is Josh Krajcik. This means Marcus is finally heading home. He says it isn't the end, despite what the track record of reality television talent is.



So next week is the final performances, featuring Chris René, Melanie Amaro, and Josh Krajcik, will be next Wednesday, December 21, on your local Fox station.

X-Factor Top 4

Clockwise: Boyz II Men; Sugar Ray; Mariah Carey; the Beatles; Jeff Buckley; Nina Simone; Alicia Keys; and George Michael.

It is time for the semifinals, and we start with a recap of last week, including the audience booing Nicole, and the headlines that followed. Paula reminds us that last week was a shocker, and that there could be another coming. We are reminded that there are only four contestants left, two boys, one girl, and one over 30 act. They are also going to try to do the Pepsi Challenge again, which failed last week because of a problem in voting. Apparently, it all went okay this week. American voted on the song they wanted the contestants to sing, and it will be the first song of the night for the Top 4. We are also told there is no judge's involvement this week, and the Top 3 will be going through to the finals next week. Steve Jones talks to Nicole, who tries to bring God into the equation. I am confused. The first up is LA's first performer, Marcus Canty, who sings the Boyz II Men Classic, I'll Make Love To You.



Well, it was another karaoke-like performance to me, once again highlighting for me that Marcus sounds like he is singing 90s revivals, not the music of today. And also how much his voice suffers in comparison to the great sound of Boyz II Men. Nicole mentions his sexiness, and his great performance. Paula thought it was okay. Simon that it was okay, just thought the production was wrong. LA thought it was great, and showed why he survived the bottom so often. Chris René is up next, and he gets to sing Fly, by Sugar Ray.



Hey, it wasn't a great song, and his vocals were unexceptional. I mean, when you are outsung by Mark McGrath on his 1997 hit, there is an issue. Nicole and Paula thinks he was wonderful on it, and sounded like a winner. Simon thought it was a bit lacking in the vocals, and hopes he steps up on the next song. So it is time for Melanie Amaro. She is singing Hero, the mega-hit by Mariah Carey.



She is in top form, and sounds glorious. The song is a rather predictable choice, but it was voted on my America. LA thought it started badly, but took off. Nicole and Paula thinks she sounded incredible, although Paula thought the arrangement lacked the soaring quality of the original. It allowed to mention that it was original, not the karaoke quality of some. Soon it was Josh Krajcik's turn. He takes on another Beatles song, Come Together.



It is the best Josh has sounded in several weeks, but I do feel like his take on the song could have used a little bit of lightness, just a dash of joy. It got just a bit bogged down in the blues, at least for me. Still, it was good. So it is time to hear everyone again, and it is Marcus Canty to lead off the second round. He sings George Michael's Careless Whisper.



Okay, this was so bad on so many levels. First, the songs sits in a terrible part of Marcus' voice, and it just sounded bad. Also, to take the beautiful song, and make it a mid-tempo dance mix. Marcus fought the beat on the song, and muddled it up even more. Nicole and Paula loved it, but Simon hated it. LA tried to downplay Simon's comments, but they rang pretty true to me. Moving on, it is once again time to Chris René. He comes out singing No One by Alicia Keys.



It is a nice performance, even if the vocals are reed thin. But he holds up stylistically, with his reggae/dance beat. The judges are unanimous in their adoration of him. He seems to be a frontrunner for the win. After a commercial, Melanie Amaro is coming out for her final performance of the semifinals. She is singing Feeling Good, originally from the Broadway show The Roar of the Greasepaint - The Smell of the Crowd. There were notable recordings by Nina Simone and Muse.



Holy smokes, she just laid that one down. That was a wonderful performance, a brilliant vocal. The range was great, and the emotional support was right on the mark. So far, that was the best of the night, by far. And for the performance, she receives superlatives across the board, including from LA, who was trash-talking before the performance. That leaves the final in the Semifinals, Josh Krajcik. He sings Leonard Cohen's brilliant and oversung Hallelujah.



Well, I have to say, it was a nice version, but rather unspectacular. I could name far too many versions of that song that were much better. That song has been sung by many, and when you take it on, you need to add something new to it. I didn't think he did. LA also thought it was lacking, and a tearful Paula starts in on LA. Simon agrees with Paula, and I am shocked. Nicole acts a fool, like she won by getting Simon's approval. Jesus, grow up, Nicole.

So, for me, Melanie is the clear winner this evening. She had two great performances, and was in beautiful voice tonight. Josh and Chris are battling it out for the middle, and Marcus was not very good. But then again, I've said that about Marcus for several weeks now, and he keeps surviving. Will he beat the odds again and make it to the finals? Tune in Thursday night at 8PM on Fox to find out for yourself.

X-Factor Results • Who's Going Down?

The Contestants: Top Row: Rachel Crow; Marcus Canty; Melanie Amaro. 2nd Row: Josh Krajcik; Chris Rene; Nicole Scherzinger; Steve Jones; Simon Cowell; Paula Abdul; and LA Reid.

The show kicks off with an outstanding performance by the amazing and beautiful Lenny Kravitz. He performed Rock Star City Life from his latest album, Black And White America.



He brings everyone to their feet with a raucous and muscular performance. Then we get a recap of last night's performances, and we go through the panel to discover their favorite of the night was Chris René with his original song. Well, except Paula, who thought they were all great and should be signed by Simon... Like that will happen. Soon, it is time for the results, and the Top Five and the mentors are brought on stage. The first act to pass on to the semifinals is Josh Krajcik. The next person safe is Chris René. That leaves Marcus Canty, Melanie Amaro, and Rachel Crow standing on the stage, two of those three needing to sing for their survival.

After a quick interview with those last three, just to find out they are nervous, Steve Jones introduces 9-time Grammy winner Mary J Blige. She will be singing Need Someone off her latest album, My Life II... The Journey Continues (Act 1).



Mary J is a very special singer, one who can bring the listener on her emotional journey with her. She gets a standing ovation, not only from the audience, but from the judging panel as well. Soon, we are back to business, and Steve Jones interviews Josh and Chris, and excited pair indeed. Then it is time to find out who will round out the Top 4. The next act in safety is Melanie Amaro. She gets a hug from Simon, and then runs to Rachel to comfort her friend. Little Rachel and Marcus will be singing for their future, the final spot in the Top 4. After hearing utter bogus tripe from Nicole and Paula, LA Reid introduces Marcus, who sings I'm Going Down, by Rose Royce.



He gives an OK, and rather predictable performance. It is time for Rachel Crow, who reprises I'd Rather Go Blind, by Etta James. The song was also sung by Beyonce in the movie Cadillac Records.



She sings the bejeezus out of the song, bringing Paula and Nicole to their feet. After worrying if Rachel is just too young for this, she brings down the house. So it is up to the judges to decide who stays and who will go. LA says this is the toughest part of the show, and votes for Rachel to go home, because he is standing by his act. Simon votes to send Marcus home. Paula votes to send Marcus home. Nicole is in tears, saying she can't make the decision, despite that is a major part of her job as judge. She votes to send Rachel home, sending it to America to decide. The act with the fewest votes is Rachel Crow. She drops to the ground in tears. She pulls it together to speak to Steve Jones, which highly paid judge Nicole can't seem to do. As Rachel falls into Simon and Paula's arms, the audience boos Nicole. It turns out she might be too young to be a part of all this, but proved to be a bigger adult that one of the judges...

X-Factor Top 5

Left to right: LA Reid, Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Steve Jones.

We are back to the normal routine for the X-Factor, and only one act will be heading home Thursday night. There is still discussion about the judges from last results show, with little mention of the two teens that were sent packing. They will sing two songs tonight. The first will be a Dance hit. Host Steve Jones introduces the judges, and we get right to the action. Simon introduces the first act, Melanie Amaro. She is performing a dance remix of Adele's Someone Like You, complete with dancing robots on the stage!



It was a bit of a risk, but she laid it down, and was fantastic. Melanie has an amazing voice, and just gets stronger and stronger each week. It was unanimous, all the judges just loved her. Next up, LA introduces Marcus Canty, who has been in the bottom 2 the last two weeks. He will be performing Ain't Nobody, sung by Rufus & Chaka Khan in 1983.



Keeping it going, I find that to be yet another disappointing performance. Once again, I find his vocals to be thin and tending toward the unpleasant. So I am surprised and confused when the judges all give him props for the performance. So I will just move on. Simon is back to introduce his other act, Rachel Crow. Simon makes it clear she chose the song. She sings Nothing On You, made known by rapper B.O.B., featuring Bruno Mars.



As is often the case, she is a delight. She has an amazing voice for one so young, and a sweet, contagious joy. The judges all love her. Next up, Nicole gives the introduction to her last remaining contestant, Josh Crajcik. He performs We Found Love, the first single off Rihanna's latest album, Talk That Talk.



For the second week in a row, I am totally underwhelmed by Josh's performance. I might add it is the second week of disappointment in his song choice, too. I just feel that Josh is better than he has shown lately, and hope he can do better with his second song. LA agrees with me, but Paula thinks it was great and shows versatility. Simon backs up LA and me, but Nicole gets all huffy about it all, forgetting it is about the contestant, not her. LA is back to introduce the final member of the Top 5, Chris René. He sings Live Your Life, by T.I. featuring Rihanna. I think it is his weakest performance in weeks. Totally disappointing after the advances he made last week. Then Nicole and Paula call it his best, and I am at a loss for words.



For their second song tonight, it was supposed to be the Pepsi Challenge, where the audience chose the songs. However, there was a problem with the voting, and the Pepsi Challenge will happen next week, with the Top 4. Instead, they are going to sing the song they picked as their "Save Me" song. It appears they only had 24 hours to get it together. Odd, were they only getting 24 hours for America's choice, too? Hmmm. First up is Melanie Amaro, and she tackles a Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston duet! She picks When You Believe.



Once again, she sounds wonderful. She nails it again, and proves to be the creme of this crop. The judges fall all over her again, offering little by way of constructive criticism for her. Simon introduces a good friend in the audience, Clive Davis. Next up is the second performance by Marcus Canty. He sings Leon Russell's A Song For You.



Once again, this didn't work for me. He over-sings the song, yet doesn't have the voice to finish what he attempts. For me, he tries to be Ray Charles or Donny Hathaway, but is at best a karaoke version of Bobby Brown. Nicole and Paula fall all over him, and I can't figure out what drugs they are doing. Simon calls is alright, but says he's likable, so that helps. Next up, we get the charming and delightful Rachel Crow. Again she chose the song, and it is Michael Jackson's Music & Me.



There is a little nervousness in her voice, but she delivers a lovely and nuanced performance. The judges love her, and she just glows. Next up, we get Josh Krajcik, who performs Something, the huge hit from The Beatles, written by the great George Harrison.



He does a nice job, but this is such an expected song choice, I kept hoping for more. He's got a great voice, but seems to get a little lazy with it. I wish his mentor would push him harder, rather than allow him to wallow. LA calls it good, but a touch karaoke. Paula thinks it is phenomenal. Simon thinks it was way better than the first. Nicole calls him the 'male Adele', which is all kinds of wrong. But I let it go, and move on. After he is introduced by LA, we see as Chris René is with Marcus and they get a call from the great Stevie Wonder. Chris performs an original song, Where Do We Go From Here. It started off well, and then he seemed to run out of inspiration on the song, and I got very bored with his meandering lyric. The judges all love it, and seem to be loving this song. Simon calls it "a stroke of genius." Go figure.

With only five acts remaining, the results will be difficult, indeed. For the bottom two, I am just not sure. I would have to go with Marcus, who has been in my bottom 2 all season long. I have to think Melanie is safe, for she was wonderful tonight. And while not a strong night for Josh, he has such a great voice, he should be safe. That leaves Chris and Rachel battling for the third place slot, and I would give the edge to Rachel. So, might the bottom be Marcus and Chris? I don't know. Guess we will all have to tune in Thursday night at 8PM on Fox for the results. Who will go home?

X-Factor Results • Who Get's To Beat It?

The Contestants: Top Row: Rachel Crow; Marcus Canty; Melanie Amaro. 2nd Row: Josh Krajcik; Chris Rene; Astro. Bottom row: Drew; Nicole Scherzinger; Steve Jones; Simon Cowell; Paula Abdul; and LA Reid.

Right away, the group number begins the show, and brings the crowd and judges to their feet. They sing Michael Jackson's Man In The Mirror.



For the second week in a row, there will be two acts going home tonight, and we are reminded of last night's performances, and plenty of pictures of the Jackson family. And the in-fighting amongst the judges, making Nicole seem just a little sillier than normal, which I wasn't sure was possible. However, it is time for the first of the results. The first act to safety is a surprised Chris René. Melanie Amaro is also through to next week, like the adorable Rachel Crow. That leaves four acts in play; one will be safe, another will be immediately dismissed. The other two will sing for their survival. They talk with the acts backstage, and all the acts seem a bit on edge, a bit nervous. Before they are going to learn what the show has in store for them, it is time for British rapper Tinie Timpah to perform Pass Out (We Bring The Stars Out).



We come back after the commercial break to find out that Josh Krajcik is going through to next week. The one leaving the competition immediately, with the lowest vote total from last night, is Astro, leaving Drew and Marcus Canty to sing for their survival. Astro gives a very cool and composed good-bye. He seems more calm and cool than the two performing. Both Drew and Marcus seem very shaken and emotional.



Paula says she wants them to kill it, and make the case why they should not be sent home. Simon introduces Drew, who comes out looking more stable than she seemed just a few minutes ago. She sings the Roxette song Listen To Your Heart, delivered in that slowed-down Drew kinda way.



She does an excellent job with it, full of emotion and full voice. so it is time for Marcus, and he is singing Neither One of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye) by the great Gladys Knight and the Pips.



He sings well, although he has a tendency to have more flaws in his voice than Drew. The quality of Drew's voice is far superior, as is her musicality. Marcus really feels like a thin and imitative, rather than fresh and original. I think it is rather clear, but my clear has not always been the judges truth, so we shall have to see. After the break, LA gives a long and drawn out discussion before he votes to send home Drew. Simon takes total responsibility for Drew's poor showing, and votes to send Marcus home. He asks the other judges to keep that in mind. Nicole loves them both, and is in tears when she says she is sending Drew home. It is up to Paula, and she sends Drew home, and I am stunned. I had no idea Paula was so off and ridiculous. I mean, I knew Nicole was a bad judge of talent, but thought more of Paula.



So, one of the frontrunners of the competition is gone. I thought Drew would at least go to the Top Three, so this is a shocker. However, I have believed it will come down to Melanie and Josh, so we shall see what is in the offing. Will that be the case, or is Marcus the dark horse in the competition, and start picking off more popular singers week by week? Guess we will have to tune in next week to see!