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!

X-Factor Top 7 • Who's Bad?

The show opens with two bits of information right away: it is Michael Jackson night, and it is another double elimination this week, and two will go home. Introductions are made, and LA Reid, Nichole Scherzinger, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Steve Jones all settle in. We also learn that three of Michael's brothers, Marlon, Tito, and Jackie Jackson, will be joining the show for the week. They introduce a few very special guests for the night, Prince, Paris and Blanket Jackson are there, accompanied by the matriarch of the family, Katherine.

Josh Krajcik is the first up, introduced by Nicole as her lone remaining act. Josh will be playing the guitar, and feels unprepared for his performance. He performs Dirty Diana, from 1988.



After much consternation, he performs, and I am underwhelmed. It wasn't bad, but it was mediocre. His vocals were a bit lost in the din of the performance. I thought it was his weakest to date. That is a shame, cause I like Josh. However, LA Reid and Paula thought he was stretched, and very good. Huh. Simon thought the overall production distracted from the weakness of the performance, which is what I thought. Nicole was all rude about Simon, and I am immediately glad I won't have to listen to her defend any other acts tonight. And while I thought it was Josh's least successful so far, his mediocre is better than the best of a few remaining. LA introduces his first act of the evening, Astro. He says the youngster will pay homage to the King of Pop. Astro opens up rapping centerstage, and soon the music of 1991's big hit, Black Or White is playing.



For me, this is Astro's weakest so far, as it is seems just to be low on energy and joy. Astro was seemingly lost to me. It is just lacking. But I did like the dancer's outfits. Nicole agrees with me, which I find worrisome. Paula and Simon think he is wonderful. LA thinks he is just fantastic, of course. Next up, Simon introduces one of his favorites, Drew. She will be singing Michael's huge hit from 1983, Billie Jean.



She does a slow rendition, much like the one Simon saw David Cook do on Idol a few years ago, which was much like the amazing cover done by the outrageously talented Chris Cornell. Drew is in great voice, I think she sounded better than ever tonight. And I find there is power in the spotlight and and the chair, the simplicity of it. I thought it was great. LA liked it, although it pained him to admit it. Nicole loved her vocals, but hated she just sat there. Paula basically agreed with Nicole, and thought it was her best vocals of the show. Simon scoffed at them both, and told Drew how proud he was of her performance. Bickering between Paula, Nicole and Simon sadly distracted from a wonderful performance. Simon has the next act coming on, the joyful Rachel Crow. She is singing Can You Feel It, tonight, originally sung by the Jacksons in 1981.



Rachel did a great job with the song, which I feared could have sounded dated. She was energetic and bold, although there was one part of the song which seemed a little fumbled, like she might of forgot lyrics or something. LA, Nicole, and Paula all said they loved her, but thought she was not connected to the song. Nicole and Paula both turned it on Simon, which seems like the easy way to criticize the teen without owning the critique. Simon loved her, and thought she did him and Michael proud. LA takes a moment to introduce whom he calls the 'hardest working contestant in the competition,' Marcus Canty. He will be singing P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing), the 1983 hit.



Interesting. I feared Marcus would sound dated, but that was hardly the case. It was a great arrangement, but the vocals were lacking. Too much dancing, not enough air for the singing. It was very disappointing to me. I didn't even like the dancer's costumes. Nicole was up first, and exclaims Marcus is a pretty young thing, and that it was great. Paula thinks it was a great homage to Michael Jackson, and that he left it out there on the stage. Sigh. Simon points out the lacking in the vocals, and Nicole attacks Simon, rather than defending the bad notes. Next up, LA introduces his final act of the night, Chris René. He tells us about how his grandfather, Leon René, wrote Rockin' Robin, later performed by the Jackson 5. Tonight, he sings I'll Be There, a hit for the Jackson 5 in 1970.



Wow, that was Chris' best performance of the show for me. Sure, he put in some reggae beats, but it was strong. His rap-break was good, and his voice strong. I was impressed. Nicole loved him, and Paula thought he is heart in abundance. Simon thought the vocals were somewhat weak, and he will need strong support from his fans this week. WTF, Simon? Oh, well. LA thinks he is "the truth." Simon thinks the show has saved the best for last. Melanie Amaro, with her Island accent. She is performing Earth Song, a worldwide hit in 1995.



Melanie lays it down with a big and bold performance, for me the strongest of the night. Indeed, they did save the best for last. She looks fantastic, and blew it up on that stage. And it was unanimous, the judges all loved her too. Simon is particularly proud she would perform so well in front of the Jackson family!

Well, this was an interesting week, that is for sure. For me, Marcus Canty had the weakest performance of the night, and should be going home. However, once again, two will be leaving, so he will not be alone. I would hope Josh stays safe, and presume Melanie is clearly safe. That leaves Chris, Astro, Drew and Rachel fighting for the bottom two. If I were making up the bottom two, I would guess it would be Astro and Rachel, for I thought Chris and Drew were quite good. But I can never be quite sure, and that is why I am gonna be sitting in front of my television tomorrow night to find out for myself!

X-Factor • Going Home For The Holidays?

The Contestants: Top Row: Rachel Crow; Marcus Canty; Melanie Amaro; 2nd Row: Lakota Rayne; Chris Rene; Bottom Row: LeRoy Bell; Astro; Drew; Josh Krajcik.

It is a nerve-racking night on X-Factor, for two acts are going home this evening. Yes, nine competed this week, but there are only seven who will have that same honor next week. Seven will be grateful for the gift of further performances. However, the show kicks off with the original American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, singing her single What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger).



She is an amazing talent, and shows the contestants how to deliver it live. And she brings the judges to their feet for a well-deserved standing ovation. And it was sweet when Kelly said "Hey, Simon and Paula," over the great applause after the song. Quickly, announcer Steve Jones brings us on a recap of the performances last night, and teases that the results will be coming shortly. And Bruno Mars will be giving a live performance of his latest single! The Top 9 perform a mash up of The All-American Rejects hit Dirty Little Secrets and the megahit by Pink!, So What!. It is not particularly good, and the goofy costumes don't really help at all.





Lakota Rayne and Drew are called to the center stage. We are told one had the lowest number of votes, and will be leaving right away. The other is going through to next week. It is Drew who is moved to safety, so the act leaving is Lakota Rayne. They are the final group, and Paula is left without an act to mentor for the rest of the show. The ladies of the group tells us they will be in concert everywhere. However, those who have been watching these reality shows know that is rarely the case... In a blatant plug for his show following X-Factor, Howie Mandel pirates control of the show away from Jones, who stands holding the microphone, in awe to the fast talking bald man. Quickly, they move on to the next performance, by Bruno Mars.



He performs his latest single, It Will Rain. The song is from the latest installment of the Twilight movie franchise, Breaking Dawn, Part 1. He sings in front of a giant neon broken heart, which is my favorite part of the performance.

Steve Jones is back onstage, calling the remaining seven acts to the stage for continue the results. He quickly moves to the results, and tells us that Chris Rene is through to next week. Joining him in safety is Rachel Crow. Josh Krajcik joins the others. And it is time for a commercial break. On the return, we discover that Simon's final contestant, Melanie Amaro, is safe. This leaves three guys, one of whom will be leaving. The guy joining the others in safety is Astro. So Marcus Canty and LeRoy Bell will be singing for their survival.

LA Reid introduces his performer in this week's battle, Marcus Canty. He sings You Lost Me, by the big-singing Christina Aguilera. It was written by Christina, Samuel Dixon, and the brilliant Sia Furler. Marcus gives a typical performance of the song, and it leaves me cold. I really don't get him as a performer.



Next up, Nicole introduces her entry for the battle, LeRoy Bell. He sings Don't Let Me Down, by the Beatles. While I am often disappointed by him, this is one of my favorites by him during the run of the show.



If I were to pick, I'd have to save LeRoy, and send Marcus home. Right off the bat, LA reminds the other judges that Marcus has been consistent, a sure sign that knows LeRoy outsang his charge tonight. Nicole is up next, and she gives a big speech, and sends home Marcus. Paula is up next, and sends Marcus home. It is up to Simon, and he send home LeRoy, leaving them in deadlock. That means the act with the lowest number of votes will be leaving tonight. That is LeRoy Bell.

So, what we have learned so far is that America didn't like the groups at all, and wasn't really interested in hearing the voices of the more mature contestants. So what do we think will happen next week? The show will be back on the regular schedule, with performances on Wednesday, and results on Thursday.

X-Factor Top 9 Give Thanks

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

It is a night of giving thanks, celebrating the holiday week. However, there won't be too much celebrating, for this is a week for double elimination, and leaving 7 grateful acts, while two will be crying in their cranberry sauce. To get right down to it, Rachel Crow kicks off the evening in a magical way when she sings I Believe, originally sung by Yolanda Adams as part of the soundtrack for the 2003 movie Honey.



It is light, bold, and uplifting, everything this evening should be about. Rachel is just perfect. And the judges all agree with me, even LA Reid, who comes out early noting he was looking to shoot her down. Simon Cowell looks as proud as can be of his young charge. It is tome for LA to introduce his first act of the night, Marcus Canty. He is going to sing A Song For Mama by Boyz II Men. Obviously, he dedicates the performance to his Mama. I am unimpressed, but that tends to be my state with Marcus. He is oddly anachronistic, seemingly displaced in this time. He certainly never gives me the idea he is current, that is for sure. And the song often betrayed his weak vocals. However, the judges obviously heard something else, for they give him glowing notices. Next, Simon introduces his second entry for the evening, Melanie Amaro, who will be singing The World's Greatest by R. Kelly.



Melanie is simply amazing on this song, and outsings R.Kelly on the original. It is brilliant. Afterwards, the jubilant singer gushes about her gratitude to Simon for bringing her back to the competition, and to the audiences to their support. LA can't find a reason to criticize, and a tearful Nicole asks for a hug. Paula loves it, but complains about the choir. Yes, Paula complaining about too much production. Funny. Simon begs the audience won't let her go. LA introduces Chris Rene, who is grateful for his program sponsor who is helping in his growth and sobriety. He is performing a mash up of Lennon/McCartney's Let It Be and his original Young Homie. Chris gives the Beatles' song a reggae beat, which doesn't work for me. When he segue's into the second song, it maintains the reggae beat, but goes into a rap-heavy song. For me, the second works better, for the first is a bit of a waste of airtime. But I must admit I am lost as to why he feels the need to live in a reggae beat. LA believes in his performer, and Nicole thinks it proves his strength. Paula loved it, and Simon agreed with me on the first song, but liked the second much better than I did. Lakota Rayne, giving thanks for their parents and grandparents, who have stood behind them and made performing an option in their lives. They started out singing Taylor Swift's You Belong With Me.



It started off a bit weak, but quickly gained in confidence and strength. It was, perhaps, their strongest performance thus far. LA Reid agrees, and thinks they were even exciting this week. Nicole loved them, and dragged out the old 'it's your concert' canard once again. While Simon noted there were some pitch issues, he felt it was their best so far, too. Paula is a tearful mess saying stuff I don't understand. LeRoy Bell is up next, and he gives thanks for his Mom, who backed him to follow his dream, who passed away two years ago. It still leaves a hole for him. LeRoy sings Sara McLachlan's Angel. It is a beautiful song, although a tough one to sing. I thought it started off sluggishly, and never really took off. It was an internal dialogue rather than an something shared with the audience. LA starts off by saying it was not LeRoy's best, and Paula immediately disagrees. She thinks it was amazing. Simon agrees with Paula, and Nicole loves the performance. Astro is up next, and it immediately goes into damage control mode, and that he is apologizing, and we are given lots of abandonment excuses. He is doing another original song/rap, Show Me What You Got. After the song, Astro again apologizes. The judges all express their admiration, and love him. It all seems very orchestrated and scripted. Simon Cowell introduces his final entry, Drew. She is grateful for Shelby, her best friend. She is singing Skyscraper, by Demi Lovato.



She tells her bestie it is their song. I can't say it is a great song, but she does a fine job with it. LA refuses to talk about the performance, but instead complains that Simon assigned her a song for old people. I'm sure that surprises Demi. Nicole says she connected with Drew's performance this week, and Paul loved it too. Simon takes his time to fight with LA, leaving the 15-year-old to be the adult on stage listening to the 'mentors.' Nicole introduces the final act of the evening, Josh Krajcik. He talks about the one he is grateful for, his daughter Rowan. There is a clear bond between the man and his daughter. He starts at the piano, and sings a very simple version of Wild Horses. He takes the Rolling Stones and brings them home, Josh-style. He does a very nice job, and the judges fall all over him.



Two acts will be spending the Thanksgiving holidays with their families, not needing to prepare for next week. If I were to pick a bottom three for the week, I would have to place Marcus, LeRoy, and maybe Lakota Rayne. But I am not sure if all the damage control can keep Astro in safety this week. Perhaps it can, but I don't know. I have to believe Josh and Melanie, the strongest of the night, will be safe. Surely Rachel can survive being in the opening slot with that great performance. And Drew's performance should be strong enough to not be lost in the judge's petty battling. Was Chris memorable enough with his Island tribute? But you never know when it comes down to the votes. And remember, two of the acts will be heading home.

X-Factor Results • Rock On Outta Here

The Contestants: Top Row: Astro; Chris Rene; Drew; 2nd Row: Josh Krajcik; Lakota Rayne; 3rd Row: Leroy Bell; Marcus Canty; Melanie Amaro; Bottom Row: Rachel Crow; Stacy Francis.

Back on the show, the Final Ten come out singing Queen's We Will Rock You. They are singing live this week, as noticed when some microphones were not working properly.



Soon we are getting through the recap of last night, reminding us of the judges battle. Quickly, we jump to results, and the first two acts getting through to next week is LeRoy Bell. Lakota Rayne is also through, leaving Paula in the competition. Soon the Top Ten were stopping by photographer to get some pictures, and be given digital cameras. After that playtime and advertorial is done, it is time for Rihanna to perform her latest single, We Found Love.



All four judges were on their feet after Rihanna's performance. She advises the contestants to love what they do. With that, it is time to return to the competition, and find out who else is safe tonight. They are all brought on stage with their mentor, and the third to safety is Chris Rene. Next to safety is Melanie Amaro, followed by Josh Krajcik. Marcus Canty is safe, leaving Simon with two remaining, Nicole with one, and LA with one. And I make the realization that three out of my bottom four are relaxing in safety. After a break, we find out that Drew is safe. So the last act to move to safety is Rachel Crow, leaving Astro and Stacy Francis to sing for their lives. Nicole introduces Miss Stacy Francis, who comes out to sing Amazing Grace. As could be expected, she spends just a little too much time in the shrill part of her range.



Next up is Astro, rapping to the Never Can Say Goodbye track.



This leaves it in the hands of the judges. First up is LA Reid, who gives a big speech about Astro giving up, but then votes for Stacy to leave. Nicole votes to send Astro home. Paula sends home Stacy Francis, and it is up to Simon. Astro give a whole bunch of attitude, going so far as to say he didn't want to perform where he wasn't wanted, since he was in the bottom 2. Simon lectures him, and then he sends home Stacy, making it official. She is grace under fire in her exit.



The audience starts to boo, as they seem to be quite unhappy with Astro and his rank attitude. Should this continue, I don't expect Astro to last much longer in the competition. Was this real attitude, or are they manufacturing some attitude for when he leaves the show, giving him some cred? I don't know, but we will find out if things are any better next week, when the show airs on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. See you then!