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 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 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 on Tonight!

Due to the celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday this week, the X-Factor is coming on a day earlier this week, so I thought this reminder would catch your attention. Not long ago, X-Factor UK had Lady GaGa on to perform her latest single, Marry The Night.



Amazing, she actually is singing live. Don't forget, watch X-Factor US tonight at 8PM on your local Fox station!

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!