Tough choices on 'X Factor'

On Wednesday, 162 contestants of the "X Factor" went to boot camp, but only 100 stuck around. By Thursday, 68 more artists were sent packing as well. Here's how it all went down:

Day two of boot camp went similarly to day one, as we saw more artists take the stage to perform together as a group, singing one hit song chosen by their vocal coach.

First up were seven acts put together in one group, which included brother and sister Gina and Chris Rene and Nashville native Brennan Hunt. The group was bold enough to take on Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On," and it was amazing. They really blended well together, particularly since they all had such different vocal styles.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN6hmLInAHg&w=560&h=315]

The second group consisted of seven solo artists, and they performed Rascal Flatts' "I Won't Let Go." Surprisingly, they harmonized well together. A short stocky guy by the name of Thomas Wells made an impression on me with his singing style.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHZ3oA1RQMk&w=560&h=315%5D

The last group to perform on Thursday night had eight performers, including duo The Brewer Boys. They sang Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars." I liked the group but I have to admit they seemed to be the weakest link of the night. They hit some rough notes and seemed out of key on some components of the song.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0VBbAmUyXk&w=560&h=315%5D

Then it was time for the judges to pick who they would like to move on. All 100 singers are put into three groups to learn their fate, and the first group gets the boot. They head backstage, where of course there is DRAMA. One of the artists looks directly into the camera and vents, "I don't understand what it is. Maybe I'm just too talented. Maybe it would just be a wrap for anybody to compete against me..." Really?

Next up was group two, consisting of fan favorites Brennan Hunt and Chris Rene, and they make it through, as does group three, which included teen singer Rachel Crowe.

After paring it down to 64 acts, we were back to solo performances. This time the judges weren't the only ones listening - there were 3,000 people filling the theater as well.

First up is Crowe, who sings Beyoncé's "If I Were A Boy." The crowd loves it and so do ALL four judges judging by their expressions. I like Beyoncé's version, but I like Crowe singing it better. For someone so young she sounds like she has been doing it for years.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ3MF5PSTfw]

Of the ones who made the list of the chosen 32 are: Caitlin Koch, Simone Battle, Rachel Crowe, Tiah Tolliver, Brian Bradley, Brennan Hunt, Philip Lomax, Chris Rene, Stereo Hogzz, The Brewer Boys, The Anser, Josh Kracjik, Dexter and Stacy Francis.

But wait - there's more! Fourteen artists are called back to the stage and told that if they were to come in as groups they would have been chosen. Then Simon tells them he will let them stay in the competition ONLY as newly formed groups, not solo artists. So two new groups move on to the mentoring category.

Next week, eight female solo artists, eight male solo artists, eight groups and eight artists over 30 will meet with the judges for some serious mentoring.

What do you think? Did the right 32 get chosen?