November 3rd, 2011
12:33 PM ET
'X Factor': Who was stellar, and who missed the mark?Fans of Fox's "X Factor" have been watching and waiting for weeks to weigh in, and Wednesday they finally got their chance. The 12 finalists performed LIVE for the first time for the public, and it was the first time the viewers will decide their fate by voting for their favorites to stay on. Every single act tried to bring their "A" game to stay in "the game". But let's take a look at who killed it and who left the crowd wanting more.
STELLAR PERFORMANCES Stereo Hoggz Stereo Hoggz took on Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation," and all five members really nailed the energy and moves of Jackson's song. Let me just say, Stereo Hoggz has been a favorite from day one, and last night was no different. All of the judges praised them, and Simon even gave them one of the best seals of approval, saying, "I don't think there is a band in the world right now who are as good as you!" Rachel Crow This 13-year-old phenom belted out "Walking on Sunshine" and changed the words. The judges loved Rachel, but the lyrics not so much. Simon didn't take the criticism of his protege so well, telling Nicole that it was called "being inventive, darling." Simon believes Rachel will be around for a long, long time and I think he's right. Rachel has the "cute factor" and a great voice that will no doubt take her to the last few weeks of this competition. Lakoda Rayne Every week, these four girls keep surprising me! Initially I thought they were average girls with average singing voices, but their rendition of Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide" was so above par. It seems Paula really worked with them, and Simon noticed, telling them there was a "massive" improvement from last week (although he hated what they were wearing). Lakoda Rayne might just make it after all. Josh Krajcik This man can do NO wrong. He hasn't had an off night yet, and on Wednesday's show he belted out "Jar of Hearts." All four judges said he was great and really got the essence of the song. That being said, I have to admit Josh is starting to bore me a little because he is becoming so dang predictably good. I expect a solid performance and he gives it each week. His consistent voice might just let him walk away with the $5 million contract, though - we'll see. Melanie Amaro Melanie chose the Eagles song "Desperado" and wowed the audience. She hit the right high and low notes. Everyone, including LA Reid, thanked Simon for asking her to return after kicking her off the show. So yes, Amaro is good, but don't count out her competitor Drew Ryniewicz just yet!! Brian Bradley Once again this uber confident Brooklyn teenager shocked us with a mash-up of Missy Elliott's "Get Your Freak On" and Naughty by Nature's "Hip Hop Hooray." And being a true lyricist, he rewrote the lyrics. All the judges were waving their hands in the air and bobbing their heads as Bradley rapped. It'll be interesting to see if a hip-hop artist who isn't even 15 yet can actually win a singing competition! Intensity All ten members of this group sang "Kids in America." Their funky dance routine and red and black ensemble worked well together. It was like seeing a great musical with a tremendous amount of energy. All the judges got exactly what Intensity was trying to convey, but do you think the voters will buy it? Drew Ryniewicz Another week, another great performance for this one!! Drew turned Nelly's "Just A Dream" into her own, showcasing her strong vocals. In the end it wowed all four judges over and made proud papa judge Simon so very happy. I hate to keep saying it, but this contest will come down to Drew and someone else. Marcus Canty Marcus decided to take on B.o.B's "Nothing on You" and then transitioned into Bobby Brown's "Every Little Step." He truly sounded like an R&B superstar. LA Reid loved seeing his star do his thing, and Simon chimed in, giving props. Canty is exactly what R&B needs, so I certainly hope he makes it far in the "X Factor." Stacy Francis Stacy Francis DID HER THING last night, taking the audience to church with her voice! I believe she sang better than she ever has on this show. She sang "Up To the Mountain" and left everyone with chills with her raw emotion. She looked like she was singing at some awards special with her elegant ball gown and poised demeanor. Simon even says it was one of the best performances of the night! Stacy delivered a perfect 10. MISSED THE MARK Chris Rene What a difference a few weeks make for Chris Rene. I remember when he was the guy that we all thought might win it. But now LA Reid's guy Chris was just okay singing "Love Don't Live Here Anymore." Simon said he liked him and thought he was much better this week than last. But overall he got the “you did good, but NOT great" comments from the judges. I don't think Rene will be the last man standing. LeRoy Bell Poor LeRoy Bell. He’s nearly 60 years young, looks phenomenal and has a stellar voice, but last night he seemed to have two things going against him: a bad song choice and lack of stage confidence. He sang the country hit "I'm Already There" by Lonestar, but it seemed to fall on deaf ears. The judges were polite, and only Simon kept it real saying, "I think you are a really good singer but I think you have a confidence issue." He also thought his stage performance was dated, but his mentor Nicole Scherzinger simply shot back "Sometimes less is more." I'm rooting for Bell because I think he has had one too many lost opportunities in life, but if he doesn't exude REAL confidence ASAP this might just be his last week. Tonight someone will go home and if I were a betting lady, my money would be on LeRoy Bell unfortunately. So who do you think should be sent home?
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Stereo Hoggz in the bottom 2 last night?? No Way! These guys are so talented!! They are my pick for the win. I love Melanie, What a voice! She will get a contract for sure. Stacie's voice is quite phenomenol... She draws you in. Marcus Canby Is a true performer & lights up the stage every single time without missing a beat, He is already a winner. I wish them all the best as I know my daughter has been there!
I am a doofis!!!;( I did not know it was on until 9pm ( busy) but it is time for Drew to go home, I do not see what so great about her underdeveloped voice cords, Astro is too typical and will burn out soon enough, Lakoda Rayne,please go home! They suck, they are pretty but this is not a beauty pageant people!! Ok, I am hoping that Melanie, Stacy, Krajick & Leroy Bell win although I know that's impossible, that's my x-factor fantasy ;).
oops! Marcus Ganty ( ok, maybe), stereo hogz? ok, maybe.
i see Leroy, Intensity, & possibly drew going home.
Send Astro home. He's awful. Besides, rap isn't singing. It's talking to a beat. I know the judges like him, but if he stays on, he will sound the same every week. He apparently doesn't have to try different genre. Get rid of him.
Been on the set since day one. What an great show and glad that Fox is bringing it back. I see Stacy Francis winning it all, this woman is a true gift to the music world and it showing each week with her confidence. Marcus Canby is a performer and future star. I see Leroy Bell, Drew, Intensity and Chris Rene going home tonight...
Nicole should go home; feel sorry for the contestants who received her as a mentor.
I haven't seen any of the shows before last night...so I have nothing to compare to...but Stereo Hoggz was just not that great. I loved their energy, but their voices were so-so compared to the other groups and nothing special. And let's talk choreography...did anyone notice besides me notice their timing issues and how many times one member was late hitting?
Melanie is a very strong favorite of mine from the beginning – but I can't comment on last nights performance BECAUSE those of us who watched from LV, NV DID NOT GET TO VIEW MELANIES PERFORMANCE!! Fox cut to a very long commercial & back in time to hear Simon comment on Melanie's performance. Very unfair to Melanie since I hear this happened all over the West Coast!!
They all have improved so much since the first weeks, I cannot wait to see how they do in the end... The song choices are not the greatest, but the vocals are so unique... Stacie Francis, WOW, I am still shivering form a couple of her songs, Josh, has a great voice but he reminds me of Michael Bolton, and everyone of his songs, sound the same, will tire from his voice early... Marcus, I cannot wait to see what he is going to do, love his dance moves..Rachel Crow, do not see her winning but I see her headling a show, like a hannah montana or something, that girl is special, love the personality, Puts a smile on my face everytime she smiles..LeRoy, he is not an X Factor, but he is a recording in the making, I think he is a pro and will finally be picked up and be turning out tunes for the market... Cannot wait till tonight...
I guess I don't understand the format...only one going home tonight does that mean 11 more weeks? And what if one of the mentors runs out of mentees...do they just stop showing up? If I were to call it now, I'd say its Melanie or Stacy. Glad they got rid of the "fierce" girl. I think it would help Astro grow as an artist if he faced a little adversity...sending him home (knowing that L.A. will continue to mentor him X or no X) could be the best thing that ever happened to the little twit. I was disappointed in LeRoy (great songwirter though) so he's probably done tonight.
I'm a little confused...doesn't one person from each category go home? If so, the easiest decision for me is Lakoda Rayne! I'm sorry but they just don't do anything for me; the harmonies aren't there and neither is the stage presence. As much as I love LeRoy, I think he's going home. He's got a great voice and it's amazing how at 60 he looks so young, but he doesn't connect with a lot of people. Josh and Stacey were fabulous! I absolutely love Astro; the boy's got mad talent! The hardest decision is gonna be the girls. I love Rachel, Drew, and Melanie!
Missed most of it. entire neighborhood lost power after the first 30 minutes and came back on 15 minutes before the end of the show. I loved Stacy Francis thought! Hope she wins!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVdV4X2M2AI
Well, I think you should smear some doo doo in your eyeballs.
I think Drew should go. I just don't get what everyone sees in her. She has a very week voice. It would be refreshing to see the right person win.
At this point they are all FANTASTIC in their own way – really enjoyable show!!! In my opinion, InTENsity should go this week...they are trying so hard but didn't I see them in a theme park show last summer? My top 4: Josh! Drew, Melanie and Lakoda Raine.
Josh has it all. Drew is a close second. Melanie has a GREAT voice, but I think she is nothing special. Astro (and his lyrics) and Stacey Francis should go home. Lakoda Rayne shouold follow them.
Josh/Drew/Marcus Canty will be in the top three. Doo doo hotdog can kill ya! try turkey!
Chris Rene didn't sing Love don't live here anymore....that was last week. He sang a Carpenter's song.
I almost never agree w/Nicole but she was spot on about Rachel Crow. The girl can sing but her performance last night was hard to watch. hated the lyric switch. pretty sure Lakoda Rain will be sent home. Pulling for Josh n Melanie
MMMMMMM you had a good lunch. Im jealous. I had a coke and bag of hot peanuts. It was pretty good.
I think it's a toss up between Chris Rene and Lakoda Rain on who will be going home this evening. For me, last night's winner was Melanie Amaro.
I believe Chris Rene will be voted off, it was not as good as at the mentors home.
In my opinion,Josh and Melanie have the best voices by far.I think that Laqoda Rain will be voted off.