It’s been a couple weeks since The X Factor was in its regularly scheduled time, instead of Sunday, Tuesday, or whatever other random day they could think of, but now it’s back. I’ll stick it out for this season, but if Fox is not serious about the show, I don’t know how they expect anybody else to be. If the World Series is that much more important than The X Factor, put it on hiatus for two weeks rather than making people have to hunt for it. Still, the show was renewed today for season 2 following good (but disappointing) ratings.
During that time, the top 17 were chosen.
Top 4 Boys
Brian “Astro” Bradley
Chris Rene
Marcus Canty
Phillip Lomax
Top 5 Girls
Drew Ryniewicz
Melanie Amaro (returning after originally being eliminated)
Rachel Crow
Simone Battle
Tiah Tolliver
Top 4 Over 30s
Dexter Haygood
Josh Krajcik
Leroy Bell
Stacy Francis
Top 4 Groups
The Brewer Boys
InTENsity
Lakoda Rayne
The Stereo Hogzz
From them, the judges were able to pick 3 each to save. Simon eliminated Tiah Tolliver and Simone Battle, finally ending his love affair with Tiah that only he understood. LA eliminated Phillip Lomax, for some reason continuing on with the young rapper. Paula got rid of The Brewer Boys, keeping the two brand new groups intact. Nicole eliminated Dexter Haygood. That brings us down to the final 12, performing tonight for America’s vote.
The Stereo Hogzz
Song: Rhythm Nation by Janet Jackson
LA: You have what it takes to be a star.
Nicole: You represented The X Factor so well. It’s hard to both sing and dance and make it look easy.
Simon: One of the best groups on one of these competitions. Not a band in the world as good as you right now.
Paula: Fantastic students.
Chris Rene
Song: Superstar by The carpenters
Nicole: You’ve grown so much.
Paula: This was your song, and you owned it.
Simon: Started off like you were in hell, but a big improvement over last week.
LA: I think we found the right material.
Leroy Bell
Song: I’m Already There by Rascal Flatts
LA: Love your voice. Didn’t get the song.
Paula: Never seen anyone work so hard.
Simon: Really good singer with a confidence issue. Don’t think Nicole has quite understood you.
Nicole: I’m sure you made your son, your family, and all the dads across America proud.
Rachel Crow
Song: You’re My Sunshine by Gamu Nhengu (Walking on Sunshine cover)
LA: One of the most charismatic people.
Nicole: Voice reminds me of Michael Jackson from Jackson 5. But I don’t know about the lyric change.
Paula: Would love your mentor to give you a song that shows more of your range.
Simon: This girl’s going to be around for a long, long time.
Lakoda Rayne
Song: Landslide by Dixie Chicks
LA: Felt the blend and the harmonies, but want you to pick pop or country.
Nicole: Sounded like one voice tonight. Put me in a trance.
Simon: Vocally, a massive improvement, but your mentor is insane.
Paula: I’m proud, and let’s go get frozen yogurt.
Josh Krajcik
Song: Jar of Hearts by Christina Perri
LA: Liked your before, but I really dig your after.
Paula: You just nail everything.
Simon: Incredible. Like you wrote the song.
Nicole: Feel your voice in my veins.
Melanie Amaro
Song: Desperado by Eagles
LA: The only thing Simon ever did right was bringing you back.
Nicole: No limit to what you and your voice can do.
Paula: Like fine china.
Simon: Didn’t realize how good you were. The one to beat.
Astro
Song: An original (and nothing but)
Nicole: You know how to get the party started right.
Paula: Jay Z’s got his eye on you.
Simon: Time for LA to take back his comment about how people that young can’t rap.
LA: Each week you get better.
InTENsity
Song: Kids in America by Kim Wilde/Party Rock by LMFAO
LA: Fun, fun, fun.
Nicole: Funtastic, funomenal.
Simon: Terrific. Shouldn’t like you, but I do.
Paula: Proud.
Drew (who seems to have lost her last name)
Song: Just a Dream by Nelly
LA: Spirit of a superstar.
Nicole: Amazing song choice. So relevant.
Paula: Live for the last note you sing.
Simon: Seeing a star emerge. I’m learning from you.
Marcus Canty
Song: Every Little Step by Bobby Brown
Nicole: Like watching a concert.
Paula: Total performer. Total package.
Simon: You have come alive.
LA: Just keep doing what you’re doing.
Stacy Francis
Song: Up to the Mountain by Patty Griffin
LA: Stir those souls.
Paula: Shining moment.
Simon: I think you want to give me a kiss.
Nicole: Honest, grace, poise, beauty.
Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another live recap of The X Factor Season 1 Episode 12, which airs Thursday at 8/7c on Fox.