music notes tattoo The X Factor contestants give thanks, Simon and L.
America tuned into theThe X Factorresults show last week and witnessed the drama unfold between 14-year old rapper Astro who threw a temper tantrum after being voted in the bottom two. His mentor L.A. Reid expects a turnaround after having a talk with him. This week’s theme was giving thanks and the stakes were higher than ever with two contestants going home this week narrowing the competition from the top nine to seven to battle it out live for the grand prize.
Simon’s pick, Rachel Crow opened up the show and dedicated an inspirational piece I Believe by Yolanda Adams to her parents who adopted her from a crack addicted mother when she was just a baby. Rachel’s performance won the judges over. After weeks of great comments from the judges, L.A. Reid said that he wanted to be critical and came out wanting to be the mean guy but that her performance shut him down and he really loved it. Nicole Scherzinger said to Rachel, You’ve made a believer out of me and I’m sure you’ve made a believer out of everyone in America. Paula described Rachel as an angel and said that her vocals were spot on and that she hit all the high notes. You are magnificent, Paula said. Rachel’s mentor Simon Cowell said that they were wondering whether they should drop the age down to 12 being the lowest and that she was part of the reason that they were right to do it. Simon said to Rachel that her performance was great vocal, great performance – enjoy the night.
The first boy act of the night and L.A. Reid’s pick was Marcus Canty. Marcus dedicated his song to his mom who raised him as a single parent. Marcus said that he gets his positive energy from her. Marcus performed A Song for Mama by Boyz II Men and got extremely emotional and shed a few tears during the performance. Nicole said that his performance was so honest and that he didn’t overdue anything, he just sang from his heart. Paula commented that every single performance that Marcus gives is top-notch. Simon said that Marcus has had a yo-yo ride so r – up and down- but that tonight for the first time he actually felt a connection with him and the song. L.A. Reid, Marcus’ mentor said that he is as great as any great singer that he has ever worked with.
The second act for the girls and Simon’s pick from Florida was Melanie Amaro who dedicated her performance of The World’s Greatest to God for all that he has done for her. We finally got a chance to see the real and vulnerable side of Melanie who broke down in tears in front of the judges and the audience thanking Simon for bringing her back into the competition. Melanie told her story of being back and forth from the Virgin Islands and being raised by her grandmother because her parents struggled financially. Nicole was so touched by Melanie’s performance that she walked on the stage and gave Melanie a hug. Paula’s advice to Melanie was to show her vulnerable side which makes people ll in love with her. Simon pleaded with the voters, Two people are going to go home tomorrow-please don’t let Melanie be one of them because we need this girl in the competition. You were outstanding.
Chris Rene, L.A. Reid’s pick who has been clean and sober from drugs dedicated his song to the counselor at rehab who he says shaped him into the man that he is today. Rene who sang The Beatles Let it Be and in the second song made it his own with a unique reggae/hip-hop feel with original material got Paula and Nicole on their feet. Nicole and Paula said that they were both grateful to have him in the competition. Simon said that he did not think the first song worked but when he went into the second song he reminded everyone of why they liked him so much in the first place. Not many people would have the guts to just admit what happened to you because what I think you’ve just done there is that you may have helped thousands of people within the same place to show that with courage and with guts – that you can turn your life around and I really hope that America supports you tonight and keeps you in this competition, Simon said. L.A. Reid said just like the tattoo says on Chris’ arm – I believe – I believe in you, L.A. Reid said.
Lakoda Rayne, Paula’s only group left in the competition dedicated their performance to their loved ones who also made a difference in their lives. L.A. Reid was prepared to not like it but said that the girls disarmed him. Nicole felt like she was watching them in concert. Simoncommented that it was by r their best performance to date. Paula, teary eyed said to her group that she was so proud and that they have proven to her that the Sky is the limit.
The first of Nicole’s pick of the over-thirties to perform was Leroy Bell who dedicated his song to his mother. L.A. Reid said that while his performance was heartfelt, it was not his best. Paula disagreed with Reid by saying that it was so much passion and connection and was the most beautiful performance that he has ever given. Simon, who expressed last week that Leroy could not win the competition also disagreed with Reid and said to Leroy, This was the first time Leroy I actually feel you mean’t every word. Simon said Leroy made his mark.
And the final boy of the night…….Drum roll please………. comes from 14-year old Astro from Brooklyn. Astro and Stacy Francis had to sing for survival last week after being voted in the bottom two. Astro said to the viewers in the results show, I really don’t wanna perform. I feel like it’s unnecessary. He asked his mentor L.A. Reid if he thinks he should perform then gave a lackluster performance leaving Simon to believe that he was being disrespectful. Astro dedicated his performance this week to the astronauts, (the ns) who supported him during this journey and encouraged him not to give up. Astro told the audience after his performance that last week he had a moment and could have handled himself a little better. To Team Astro and all the asmusic notes tattootronauts across the world but mostly hip-hop, I’ll never let you down again, Astro said. Nicoles words for Astro were to always remain grateful because that’s what’s going to take him all the way. Paula said that he was well on his way to becoming prolific. Simon said that he admired Astro. The music business needs unpredictability. I like people who are passionate. Simon directed his comment to LA Reid that it wasn’t the best song for the week but it did showcase his talent. LA Reid told Astro to be a gentleman, keep a good head above his shoulders and always do his best.
Drew, Simon’s final girl to perform for the night gave thanks to her best friend. L.A. Reid directed his criticism towards Simon and argued that the song was not age appropriate for Drew who is only 15. Nicole said she rocked it. Paula loved when the tempo picked up. She felt like that is when Drew really got into it. Simon upset with L.A. Reid’s comments, shot right back at Reid I am sick to death of your pointless, stupid criticism. L.A. Reid shot right back at Simon, You can give it but you can’t take it.
The final performance from the over-thirties was from Josh Krajcik who dedicated his song to his daughter. The term save the best for last goes to Josh who got excellent comments across the board from all four judges. L.A. Reid said that Josh has everything it takes to win this competition. Paula coined Josh as being larger than life. Simon said, It’s about a great song, a great voice, and you meant every word you sang. Simon also gave credit to Nicole, Josh’s mentor and admitted that he has given her a hard time throughout the competition. Nicole said beyond this competition that she strongly believed that Josh’s music can change the world.
Tune in for the results show tonight at 8 p.m with Bruno Mars and Kelly Clarkson to perform live. Two contestants will be going home.
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