‘The X Factor’ top 7 recap: did you feel it, Michael Jackson?
Rachel Crow could be in danger Wednesday night. CREDIT: Rick Mickshaw/FOX
Loading ...It’s more than two years since Michael Jackson died, but his music lives on. “X Factor” chose him as a theme, the same one “Idol” did season 8. But there’s nothing wrong with reprising it. M.J. has such a deep playlist of potential songs, he is worthy of the spotlight.
They even brought Michael Jackson’s kids to the show. Unfortunately, they sat stiffly in the audience, looking like they’d rather be playing their Wii at home or texting their friends. Blanket looked downright traumatized in front of the cameras. “It was a well put-together show,” Prince said, with some level of enthusiasm, at the end when Robo-host forced a comment out of him. (My DVR cut off before we got to Blanket’s comments.)
And nobody dared make a tacky Conrad Murray reference.
As for the show, I enjoyed several of the performances, with Drew lifting her game and Melanie elevating what I consider a rather mediocre M.J. song. Josh was not given a good song either and looked a bit absurd with the stripper-style dancers around him. Both Chris and Astro entertained me. Marcus and Rachel fell short. My rankings:
1. Drew 2. Melanie 3. Chris 4. Astro 5. Josh 6. Rachel 7. Marcus
Who will go home: Marcus and Rachel. Astro is also potentially going home over Rachel. Though the readers of this blog generally hate the 15 year old, the voter pool is likely very different from who reads this.
1) Josh Krajcik (Nicole’s team “Dirty Diana”) – This is one of my least favorite M.J. songs. It has a weak chorus and doesn’t have much in the way of melodic range. But it is a rock song to a degree and Josh is positioning himself in that arena. He does an adequate job with it. The dancers? Distracting, like “Solid Gold” meets the Pink Pony. I am glad he got to show off a little guitar work. “As a spectacle… it was great. However, you were over-produced,” Simon said. “You got lost in all the choreography. This is not you on stage. This is what Nicole wants to be.” Nicole then snipes back that she’s willing to take risks and Simon does not with his contestants. (Snap!) Grade: B-plus
Loading ...2) Astro (L.A.’s team, “Black or White”) – The one M.J. hit that actually included rap is this 1992 cheesy but catchy ditty. He does his own little rap about tolerance. As usual, he is entertaining and his raps come off clean and thoughtful. The Michael Jackson kids looked nonplussed. “I don’t know if this is my favorite performance by you. But I loved your lyrics,” Nicole said. Simon disagreed: “What I loved is that new hook at the end. I’m glad the public kept you. You deserve to be here.” Grade: B-plus/A-minus.
3) Drew (Simon’s team “Billie Jean”) – David Cook did a brilliantly grungy version of this song season 7 of “Idol.” This is now the singer-songwriter version. And surprisingly, it works with Drew. She brings her own angst and drama. The way she sits, though, with her knees awkwardly knocked in like that, belies her age. That was my favorite Drew performance in ages. “You made it your own and it pains me to say this, but I liked it,” L.A. said, stealing Paula’s favorite line. Nicole didn’t get her being stuck in the chair. “You’re playing it safe with Drew,” she said to Simon. Grade: A
4) Rachel Crow (Simon’s team “Can You Feel It”) – She opens oddly out of breath and off key at points. And that afro is not flattering on her. She does it with plenty of her trademark spirit. She sounds better toward the end. Again, the MJ kids look decidedly unexcited about this. “This is the first time I watched you and didn’t feel like you were having a good time,” L.A. said. “I felt it as much as I could,” Rachel responded. “Normally you shine. I didn’t feel like you felt it,” Nicole said. Grade: B/B-plus
5) Marcus Canty (L.A.’s team, “P.Y.T.”) – He has a good voice for this song but he really doesn’t add much new or interesting to the song. I’ve never found his vocals terribly unique. Nicole and Paula call him the “whole package” but I don’t feel the X Factor. I feel like he’s derivative in so many ways. Simon: “The vocals weren’t very good.” Grade: B/B-plus
6) Chris Rene (L.A.’s team “I’ll Be There”) Interesting trivia: his grandfather wrote “Rockin’ Robin.” Small world! I appreciate that Chris can sing as well as rap, unlike Astro. He’s grown on me over the weeks. I like his heart. The 25 back-up singers do swallow him up. His rap interlude though was not one of his better ones. But overall, I felt his performance. Grade: A-minus
7) Melanie Amaro (Simon’s team “Earth Sing”) – Melanie with that frizzy hair and that Elvira-ish outfit? Not so good. Her trouble many weeks has been not connecting with the lyrics. I’m still not sure if she’s got that down but she can really sing the heck out of one of M.J.’s lesser songs. It was powerful. “Not only the best of the night but one of the best performances I’ve seen on the show,” Nicole said. Grade: A-minus
For a bonus, here’s video of the Jackson kids, who made an appearance at the show.
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187 comments Add your comment
Pitchy
November 30th, 2011
9:42 pm
@RHo – you said it best, the Jackson children sat “stiffly” during their normal air time on national television.
Seth T.
November 30th, 2011
9:43 pm
Melanie, Josh & Drew are the ones who can actually sing well – but due to the crazy voting systems that are used by this show, it is hard to pick eliminations.
And, the show is really not a pure singing competition, but a popularity contest among what they have thrown on the top 7 plate to choose from,
DanJ
November 30th, 2011
9:52 pm
Just got in from bowling and watched the first 3. Josh was good not great. Astro was Astro and I hope he goes. I’m tired of hearing dope as in that was dope. Drew was boring. The new car smell she had when she did Baby has sadly worn off. If she goes I won’t lose sleep.
GENE
November 30th, 2011
9:57 pm
I THINK ITS TIME FOR NICOLE AND L.A. TO JUDGE THECONTESTANTS NOT THIER MENTOR!
ITS TIME FOR THEM TO GET THIER BUTTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GENE
November 30th, 2011
10:00 pm
SORRY ……….. ITS TIME FOR THEM TO GET THIER NOSES OUT OF THIER BUTTS!!!!!!!!!
DanJ
November 30th, 2011
10:06 pm
Rachel was just okay. She may well be in trouble. I didn’t feel it!
Marcus is actually pretty good and I don’t like PYT. Best so far in opinion.
Chris sort of grows on you. He can’t do covers but he does have a future in music.
Melanie is the REAL DEAL! nuff said.
My rankings:
1) Melanie
2) Marcus
3) Josh
4) Chris
5) Drew
6) Rachel
7) Astro
Thank God for the DVR,
Rodney Ho
November 30th, 2011
10:09 pm
I’m now watching the CBS Grammy noms show. Grammy Record of the yr noms: Adele “Rolling in the Deep,” “Holocene” by Bon Iver. Bon who?, “Grenade” :by Bruno Mars, “The Cave” by Mumford & Sons) and “Firework” by Katy Perry. This is Adele’s to lose.
Pitchy
November 30th, 2011
10:10 pm
I agree GENE. I’m sitting here thinking the judges need to stop trying to upstage each other with there vindictive comments.
@Seth T.- any show associated with Simon is a popularity contest. I like XFactor, but the show is a joke.
Pitchy
November 30th, 2011
10:12 pm
@RHo – Adele is the REAL DEAL…LOVE HER. She let’s her voice showcase her talent = singing w/o gimmicky videos, lighting and dancers.
Seth T.
November 30th, 2011
10:15 pm
Yeah, real music on the Grammy noms. The Band Perry up now.
Adele doesn’t need a light show to sing. Sounds like a lot of people predict Astro off tomorrow night, and maybe Marcus.- but Drew is slipping toward that bottom tier in popularity.
‘The X Factor’ top 7 recap: did you feel it, Michael Jackson? | Gay Atlanta Celebrity, Film, Movie & TV News - ATLANTAboy.com
November 30th, 2011
10:21 pm
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Seth T.
November 30th, 2011
10:27 pm
Jason Aldean doing Country with Rappers doing the background?? This guy gets around!
wolfie1030
November 30th, 2011
10:54 pm
I am so bored by Drew and at times very frustrated by her same ole same ole boring songs! Do NOT get it. David Cook knocked it out of the park. Not Drew. LOVED Josh and Melanie!!!
claire
November 30th, 2011
11:03 pm
Again !!! Wrong choice of song for Rachel Crow . Simon , on purpose , keep choosing the wrong song for Rachel , so sad , she Sooo can sing . I am so tired of the X factor and almost did not watch tonight show . The costume are really bad , too many dancers , no real good chorégraphies , it ’s all a big mess . Bad night !!!!!! and please can you all drop this Michael Jackson C..p, he was a disgusting personage who completly disfigure himself with plastic surgeries he was sick and a freak .
mel
November 30th, 2011
11:11 pm
Josh by far is the BEST of all – Astro is LA’s little pet but is not deserving of all the attention. I don’t see the talent there at all. Drew and Josh can sing without any backup music or glitz. Their voices are pure and beautiful….
RxDawg
November 30th, 2011
11:16 pm
There’s Melani, and then there’s everyone else. In this type of competition it’s not a given that the best will win, but there is no doubt for me that she is the best .
And ok, I’m a Drew hater. But this was the first time I’ve ever actually enjoyed her. BUT come on and do something, anything. She just sits there and sings balads. She actually seemed to put some passion into it this week though.
I’m thinking Rachel and Astro could be in trouble. I hate the song PYT, but Marcus really did a good job with it. But since it’s kinda a bleh song Marcus might be in trouble too.
RxDawg
November 30th, 2011
11:21 pm
I also think something is going on with Nicole. She was really stand offish tonight. Even though I agreed with most of what she said.
Ms V - Detroit, MI
November 30th, 2011
11:21 pm
There is no maybe to the best performance of the night L.A., Melanie was the best performance tonight and all throughout the competition. From the moment she belted out the lyrics to “Listen” (sounding better than the original singer) there was no doubt that she is destined for stardom. I look forward to her recordings, seeing her in concert and hopefully some acting. She is such a spiritual, beautiful and talented young lady. Simon, you hit jackpot on this one and your fellow judges know it. So for the rest of the competition tell L.A., don’t player hate continue to congratulate.
Mercedes S.
November 30th, 2011
11:28 pm
Had to see a movie this evening and just finished watching recorded X-F. Jackson kids looked dragged there, obviously bored prince looks old enough to know that you don’t chew gum when cameras are on you.
Disappointed in Josh’s song choice; had no idea what it was. And why all these writing pornstars-in-waiting (for Josh and Marcus perf.) at a family hour show??
LA “No matter what song we take, we’re gonna make it Astro’s!” Why the preferential treatment? (Again.)
Loved Drew’s “Billy Jean”, even if the “Mad World” staging was a bit much.
Rachel undone by bad song choice.
Marcus hardly disringuishable in his spectacle.
Unexpectedly enjoyed Chris.
Loved Melanie who looked fantastic in a great outfit.
1. Melanie
2. Drew
3. Chris
4. Rachel
5. Josh
6. Marcus
7. Astro
Mercedes S.
November 30th, 2011
11:28 pm
Of course I meant “writhing” pornstars
andy
November 30th, 2011
11:31 pm
amazing melanie!!..
Seth T.
November 30th, 2011
11:43 pm
Behind the glitz, on Facebook pages and tweeted twit’s
= an unseen battle of voters rages across the cell tower relays and intenet connections -
Josh vs. Chris
Astro vs. Rachael
Drew vs. Marcus
Melanie in the favored spot, but hoping not too many supporters are splitting votes with their 2nd choice.
Jackee
November 30th, 2011
11:43 pm
Please keep Rachel on. Not the best song choice for her, but she deserves another chance!
lea
November 30th, 2011
11:54 pm
Send Astro & Chris home please.
Brittyates
December 1st, 2011
12:02 am
I really don’t understand why these shows keep having the contestants do Michael Jackson… really it’s just setting them up for disaster, it’s not like any of these new signers are gonna outdo the famous popstar, they’re always gonna fall short. And those poor kids are being dragged around constantly reminded that they’re dad is dead. I could’nt imagine what that feels like. I mean yeah WE know its a tribute but for them it’s just a reminder and nothing else no wonder they react to it the way they do.
Seth T.
December 1st, 2011
12:24 am
“”"”"December 1st, 2011
12:02 am
I really don’t understand why these shows keep having the contestants do Michael Jackson…”"
It certainly could be a little business payolla between that songbook Management Company and the reality show producers – with the huge universe of songs available, tying the contestants into a specific songbook, to re-advertise the songs and put them available for download, same as they did on Idol many times — is just another million dollar car for Simon.
Mercedes S.
December 1st, 2011
12:38 am
“Why the shows have contestants do Michael Jackson” – was it just me feeling uncomfortable about seeing three 14-year olds perform tributes to alleged child molester?
Sandy
December 1st, 2011
12:43 am
Regarding Drew’s performance, it was good but I think Simon was familiar with this fantastic cover of Billie Jean by Chris Cornell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HmTC1beNG4&feature=related
DKE
December 1st, 2011
12:47 am
This was the worst tribute to Micheal Jackson I have ever witnessed. If I were any member of the Jackson family I would have walked out. I don’t think anyone did MJ justice tonight. Melanie came the closest, but I agree with Rodney, I didn’t feel she connected and wasn’t the best song for her.
DKE
December 1st, 2011
12:53 am
WOW, just watched the youtube link Sandy posted, almost identical to Drew’s rendition!!!!
Oldster
December 1st, 2011
4:10 am
Absolutely detest Astro and the favoritism that he is shown. Continually allowed to talk instead of sing and make up his own words instead of remember the words someone else wrote. Why do they not just say he is the winner and stop all the pretense? Hate the idea of a woman singing Billie Jean. It is like a guy singing Helen Reddy’s “I am Woman.” Chris is mediocre, but better than Astro. Rachel seems like a nice kid and should have a chance in some kids’ pagents. I like Marcus and thought he did his best performance tonight. However, Josh and Melanie are heads and shoulders above the rest. Both of them can sing well. I would pay to hear their music and go see them, if someone gives them decent music with which to deal. Whoever does Melanie’s makeup is a genius. She barely looks like the same girl without makeup and on stage.
cadilac
December 1st, 2011
5:21 am
i still have drew as my favorite and melanie nipping at her heels. everyone one else can take a hike.
Nutmeg
December 1st, 2011
5:54 am
The more I watch this show–and I committed to watching the whole season–the more I think I will not watch it in future years. It’s really horrible. My thoughts on this show, numbered for no reason, and in random order:
1) Simon went from “sane voice of logic and reason” to “unlikeable sniping jerkface” in this show. Paula’s coming off as reasonable and thoughtful, and he sounds like a bully.
2) Astro needs to go. He’s not playing in the same game as everyone else–and that’s not a compliment. I’m sure he’ll have a great career, especially with Reid’s support, but this is not his venue.
3) Josh was thrown under the bus tonight. Had to go first, hair emphasized the grease, too much on stage, and didn’t get a recognizable song. He’s still great, but if there’s going to be a shocker elimination of him, this might be the week.
4) Chris and Marcus to me are so bland.
5) Rachel doesn’t really have an identity as a musician, so I think that the constant talk about her not singing in her zone is a little weird. She’s a kid, and she’s got a powerful voice combined with a ton of charisma. That’s great, but she needs molding.
6) I like Drew, but I also appreciate that kind of Alanis-Morrisette-on-downers songwriter vibe. (Interesting that singer/songwriter no longer necessarily has anything to do with whether one writes one’s own music, but I digress). Still, I agree with L.A. and Paula on this: she is not demonstrating range, because she is singing in exactly the same style and tempo every week. Every single week.
7) Melanie’s good, but she’s Pia-throwback-Whitney-Celine good, meaning that the voice is not contemporary in this market. Can she sell records in Susan Boyle style? Maybe, but I wouldn’t expect to hear her on a pop station.
9) This show doesn’t do wonders for sexism. The fight between L.A. and Simon was set up when they were given the boys and girls. America wasn’t going to vote for the groups, and Leroy and Stacy were cannon fodder. I also don’t believe that Nicole and Paula had that much say over who was kept and who wasn’t. Nicole has been set up to look irrelevant and stupid, and Paula has been set up to look incompetent (although Paula is looking and sounding more cogent than she has in years).
10) This is the talkingest talent show I can remember seeing, and it irritates me. I thought Idol was bloated… well, X-F just took 90 minutes for seven people to sing for two minutes each max. And if someone says “we’re so glad to have the Jackson family with us” again, I’m going to scream. This is the most *repetitive* show, and when it isn’t repetitive, it’s the judges sniping at each other while Steve tries to cut them all off. UGH.
Tman
December 1st, 2011
7:07 am
Astro needs to go. He is an arrogant, disrepectful little p*** ant.
nonchalant
December 1st, 2011
7:31 am
Rachel Crow was dressed as a middle/old aged women in a beginners Richard Simmons exercise class. Maybe she was leading the class last night. The song choice and performance was just bad. She’ll be performing Annie’s “the sun will come out tomorrow” pretty soon.
I agree with Nutmeg. The show is bloated and uninteresting. None of the songs performed yet by any of these singers has stirred me to download a single song and listen again. Whoever gets the 5 mil will have robbed it from the advertisers. I record the show and watch it in 30 minutes, otherwise it is a waste of my time. Boring……
Deirdre
December 1st, 2011
7:32 am
Morning!
Well, I see everyone just LOVED the show last night.
Deirdre
December 1st, 2011
7:36 am
Nutmeg, your #1 comment tells the whole story on what is wrong with this show because everything else stems from Simon’s ego. Simon was relaxed and happy on Idol for the first 7 years. He didn’t have the weight of the show on his shoulders and he could say what he thought without self-promotion. He has turned XF into a nasty, hateful battle between the “judges” at the expense of the contestants and I just find it kind of uncomfortable to watch.
Highlander
December 1st, 2011
7:38 am
Morning, all.
Mercedes, you corrected “writhing” but left “disringuishable”! …Huuhhhhhh???
(Just a wee bit of slagging, there!)
Highlander
December 1st, 2011
7:49 am
I’ve really tried to get into this show but with all the negatives (as I see them , anyway), it’s really, really tough. I have to say, if I don’t get to see the whole show (and I usually don’t due to work schedule), I’m not that excited about watching it the next day on DVR.
The over-production on every performance, the terrible audio mix (background singers and music often drowning out the singer), the “domo arigoto, Mr. Roboto” host and the constant bickering between the “mentors” (which is just too contrived) are all reasons why the show hasn’t come close to matching Idol’s ratings.
And you just know Simon can’t be happy about that!
Ron Burgundy
December 1st, 2011
7:59 am
Those kids are Michaels like about as much as Webster was George and ma’am Papadopolis’s. They are as much michaels kids as Arnold and Willis were Mr. Drummond’s.
I think its sad that we pay tributes to a junkie who forced three kids to be subjected to his bozarre drugged out questionable behaviors.
I mean whats next…..should we do a tribute to jerry Sandusky for his great defenses at penn State?
Deirdre
December 1st, 2011
8:01 am
I hope Idol maintains its #1 spot in the ratings this year if only to annoy Simon.
Does anyone watch the UK version of this show? Is it as nasty and over-produced as the US version?
pw
December 1st, 2011
8:27 am
I’m technically an old woman and rap is not one of my favorite genres of music but Astro is the real thing. He writes, raps and performs. Remember folks he’s only 15 and full of himself as most 15 year olds are. Don’t let that blind you to his talent.
I think they did Rachel and injustice last night but I would not send her home. Drew was better than I’ve heard her sing but I kept remembering she was 14 and it was just… Melanie is amazing.
Please, please, please send home Marcus and Chris – Marcus’ voice is horrid – absolutely horrid. I turn the sound down whenever he is on. While I love Chris’ story, I just don’t feel him at all.
DanJ
December 1st, 2011
8:27 am
Why recycle yet another theme/tribute to Michael Jackson? Michael, The Beatles, Elvis etc have all been done. The whole idea of a tribute with his family in attendance gave me the creeps. It was bad enough that Michael had no childhood his family used him and continue to live off his name. Sad!
The show had zero WOW moments. I’m starting to like Rachel better than Drew. Never thought I’d say that. Simon has turned Drew into a one trick pony and her act is growing stale. Honestly I think she may go tonight or at least be in the bottom. I thought Marcus was his best since his audition. Problem is he didn’t have but one way to go from his last performances they were that bad.
Astro ? Another one trick pony that doesn’t have to follow the same rules as other singers. While Chris can’t do cover well I do think he will be successful post XFactor. Same holds true for Astro. Not my cup of tea but Rap/Hip-Hop sells.
They are only two potential stars on the show. Melanie and Josh! There’s a market for both IF they control the songs they choose for their CD. If Simon tries to make them something they’re not they will fail. Clive Davis would be far better at producing their albums than Simon. That being said Chris Rene win or lose will have the biggest career IF he stays clean IMO. The only saving grace for XFactor is they didn’t have any country singers. While I like country music, I didn’t think Scotty should have won Idol. He won based on genre not talent IMO. If Idol has any country singers in their top 12-16 they’ll win. My two cents anyway!
Breezy
December 1st, 2011
8:30 am
I liked Melanie’s performance. She is a great singer. Drew’s version of Billy Jean reminded me of David Cook when he was on Idol. He blew me away. Why a girl sang it is questionable. Rachel deserves a second chance due to poor song choice by her mentor.
DC
December 1st, 2011
8:31 am
If you guys cant respect Astro (as an artist) then you really dont understand music…that or you are really old and like to hear more marvin gaye style of music…
Look the kid has an attitude problem…that probably stems from his family and where he grew up…I dont like Kanye West as a person but I like his music a lot…
I had some UK friends come down couple weeks back and told me they loved the american version so much more than the UK version…
Deirdre
December 1st, 2011
8:40 am
Re the comments about Michael Jackson: I think it is possible to separate the man that MJ became from his music. From the time he was a child with the Jackson 5 to the late 80’s/early 90’s, MJ’s music filled the airwaves and there is a very good reason for that. We all watched his slow descent into a drug-abusing, egocentric, mentally ill recluse who may or may not have molested children. I don’t think that person was honored last night. I think focusing on his music is acceptable.
should we do a tribute to jerry Sandusky for his great defenses at penn State? Absolutely not but that doesn’t mean we should negate Penn’s State’s defense because of him.
Woodpappy
December 1st, 2011
8:45 am
The X-Factor is really a Stupy show to me and I don’t watch but about 5 minutes of it to see if it’s gotten any better. It hasn’t.
Breezy
December 1st, 2011
8:51 am
DC, I like Astro despite myself. However, arrogance is going to take him just so far. He needs to tone it down a notch and listen to the voice of reason when it pertains to him.
Mercedes S.
December 1st, 2011
8:56 am
“Focusing on his music is acceptable” – but the show didn’t focus on Michael Jackson’s music!
The few pieces of his music I KIND OF recognized had been twisted into over-produced weirdness.
More was made of the Jackson “family” – and who was the brave “Jackson 5″ who refused to participate in this debacle? – than the MJ music.
I agree completely with Nut’s post!
Sam-A
December 1st, 2011
8:58 am
Having NEVER been an MJ fan, I’ve never even heard of a couple of these songs. Got really irritated hearing over and over he was “the greatest artist ever” – not so much!
My dislike for Drew continued – terrible – couldn’t even understand a single word the first 40 seconds or so – wasn’t sure what she was singing.
Sorry for poor talented little Rachel, and the judges certainly set her up to go tonight.
Don’t even need to speak of Astro – just get rid of the bleep bleep and lets be done.
Marcus (is that his name??) – blah as always. Very little talent – just a weak, uninteresting voice
Josh – bad song and production. But he’ll be safe, I’m sure
Melanie by far the best – she’s just got the talent. X Factor still questionable, but a great voice.
Chris not worth speaking about.
Those poor “Jackson” kids were pitiful (and no more “Jackson” than I am), and that gum chewing was so terribly rude.
Will finish out this season – but next year, I know there’s better stuff to watch and not waste my time. Life is too short do deal with Lurch and the rest twice a week!