‘The X Factor’ finals recap: did they make it their own?
THE X FACTOR: Top 3 Perform: Melanie Amaro performs on THE X FACTOR Dec. 21 (8:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) on FOX. THE X FACTOR Finale airs Wed., Dec. 21 and Thurs., Dec. 22 on FOX. CR: Ray Mickshaw / FOX.
Loading ...Sure, this show suffered from over-production, annoyingly bickering judges and a host who shouldn’t even be hosting a small-town pageant.
But through all that dreck, they managed to come up with three decent finalists. And I watched this via DVR so I was able to fast forward through much of the dross.
Round one, the trio all showed deference to their celebrity duet partners, as in Alanis Morissette, Avril Lavigne and R. Kelly. So for me, that didn’t really help us determine their worth as individual artists.
Then we watched them repeat their original audition songs in fully produced form. And each one in their own way proved why they are here tonight.
Josh Krajcik oozes earnest soul. Chris Rene elevates joy and hope after much darkness with a hip-hop edge. Melanie Amaro is full-on diva, a vocalist of supreme power and grace when she truly lets go.
Each has their negatives. Josh is so nice, he doesn’t seem to have enough edge for a scruffy rocker. And he sometimes sounds too much like Joe Cocker. Rene’s vocals are pretty thin at times. And Melanie sometimes seems to be singing on auto-pilot.
So who will win the guaranteed $5 million?
Melanie would seem to have the edge, having the pimp spot and favorite status from day one. But Josh has a strong base of fans, too. And while polls (which may be taken by a group of people not matching the voting base) show Chris lagging behind the other two, his likely younger fans might Facebook him to victory.
I do have to make a prediction. I say Josh wins though actually, I’d like to see Chris win.
THE X FACTOR: Top 3 Perform: Josh Krajcik performs on THE X FACTOR Dec. 21 (8:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) on FOX. THE X FACTOR Finale airs Wed., Dec. 21 and Thurs., Dec. 22 on FOX. CR: Ray Mickshaw / FOX.
1) Josh Krajcik with Alanis Morissette (“Uninvited”) – Alanis dueted with runner-up Crystal Bowersox in the finals in 2009 with “You Oughta Know.” She’s back! Josh and Alanis work together well. “Uninvited” isn’t quite the masterpiece that “You Oughta Know” and Josh isn’t dominant. What do you expect? This is Alanis’ baby! “You kept your identity,” Paula said. Grade: A-minus/B-plus
2) Chris Rene with Avril Lavigne (”Complicated”) – Really? This song was sung by a bratty 16 year girl in 2002. Not a good fit for Chris. Avril swallows him during the duet moments. He at least is having a good time. Nicole should be penalized for saying, “You made it your own.” Grade: B
3) Melanie Amaro with R. Kelly (”I Believe I Can Fly”) – She seemed very nervous in the early going and it never really soars. R. Kelly was overshadowed by Kelly, as L.A. Reid said. Grade: B
The trio then joined Cirque Du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson Immortal” spectacle, which killed a few minutes.
Now each sings their original audition song and solidify why each one is in the finals:
4) Josh (”At Last” Etta James) – A lovely homage to the ailing singer, armed with just an acoustic guitar and his soulful voice. He goes thankfully with no backup dancers and singers. A truly brilliant performance. “You made it your own,” Reid said, and yes, he should be placed in the penalty box for using Paula’s line, too. “You own that stage,” said a slightly less cliched Paula. “You took that massive risk with the guitar. What I liked about it was it’s all about you,” Simon said. Grade: A
THE X FACTOR: Top 3 Perform: Avril Lavigne (L) and Chris Rene perform on THE X FACTOR Dec. 21 (8:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) on FOX. THE X FACTOR Finale airs Wed., Dec. 21 and Thurs., Dec. 22 on FOX. CR: Ray Mickshaw / FOX.
5) Chris (”Young Homie”) – This is the song that got the judges’ attention and it remains incredibly inspiring and catchy. It proves he can write music. “You are magic!” Paula said. “That was your $5 million song,” Simon said. Grade: A
6) Melanie (”Listen” Beyonce) – Melanie doesn’t always connect with the lyrics of the song and can be tentative. But she sings this one practically busting her gut. It still works. “That was a $50 million song,” L.A. raved. “So gorgeous,” Paula said. “I am so so proud,” Simon said. Grade: A
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By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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157 comments Add your comment
Lil Red
December 21st, 2011
8:06 pm
Hi. Hope this will be good.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:06 pm
Good evening!
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:07 pm
Awww, I thought I was first, but we both have the same time stamp (lol).
Lil Red
December 21st, 2011
8:08 pm
Close!!!!
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:08 pm
What’s “bloat?”
Lil Red
December 21st, 2011
8:10 pm
Bloat is filler. You know you feel bloated sometimes.
Lil Red
December 21st, 2011
8:12 pm
We are 10 minutes in and still haven’t done anything. That’s bloat.
Squishy
December 21st, 2011
8:13 pm
Sixth!
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:13 pm
The song is tired sounding. I know that doesn’t make sense. She sounds good.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:13 pm
They don’t sound good together.
Squishy
December 21st, 2011
8:14 pm
that suck’d… very underwhelmed.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:14 pm
I thought of bloated. I understand.
DanJ
December 21st, 2011
8:15 pm
I agree Pitchy they sound horrible together!
Seth T.
December 21st, 2011
8:15 pm
Josh & Alanis – ok, but I’m not up to listening to it again.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:15 pm
Surrea, BS! That wasn’t good. I even turned the volume down.
Seth T.
December 21st, 2011
8:17 pm
I sometimes wonder if the judges have good hearing, but then, they have to sell the show of course.
Jubie
December 21st, 2011
8:17 pm
Josh was amazing.
Squishy
December 21st, 2011
8:17 pm
nicole looks like she styled her hair with about 3 Fosters Beer cans…
the Australian Fat Boy cans…
Seth T.
December 21st, 2011
8:21 pm
Have some Josh fans here in our group tonight, but they were not happy with that performance and are blaming the producers/Nicole – for setting-up that debacle. Alanis outshone him and the harmonies were sometimes at-odds.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:23 pm
They need to change the show’s name to Light Show with Singers.
Seth T.
December 21st, 2011
8:24 pm
RE: Archeleta story — his fan base was predominantly 11 to 17 or so, and a good number of them have moved-on to other infatuations since Archie was on Idol.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:24 pm
Is it my ears, but he sounds tired too…
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:25 pm
A much better pairing…not bad.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:25 pm
Why isn’t he singing…oh there he goes…wait, that’s not singing.
Seth T.
December 21st, 2011
8:26 pm
I am working with a girl in the band, that is very much like Avril – even looks a lot like her. She also way outshone Chris on the vocals.
Seth T.
December 21st, 2011
8:28 pm
The light Nicole sees around Chris, is from the Stage Effects Manager.
DanJ
December 21st, 2011
8:28 pm
Avril and Chris weren’t bad together but not great. Why are they doing duets on the finals?
Squishy
December 21st, 2011
8:28 pm
goodbye Robo-Host, hello Nancy Grace…
I’ll check back with you guys when this round of duets is over.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:29 pm
Anyone would shine up there with all those lights.
Paula is speaking jibberish now. Did she just say it doesn’t count about the notes..WTH.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:30 pm
Friends from rehab…umm…well…ok??? WOW
Squishy
December 21st, 2011
8:31 pm
Will someone please medicate Santa Cruz…? thank you.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:33 pm
@DanJ ~ and why are the famous singers doing much of the singing????
Squishy
December 21st, 2011
8:33 pm
Chris Rene sportin’ the Rodney Ho hat…
Or as I like to call it – the RoHoLook…
DanJ
December 21st, 2011
8:35 pm
These contestants are battling for a contract and to suddenly have then sing duets on the most important night is stupid!
‘The X Factor’ finals recap | ATLANTAboy.com | Gay Atlanta Celebrity, Film, Movie & TV News
December 21st, 2011
8:35 pm
[...] more ‘The X Factor’ finals recap at Radio & TV Talk… /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR [...]
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:35 pm
R. Kelly’s coming out????
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:36 pm
I AGREE DANJ!!!!!
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:37 pm
Melanie didn’t even come out with her strong voice….so far all 3 started off badly.
Squishy
December 21st, 2011
8:38 pm
If he gets off stage without urinating on her or anyone else, I’ll consider this the best performance so far..
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:38 pm
My 17 year old just said she didn’t like it (lol).
DanJ
December 21st, 2011
8:39 pm
Melanie wins round 1!
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:39 pm
@Squishy, of course he wouldn’t do that in this venue?
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:40 pm
I just noticed the cut out in Nicole’s dress…
Jubie
December 21st, 2011
8:41 pm
Josh won round one for me.
DanJ
December 21st, 2011
8:41 pm
None of the duets were great! I could see doing duets IF they have 3 songs. Does anyone know if they sing 2 or 3 songs?
Squishy
December 21st, 2011
8:41 pm
@Pitchy – actually, I meant Robo-Host, not R Kelly… i wouldn’t put it past him…
Jubie
December 21st, 2011
8:43 pm
Bad idea pairing these three with the pros. Only two songs I believe DanJ
Lil Red
December 21st, 2011
8:44 pm
I’m 30 minutes behind but I like Josh and Alanis. They did well.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:46 pm
Pray tell, what made you say that Squishy.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:47 pm
This will probably be the best part of the show!!
Seth T.
December 21st, 2011
8:47 pm
In terms of comparing pure vocals of the 3 duets, Mel/R. Kelly were the best. I’ve heard that song too many times, but Mel handled it like a pro.
Squishy
December 21st, 2011
8:48 pm
If you search on R.Kelly, I’m sure you’ll find some incidences in his past – specifically some run-ins with the law… that’s all.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:49 pm
Now, this is horrible…
Seth T.
December 21st, 2011
8:50 pm
Read today that the MJ estate has made over 100 million since his death.
Robots on-stage, is this a Jones act?
Squishy
December 21st, 2011
8:50 pm
Did he just call that “crazy-good”?!
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:51 pm
I got that with R.Kelly, but you said you were talking about Robo-Host, not R.Kelly.
And, I know just about every run-in R.Kelly has ever had…
Lil Red
December 21st, 2011
8:51 pm
I’m so impressed with the acts they bring in to X Factor. They are so much cleaned (less wild) than American Idol. Arvil and Chris did good too.
Squishy
December 21st, 2011
8:54 pm
@Pitchy – nevermind, was just mixing comedic routines… Message boards are a challenging medium.
Rodney Ho
December 21st, 2011
8:57 pm
Sorry guys. Behind cos my wife needed to talk and my wife takes precedence over “The X Factor.” I know. Hard to believe! Just starting now.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:58 pm
@Squishy, yes lost in translation. My fault, went right over my head the comedy of if.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
8:59 pm
This song suits him and he sounds good.
Squishy
December 21st, 2011
8:59 pm
Score.
that was awesome.
DanJ
December 21st, 2011
9:00 pm
I’m glad Josh is back to being just Josh although I wish he’d picked a different song. At Last was good but I don’t know if it will attract the young voters.
Seth T.
December 21st, 2011
9:00 pm
Good R&B song for Josh, We liked it.
Lil Red
December 21st, 2011
9:02 pm
Melanie and R Kelly did good too. Close to me tonight.
peacebaby
December 21st, 2011
9:02 pm
seems the show must want to make sure Josh or Chris won’t win. Not a fan of either first song…waiting to hear how they present Melanie
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
9:03 pm
Yes, Josh was the best of the night thus far.
Seth T.
December 21st, 2011
9:04 pm
I don’t think the back-home crowd interviews are winning any votes for them. Too many bellowing nuts.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
9:05 pm
I haven’t seen a commercial for press on nails in a long time and to see Nicole doing it is quite comical.
Jubie
December 21st, 2011
9:06 pm
Well peacebaby it is Simon’ show and Melanie is Simon’s girl. Just saying.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
9:06 pm
Ummm, Seth T. I didn’t know how to convey that, but I concur.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
9:08 pm
They need to come to this blog and post some of these comments (LOLOL).
Lil Red
December 21st, 2011
9:08 pm
Interesting with the robot song. Has robo-host loosened up some?
Jubie
December 21st, 2011
9:08 pm
Chris is the best ‘performer’. Melanie is boring to watch.
DanJ
December 21st, 2011
9:09 pm
Young Homie Again to win?
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
9:12 pm
I like the song and the msg. Same one he sang day one I believe. Nice move.
Lil Red
December 21st, 2011
9:13 pm
Yep, that’s Josh’s style. Great song and performance.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
9:13 pm
This song could be an anthem for despondent youth.
DanJ
December 21st, 2011
9:13 pm
Ten Million hits of that song on you-tube tells me he may win it. Smart move to bring it back!
Lil Red
December 21st, 2011
9:14 pm
So far the show is better than the comments have made it sound. I’m still a little behind (have a little behind?) but catching up quick.
Seth T.
December 21st, 2011
9:15 pm
Melanie is “predictable” to watch. Always a good vocalist, but not a contoversial or titillating personality.
Hey Homie, what you trippin’ on?? Would you put a 5 million contract up for Chris?? Or, would you invest $50,000 of your own real or borrowed money into an artist like him?
Dana
December 21st, 2011
9:18 pm
I am happy with the top 3. I think overall Chris and Josh are more current. Melanie has a powerful voice but like someone mentioned, she is quite boring. With Chris and Josh you just get a performance. The industry today wants performance over vocals I don’t think Melanie can cross over to that fun loving songs like Mariah.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
9:18 pm
Very smart move, DanJ. His calculation will pay off.
DanJ
December 21st, 2011
9:19 pm
Seth, Josh is my favorite but IF I was looking on making a return on my investment I’d pick Chris even though his music isn’t my cup of tea. I think he’ll sell more songs/downloads/cds.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
9:23 pm
WOW, she came back with her first song too….
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
9:24 pm
Sorry, that wasn’t her face song…but she has the vocals to pull it off.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
9:24 pm
She’s singing her heart out….NICE!
Dana
December 21st, 2011
9:25 pm
Smart choice of song for Melodie.
DanJ
December 21st, 2011
9:26 pm
Wow she’s got pipes! Melanie was the best tonight hands down. Don’t know if she’ll win but…WOW!
Lil Red
December 21st, 2011
9:26 pm
Tough, close competition so far. Can’t wait to hear Melanie.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
9:29 pm
Yes, Melani was the best tonight. Very, very powerful singing on her part. When Beyonce sang it in Dream Girls it was powerful then as well.
Seth T.
December 21st, 2011
9:31 pm
So now it’s the choice – a Diva level singer in Melanie – a rock/R&B performer in Big Bear Krajic – a Hip-Hop/Rapper who can’t sing, but can do party songs.
I’m going to check with the group of complaining rowdy’s here at the house (complaining that their pony didn’t get the best deal) and see how they are voting. Back later
Lil Red
December 21st, 2011
9:37 pm
Lost my comment. Great job by all three. Just depends on who has the largest following.
DanJ
December 21st, 2011
9:39 pm
I think the songs the contestants did tonight(their audition songs) were better during the auditions. By that I actually think they sounded better then. I don’t know if it was acoustics or all the hoopla. Melanie sounded closer to what she sounded like in the auditions.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
9:50 pm
I think Josh is going to take the prize.
Seth T.
December 21st, 2011
9:50 pm
From the sampling of our group here, and some phone calls to another group acroos town, Dough no if it’s gonna be Josh or Mel who wins, but Chris is toast. Without Marcus, Rachael. Drew and the others to buffer the voting process, seems that Chris is way over his head now.
DanJ
December 21st, 2011
9:55 pm
I hope you’re right Seth. I thought Melanie was better tonight but Josh is still my favorite. I bet all 3 have signed deals regardless who wins. Same with Drew, Marcus and Lakoda Rayne. Just hope Leroy gets a chance. Of course we know Astro signed with JayZ.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
9:55 pm
If Chris should lose out, I hope he doesn’t seek solace the way he used to.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
9:57 pm
@RodneyHo – guess that MJ number was the “bloat” you may have been referring to. When the 3 of them came out, the performance went sour in my mouth!
DanJ
December 21st, 2011
10:01 pm
Pitchy, I agree. I hope Chris never has relapse. I think we all want him to do well and make something out of his life for himself and his children. If Simon hasn’t signed him LA will.
Pitchy
December 21st, 2011
10:06 pm
DanJ, I sincerely hope he doesn’t fall by the wayside like the Man With The Golden Voice (homeless newscaster found on the corner holding the sign) or even El Debarge going back into rehab after he came back with this voice in tact.
Merlek3
December 21st, 2011
10:10 pm
DanJ: I agree. Mel did it. Josh great second round. I don’t mind who wins unless it is Chris.
DanJ
December 21st, 2011
10:11 pm
Drugs have ended many promising careers in all walks of life. If Chris can take that negative and turn it into a positive, his life will be a success.
Seth T.
December 21st, 2011
10:17 pm
Hey Pitchy, Chris has enough good recognition going for him now, to make the top 3, and a prescence on YouTube, etc., that if he can’t make good choices now, he never will. I know a couple of guys in the area that I honestly believe are better than Chris in that genre, and they would be ecstatic to have gotten the same chance that he did.
Dan J. – I think that Drew, at such a young age, has plenty of room to grow into the biz if she hangs on with the right management group. I am less enthused about where Marcus will be in two years —
but there are a number of issues with the Lakoda Rayne group that leaves me to believe we won’t see much of them after the tour. They live in different states, never had a really good stand-out singer in the group to rely on,
they can easily be diverted with love interests or an alternate life-path that is less demanding than trying to make it in the business against a good number of other well established music combines. And X-Factor producers won’t likely be investing in them after the tour, it’ll be on-to-the-next-show.
Just my humble opinion…time will tell, they do have a good-looking group though:)
DanJ
December 21st, 2011
10:17 pm
Merlek3, I think Josh and Melanie will be fine if they lose but I hope one of them wins. I will say that I would buy a CD from Chris IF notice the big if it was positive and not trashy lyrics. I don’t need to hear anything about Ho’s unless it’s from Santa. While I’ve been known to use naughty words I don’t think they belong in music. I also don’t need to hear about someones sex life. If Chris is like MC Hammer or Will Smith I’d buy it.
RxDawg
December 21st, 2011
10:18 pm
This is all I need to know. Melanie is the only one that looked she belonged up there on that stage with the other pro’s that joined the show.
Seth T.
December 21st, 2011
11:03 pm
RxDawg
December 21st, 2011
10:18 pm
This is all I need to know. Melanie is the only one that looked she belonged up there on that stage with the other pro’s that joined the show.
******** a very accurate comment*******
amanda
December 21st, 2011
11:03 pm
I hate the host..if this show comes back he needs to goooooo
Fred
December 22nd, 2011
12:52 am
RxDawg.
Thank you, I couldn’t agree with you more, of these 3 finalists Melanie is the only one
that should be there. Josh is horrible no matter what the judges say. I am also tired of
hearing about Chris bout with drugs and being saved. Melanie would be the only CD that
I would buy, even thougt Rachel is not in the finals, I thought that it should have came down to her and Melanie. Once again I will repeat myself, Josh is horrible. Please don’t let him win.
CP
December 22nd, 2011
2:56 am
Seth T: “they can easily be diverted with love interests or an alternate life-path that is less demanding than trying to make it in the business against a good number of other well established music combines.”
Are you for real? It’s 2011 buddy ~ women are well capable of accomplishing difficult career paths without getting distracted by personal choices. Though maybe not under the rock from which you crawled to post that sexist comment.
Nutmeg
December 22nd, 2011
4:46 am
It was actually the celebrity duet section that cemented my appreciation of Josh, although I won’t be crying if Melanie wins. (Chris has a great story and raps well, but his voice… yeesh. He was so off-key in the opening of his duet that I almost turned it off).
The harmony between Josh and Alanis was stellar–exactly what I want in a rock duet. When I hear him, I hear echoes of Meatloaf, who’s done several powerful duets. But some of the harmonic moments in that piece gave me chills in a good way. Did Chris even attempt harmony with Avril? I didn’t hear it. Melanie and R. Kelly did a good job, but my mind has filed R. Kelly under “pedophile,” so I couldn’t really get past that to enjoy it. Yes, I know he was acquitted. Not to retry him, but I was personally unconvinced.
In my opinion, Melanie should’ve won the Voice. Her amazing voice is better than all four finalists of that show (Javier, Dia, Vicki, Beverly). But in my opinion, she lacks exactly the title of this show: that little something extra that goes beyond how good the voice is and how likeable the contestant is and the concocted backstory. The X-Factor is that je ne sais quoi. It’s hard to define but easy to point out. In fact, it’s kind of like that overhyped upcoming series Smash: when Kat McPhee starts singing, everything stops. She commands the room, and here’s the thing–it’s not just her voice and attractiveness. It’s that something else. She glows.
IMO, Melanie doesn’t glow. (Chris doesn’t glow. Josh has had moments where I felt the glow, but overall? No).
joel
December 22nd, 2011
4:49 am
Melanie is the best and strongest vocalist, but if the purpose of this show is to find a contemporary recording artist, someone you could hear on the radio today, I’m not sure it’s her. Everything that she has sung has been from the Whitney, Celine, Mariah wheelhouse, very 90’s, not so much today. Last night was a good example of that, singing one of the biggest songs of the 90’s with R. Kelley, even her outfits looked retro, and it’s been that way pretty much every week.
Back in his Idol days, Simon was always criticizing female contestants for being too “old fashioned” and “pageanty”. It’s surprising that his top contestant on this show has consistently performed just that way.
Highlander
December 22nd, 2011
7:07 am
Morning, gang!
Okay, I’m going to go “old-time Simon” on this: Chris can perform pretty well but his singing SUCKS! I’m sure there are hundreds of guys like him working clubs across the country who can bring it the same way performance-wise but can also bring the vocals! His voice is weak and he’s got breath control problems.
And I’m tired of the mentors (Paula especially) saying BS like “every note doesn’t have to be perfect.” WHAT??? With the price of concert tickets today, do you want to put your hard-earned money down for someone who MIGHT sing on-key or might need the help of Auto-Tune?
How has that worked out for Lee Dewyze?
Highlander
December 22nd, 2011
7:23 am
I want to know who’s idea it was to pair Josh up with Alanis. (Or Chris with Avril, for that matter.) Why pick two Pop princesses to sing with a rocker and hip-hop guy?
And while Melanie has a very good voice, I can’t recall her doing anything BUT power ballads during the entire competition. (Something Simon berated people for in the past!)
I believe any CD she puts out would be boring because every track would sound similar to the last one.
Deirdre
December 22nd, 2011
7:29 am
Morning!
Didn’t see the show. Can’t say that I care all that much. If I was to pick a winner based on the season it would be a pretty hard sell between Melanie and Josh. I really liked both of them right from the start. Melanie’s voice is amazing but she reminds me of Melinda Doolittle. Great voice but the it factor isn’t there. Josh is a very good song stylist and it’s always refreshing to watch someone meld with a song. But he lacks the it factor as well.
Chris Rene could win by default.
X-Factor Watcher
December 22nd, 2011
7:53 am
I think Chris Renee should win. He has all the charisma that Pepsi is looking for. Melanie only sings slow, boring songs and has never really sung anything uptempo. I would definitely not want to see her in the commercial. Chris is hip and exactly what they need to promote their product. Josh?? Ehh, not so sure what I think about him. Melanie’s head has gotten way to big. Did you guys see the way that she put the mic back onto the stand when she was finished singing? Her whole attitude was like “yeah, now what… I got this” PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE I pray she doesnt win. GOOO CHRIS !!!!!!
nonchalant
December 22nd, 2011
7:56 am
I agree with Joel. Simon did nothing to set Melanie apart, his song choices for her were everything he has ever criticized on AI. She is good but I wouldn’t buy her music. I would have liked to hear Josh or Melanie sing an upbeat tune last night. Chris wins last night because all his songs weren’t sleepers. I’d most likely buy Josh’s songs because I love his voice and quality, but nothing he has performed yet has stimulated me to purchase. Like someone said, it is all about who has the biggest following.
Breezy
December 22nd, 2011
8:34 am
Josh and Melanie were very good. When you close your eyes and just listen to the tone and sound of Josh’s voice it is terrific. After saying that, Chris is totally entertaining visually.
Sam-A
December 22nd, 2011
8:44 am
I hope Josh wins – I hope Chris doesn’t. Once again, the gal with the really good voice disappointed in her demeaner. LA said great things about her – she just glared and said nothing. Both gals says great things – again just a glare. She only acknowledged Simon’s remarks. I agree with whoever above said she looked like “there it is – just go ahead and declare me the winner now”(sic). But if she wins, she is a good singer – better than Leona Lewis (groan – my ears are still “bleeding, bleeding, bleeding” from that dreadful song awhile back.
DanJ
December 22nd, 2011
8:54 am
At this point I don’t think it matters who wins. I know the 5 million dollars and Pepsi commercial is at stake but 1 hit CD a couple of hit singles especially if written by the artist makes a lot more than 5 million. Little Homie has probably made or will make Chris Rene millions.
Only twice have my favorites won. (Kelly & Carrie) So I’m not counting on Josh or Melanie winning. If they do fine, if not I’ll buy their CD when it comes out. I’ve enjoyed the show, even with its flaws. It’s refreshing to see IMO the best two singers in the finals. (Josh & Melanie) The last time for me that happened on Idol was Carrie & Bo. While XFactor is over produced, judges bickering and the host is horrible they found or manipulated a way to get the best two singers in the final. I like the judges having the OPTION of picking who goes home or leaving it up to America.
Idol needs to do something along those lines. Scotty and Lauren were not the best two last year IMO. They won because they were young and the country music fans pushed them through. Yes I like country music!! Voting until your fingers bleed is stupid. Everyone should be allowed 1 vote by phone and Internet. Then that number needs to be blocked, IP blocked. Sanjaya who was horrible was kept in by zealots. Same for Jasmine Trias who made it to #3 while Jennifer Hudson, Latoya London and other better singers were voted off. I will watch Idol but I will see it for what it is…FLAWED! Just like XFactor and every other competition show.
RxDawg
December 22nd, 2011
9:11 am
How long Chris stays sober or if he falls back off the wagon should have NO say in wheter or not he wins this contest. Frankly, I’m kinda tired of hearing about Chris’s past drug problems. How long has Melanie been sober? How long has Josh been sober? Hehe, I’m thinking Melanie has probably been sober longer then Josh
G
December 22nd, 2011
9:12 am
Marcus would’ve done a much better job last night than Chris. He sounded worse than usual. Josh is still meh. Melanie finished strong enough to win it all. I would go as far to say that Melanie and Josh are a stronger tandum than Scotty and whats her name on AI. Based on that alone, XF tops AI.
Andy Gump
December 22nd, 2011
9:14 am
Melanie won with that last song. I like Josh’s last song but I wish he would’ve sang an Otis Redding song like ‘Sittin’ On Top Of The Bay’. And on top of that she is freakin’ GORGEOUS!!! I know R. Kelly couldn’t hardly keep his eyes off of her. She is HOT! When she came out in those boots? LAWD!!! Then to top it off with the white ensemble?!? I was about to launch myself thru the TV-she really is stunning and has a great pair of breasts!! WOW!!!
Pitchy
December 22nd, 2011
9:15 am
Good morning.
Highlander, I said the same thing about Paula’s asinine comment about “every note doesn’t have to be perfect.” This is a singing contest for $5 Mil. Someone needs to be almost perfect, in fact, dead on that people will come to their concerts or buy their CDs.
RxDawg
December 22nd, 2011
9:17 am
“Are you for real? It’s 2011 buddy ~ women are well capable of accomplishing difficult career paths without getting distracted by personal choices. Though maybe not under the rock from which you crawled to post that sexist comment.”
lol, he’s just stating the obvious. They are 4 young, pretty girls that had other things going for them then a music career. And the music career doesn’t look that promising. The odds of 1 of them moving on to something else is extremely high. He was just stating a love interest has one possibility. It was pretty dang far from being sexist.
I’d go on to say that if Lakoda Rayne dropped the two tall girls and went to a duo they’d have a bigger chance. The two short girls were better singers.
RxDawg
December 22nd, 2011
9:22 am
“And I’m tired of the mentors (Paula especially) saying BS like “every note doesn’t have to be perfect.” WHAT??? With the price of concert tickets today, do you want to put your hard-earned money down for someone who MIGHT sing on-key or might need the help of Auto-Tune? ”
LOL good point. Yeh I didn’t know what Paula was thinking there. She was trying to bring Chris up after being criticized by Nicole (rightfuly) but she probably did more harm to him as that was a very backhanded complement.
kelly&carriefan
December 22nd, 2011
9:30 am
Hi y’all,
Well, last night was definitely underwhelming! The duets were weird to me. As for Chris Rene dueting with Avril. She was discovered by L.A. Reid, I’m guessing she owed him a favor (and Pink, another L.A. discovery, said no?)
I am in agreement with the Simon critique about keeping Melanie in the 90s. Sure it worked for Kelly, 10 years ago! It’s a totally different world.
But anyway. At this point, I’m still don’t have a horse in the race. I’m going to go ahead and stick with my prediction of Chris Rene taking the title. BTW, the X Factor is NOT a singing competition as much as an “entertainer” show. They’ve shown it with the production and have been reminding us of that for the past few weeks…to which I say, fine, at least they are honest about that.
My comments during the show last night:
1. Josh and Alanis, like them both, but that was an Uninvited Mess…
2. X Factor? More like MEH Factor.
3. I’m more interested in hearing the girl singing Billionaire in the Chevy commercial than this show.
4. The finalists singing “They don’t care about us.” Subliminal messages?
josh
December 22nd, 2011
9:35 am
for all you guys debating on lakoda rayne (if they are going to stay together), the answer for now is yes. 2 of the members are staying in LA and the other 2 plans to move over as soon as they are done with high school. not sure if they have a record deal or anything. hope to hear more details after the finale.
and yes, they are staying together as a group.
DanJ
December 22nd, 2011
9:54 am
Josh, I may be alone in my thinking but I think Lakoda Rayne will do well when all is said and done. They remind me of the all girl group ALL SAINTS, albeit a country version. All Saints don’t have a true lead singer but they’ve done pretty well in the business. Their big hit was the song Never Ever for those who may want to see them on you-tube.
DanJ
December 22nd, 2011
10:00 am
k&cfan, you hit the nail on the head about XFactor. They’re not looking for the best pure singer they’re looking for the best entertainer. They’re looking for Lady GaGa not Celine Dion, Elton John not Michael Buble. Chris best fits what they’re looking for. Of course America may choose Josh or Melanie. It will be interesting who wins.
Pitchy
December 22nd, 2011
10:10 am
Josh and Chris may be more marketable than Melanie. I would have bought a ticket to see Rachel perform.
timthebrave
December 22nd, 2011
10:18 am
X Factor is way overproduced. They must think that more=better. The robot/Michael thing was awful. Glitter falling. Bad stiff host. I like reality television but I am over the X factor. Thank God for my DVR service so that I can get through it in 20 minutes instead of 1.5 hours…Melanie deserves to win but I could see any of them winning. just my 2 cents
Jubie
December 22nd, 2011
10:49 am
Poor Melanie is just plain boring to me. Josh and Chris both have more X Factor. Either of them could win.
Deirdre
December 22nd, 2011
11:07 am
Uh Oh!
Singer Adam Lambert has been arrested in Finland amid allegations of a bust-up with his boyfriend, according to multiple reports.
The former “American Idol” star is currently on vacation in the country with his Finnish-born boyfriend, Sauli Koskinen.
The pair was enjoying a night out at Helsinki gay club Don’t Tell Mama when they were allegedly involved in a scuffle.
Police were reportedly called to the venue to break up the brawl, and officers then took Lambert and Koskinen to separate cells, according to GossipCop.com.
Woodpappy
December 22nd, 2011
11:28 am
Boy won’t that be interesting. Go on vacation and wind up in jail….
Pitchy
December 22nd, 2011
11:41 am
Just finished watching American Jail and this was said “go on vacation and leave on probation!”
JTesla
December 22nd, 2011
11:47 am
The “Don’t Tell Mama” club? Really? Yeah, that’s all I got out of that news.
Mercedes S.
December 22nd, 2011
11:51 am
Adam needs to calm down.
Watched my recorded XF LATE last night, feel asleep repeatedly.
Rene has limited appeal, Melanie is, indeed, boring, and her entitlement is getting on my nerves.
Josh, Josh, Josh!
Mercedes S.
December 22nd, 2011
11:56 am
New York magazine lists “The Eight Most Annoying Characters on TV”. Has this to say about Nicole Scherzinger: ” It’s hard to imagine a less authentic creature than Nicole Scherzinger, who won a reality show, whose “prize” was a spot in a fake girl band of mean-looking strippers. Now she fake cries on TV, offers garbage advice, and has to relate everything back to what it means to her (’”That is my favorite Nelly song’). “
Pitchy
December 22nd, 2011
11:56 am
I agree MercedesS.
Listening to Chris always leaves me thinking about Graybar Toastmasters! Too many freaking “ummms “when he spits….
Deirdre
December 22nd, 2011
12:08 pm
That was my favorite part, too, JT.
Andy Gump
December 22nd, 2011
12:09 pm
For all you idiots saying that Melanie is boring- who the f–k cares?!?! The girl can SAAAAA-NG!!! WTH does she have to do for you morons to be EXCITING, sing a doxen or so fast, dance, or up-tempo songs?!!? I mean c’mon!! She knows her lane and she’s staying in it. Leave her alone-she’ll have a better career than Chris (although I like him & Josh) but she’s a soulful type singer. She will be OK, just not daring like some of you want her to be. Let her sing in her lane & leave the other stuff to Josh & Chris.
DanJ
December 22nd, 2011
12:14 pm
Pitchy quote: [ Listening to Chris leaves me thinking about Graybar Toastmasters!] That is too funny. It made me snort Diet Pepsi all over my keyboard! If Chris does win I hope he will get his teeth fixed. It did wonders for Elliot Yamin. As it is now he could eat corn on the cob through a chain link fence. Not bashing, just saying…..
Sam-A
December 22nd, 2011
12:16 pm
Finally got to watch Kelly’s “Diva” performances posted yesterday. Have to give that Ledisi gal credit – took some nerve to stand next to the glorious Ms. C and try to stay in the same ballpark (she didn’t quite make it)! I’d hate to have to try and sing with Kelly – who can compete fairly?!
Lurker
December 22nd, 2011
12:23 pm
not really a fan of Kelly, BUT i heard her version of “Oh Holy night” I was floored!!!!! That gal sang that song….
Rodney Ho
December 22nd, 2011
12:25 pm
Just posted my comments about 25 minutes of Idol audition previews the network just sent to us scribes. Timing is interesting: same day as the X Factor finale!
DanJ
December 22nd, 2011
12:29 pm
Interesting Rodney. I don’t think it’s a coincidence on Idols part.
Deirdre
December 22nd, 2011
12:39 pm
Both are Fox shows and that’s no coincidence that Fox wants to grab the XF viewers and remind them about how much nicer Idol is.
G
December 22nd, 2011
12:49 pm
Deidre, AI is not that much better than XF. Talent pool is about the same. AI is certainly not the best singing show. It’s somewhere in the middle. AI has really declined from Kelly Clarkston to Scotty. Only thing AI clearly has above XF and “probably” over all the other shows is Seacrest. The voting process of AI is still the worst of all the talent shows.
DanJ
December 22nd, 2011
12:57 pm
Well G, XFactor could always hire Brian Dunkleman to replace Steve Jones. Dunkleman was the smart guy who co-hosted Idol with Seacrest the first year and didn’t resign the following year. Bad career move on his part. I do agree the talent pool is about the same on all the shows.
Mercedes S.
December 22nd, 2011
12:58 pm
G – you’re so wrong.
NH
December 22nd, 2011
12:59 pm
Thanks Andy Gump, couldnot have said it better. Hell, I guess Mirah Carey is boooooooooooooring
Deirdre
December 22nd, 2011
1:13 pm
I said “nicer” G…not “better”. It is definitely a nicer show with judges who don’t pick fights with each other, singers who get most of the attention, a host who actually knows what he’s doing and is helpful when someone gets eliminated. Much NICER show!
Jubie
December 22nd, 2011
2:08 pm
If its boring, it ain’t entertainment. If it ain’t entertainment it won’t sell.
Seth T.
December 22nd, 2011
4:25 pm
Looking at Idol as just a general sketch of how the X-Factor non-winner/non top 3 contestants may fare in the future – since there was a similar amount of stage-time for each on a prime-time show -
Just roughly speaking, there may be around an average of 3 non-winners/ or non top 3 contestants per season that we see holding into a higher level/significant music or entertainment related career; with 2nd place usually getting signed, which helps for better success.
We are all aware of exceptions – how well Daughtry, Pickler and several others did, that were not in the top 6 or above. Pia is doing o.k. so far with guest performances at 9th, but that’s not usual.
You need a pro management group to promote/book and handle details, a music attorney and the money from a producer or label to fund recording expenses, put a band on the road, etc.
If you are going to shoot for a National or multi-regional perescence, this takes a pretty good bankroll. Youtube hits of your singing or performances can help advertise your talents, and maybe help you sell albums or get bookings, but they don’t normally produce a stream of income directly.
The free advertising and boot-camp one gets on Idol or X-Factor is a huge plus, worth literally a small fortune in terms of free advertising and connections for the contestant, especially if they survive past the first 2 or 3 voting rounds.
So that gives the major producers/investors a great incentive to try to make some money by signing and promoting — —–but even with that, you see the majority of contestants don’t get much of a deal, and have to forage for a backer themselves, unless they are independently wealthy.
It will soon be on to Idol, The Voice, CMT’s next Superstar, and new artists the Labels are now starting to promote that we never heard of yet – so It’s reasonable to doubt that I will see a number of the X-Factor contestants or groups that finished around the bottom third – on any awards shows or with top 40 hits in 2012 or beyond. Maybe that’s the best way to put it.
Josh
December 27th, 2011
5:30 am
DanJ: Hey you are not alone in that thinking. (that they will do well) But I feel that they will do better with pop than country..(as well, country pop) I really hope they have a deal already. We’ll have to see any announcement in the next 2 weeks..
regcure
December 31st, 2011
2:50 pm
This is EXACTLY why I love my pillow!In 1994, my grandma opened up a featherbed at her home in Kentucky we helped stuff the pillows for us, our parents, and our cousins. She even wrote a little message on the ticking.
I love it, and I don’t think I could ever get rid of it. 