Well, we finally made it to the live rounds and I must confess myself disappointed - but not with the talent. I am extremely disillusioned by the overtly staged internal pettiness of the judges, often dragging the contestants themselves into their silly and concocted proxy war. The shamelessness couldn't have been more contrived or planned. FYI to the team over at The X Factor: If you're going to have your judges bicker back and forth tonight, try a couple things that won't be too obvious. For starters, don't have them level the same charges back at each other and don't start ridiculous Twitter hashtags like #SimonvsLA in an attempt to garner momentum in creating your own internal Clash of the egomaniacal Titans rivalry. They clearly saw the friendlier nature of the rivalries over on The Voice and decided that it simply wasn't enough. They felt that NBC's hit show had the right idea but the wrong level of nastiness. And now I'm writing about this instead of getting to the actual talent. Ridiculous. At least pro wrestling actually has some integrity.
THE BOYS
ASTRO (The Artist Formerly Know as Brian Bradley) - Ripping the 1991 Kriss Kross hit "Jump" to start off the live shows, Astro was nothing short of outstanding. He customized shout-outs in the chorus, including calling his own number, The X Factor, Brooklyn, and his mentor L.A. Reid. Simon announced that it "just killed everybody" and also informed L.A. that he's insane if Astro isn't in the finals.
CHRIS RENE - Found his performance to be solid but surprisingly a little sleepy. Nicole questioned the song choice and Simon declared to Rene that he wasn't the best singer in the competition but that he was one of the best recording artists. I completely agreed and his mentor L.A. Reid told him he did a great job. It was more of a steady job and a safe job but it was safe enough to get him to the voting round where he should be on very strong footing and enjoy a very diversely supportive fan base.
PHILLIP LOMAX - This was one of the more curious performances of the evening. Singing The Monkees' classic "I'm A Believer" was a very random oddity. Nicole facetiously lamented that she wished he "had some more personality and charm" as well as confidence. Paula said it must be "tough having beautiful women hanging on you" but Simon dependably kept it real and told Phillip that he was "a race car driver put in a tractor" for the song choice but basically exempted the 22 year-old crooner of any responsibility for the performance. L.A. told him that he was proud of him and stated that he had "stopped impersonating Frank Sinatra" but it wasn't enough as he ultimately would send Mr. Lomax packing anyway.
MARCUS CANTY - Another of an all-night weird song choice list, Marcus belted out The Culture Club classic "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?" with very controlled ease. His voice was powerful, even though it wasn't overpowering, and Nicole declared that he "made it look easy" and Paul complimented on him for being "like a veteran" and additionally declared that he had "owned it" although Simon dissented and asked L.A. "You thought this through" and inserted the charge that L.A. hadn't really taken the $5 million prize angle to heart enough while L.A. himself simply told Marcus that he made him proud by stepping up.
THE GROUPS
THE STEREO HOGZZ - I must admit that I've found them to be fairly inconsistent up to this point but I felt they started to truly hit their stride at Paula Abdul's house with their rocking rendition of the Marvin Gaye classic "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" and from what I heard tonight, they sounded very much on top of their game. However, what impressed me even more was that they cleaned up what I felt were a bunch of very noticeable choreography mishaps and their timing and movement was drastically superior to anything they had done before. I'm not generally a fan of any music that relies on dancing as part of it, especially if it's not classic Motown, but then again that must be why I think these guys can really recapture that sound. They simply brought it tonight and that's the direction they need to be guided towards and molded into. L.A. correctly stated "As much as I would love to have some criticism" he just couldn't find anyway. Nicole was equally correct in saying that they were both classic and modern (again with the Motown-modern pop hybrid model) and Simon told Paula, "You did a very good job" and that he loved the band" and also noted that "There's nothing like you on the charts right now but there should be" and as usual, Simon was astutely correct.
THE BREWER BOYS - In what was certainly a well attempted effort in being artistic, the brotherly duo mashed up Hall & Oates' "Rich Girl" with George Michael's "Faith" unplugged but with some minimal strings. It was decent but odd. L.A. told Paula "I got the feeling that was out of your comfort zone" although Nicole alluded to some of her old bedroom wall posters and declared that she'd have pictures of The Brewer Boys on her wall now if still a teenager. Simon criticized what he felt was very throwaway choreography and that it didn't shine. Paula felt they nailed it - before cutting them from the competition anyway.
INTENSITY - I initially didn't know what to think of this "Footloose" rendition but about halfway through the performance I changed my mind in a more positive way. L.A. said, "That was really impressive. That was thoroughly entertaining." Nicole oddly exuded that it was a "pumpkin patch of yummy pumpkins" before Simon gave a very lengthy and dead-on rant about how they were the equivalent of a "music miracle" and that they were the "new young Glee" and that he loved the choice of "Footloose" because it is "very current right now" and Paula simply informed the ten piece group that they rose to the occasion. By the end of the performance I completely agreed. However, I'd also add that while they are definitely up Glee's avenue as well that they feel to me to be even more High School Musical oriented. With the rise of The Stereo Hogzz and Lakoda Rayne however, they will have to be even better to stick around.
LAKODA RAYNE - I thought this was one of the strongest performances of the night - by far. What really impressed me about this rendition, to Paula Abdul's great credit, is that she shrewdly married the more pop flavor of the young foursome to their more country oriented disposition because at the end of the day, Lakoda Rayne is very pop-even-folk-country and they were definitely Dexter's Midnight Runners meet The Dixie Chicks. That is who they are. L.A. lavished them with praise and boldly but rather accurately declared that if they walked into his office that they would basically get themselves the kind of deal that is at stake in this competition. Nicole also gave positive remarks and Simon said that they were "better than I could have thought" and that there was a market for a group like Lakoda Rayne and I couldn't agree more. Paula simply stated her standard pride but whatever. I felt they put themselves into the conversation and probably moved the needle at least somewhat on the non-believers tonight. Lakoda Rayne 1, Haters 0. (Take that, haters.) P.S. I've written about them already and I will definitely be writing more about Lakoda Rayne again very soon.
THE OVER 30's
DEXTER HAYGOOD - I should just put a giant W.T.F. here because this was one hot mess. Starting with the bizarre song choice of Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl" to what was his reverting to a James Brown like impersonation to just flat out screaming too much, Dexter was all over the place. L.A. questioned the song choice while Simon said it was like the "weirdest milkshake in the world" before Nicole remarked about how he remembered the lyrics. It wasn't enough. Dexter went home and now we are left to wonder what is next for the homeless 49 year-old. Hopefully, he has things lined up now to help him transition back into a more stable lifestyle. However, it felt very bittersweet that we didn't see the real Dexter (despite what Paula clumsily said) because he could have been great live on the show and beyond and strong talent like my awesome new Twitter buddy Christa Collins, Elaine Gibbs, and James Kenney were left out. At any rate, I hope we haven't heard the last of Dexter. He deserves some success after all the hardships he's had to endure.
LEROY BELL - The oldest contestant sang a solid vocal but it wasn't enough to win Simon's full approval. Simon declared that he wished that he got to mentor him instead of Nicole because he feels like LeRoy has one of the strongest voices in the competition which certainly earned Nicole's wrath. L.A. had simply said that he would have given him a better song to work with and that he didn't get why he hadn't already become a star, but through Nicole's obvious anger towards Simon she elected to say that LeRoy was what the competition was all about.
STACY FRANCIS - Again with the George Michael. It felt shaky for the first twenty seconds but she was technically sound the rest of the way. L.A. said that "This time Nicole, you got this right" and complimented Stacy for not crying this time which elicited a small laugh from her. Paula thought it was "brilliant delivery" and storytelling but Simon dissented and said he didn't like what she was wearing or the song choice and that she was essentially a "church singer" and that she would require a "massive, massive shift in this direction" which puzzled Stacy enough to retort that she was a pop star. I somewhat digress from Simon here, especially since the song itself has a bit of a preachy element and undertone to it. I found Simon's analysis to be surprisingly somewhat off kilter.
JOSH KRAJCIK - The Burrito Master was the master of the stage tonight. In a very shockingly slowed down version of the Bob Dylan classic "Forever Young", Krajcik delivered the goods. There was plenty of his trademark rasp but also some very nicely down good and clear moments too with hardly any music backing him. L.A. said he has one of his favorite voices in the competition while Paula went further by saying that he has her favorite voice of the past decade. Wow. Of course, with the lovable Paula, it's a fine line between genuine complimentary rhetoric and flat out hyperbole. Simon openly conceded that he is one of the artists he fears the most and complimented his song arrangement by saying that it was "understated" but that he also "made a good point" and I couldn't agree more. Nicole, however, simply wanted props from Simon. I'll leave that one alone.
THE GIRLS
SIMONE BATTLE - With Simon declaring that this was where the competition really began, Simone took the stage in a total disaster of an outfit and just completely sold out on sex appeal with scantily dressed female dancers backing her but it just wasn't Simone's night vocally. She was definitely all over the place but L.A. Reid upped the harshness by saying that "everything was right except for the choice of contestant" and openly opined to Simon that she never should have been picked and that he "must be a very rich man if five million dollars must not mean anything" to him. Nicole then stated, "Well, that was predictable" before somewhat back-peddling all in the same breath. Paula "would have liked to have seen more" of Simone herself. L.A. then did the same thing after a back and forth with Simon over Simone. So L.A. totally dumps on Simone and then he says that his beef is with him, not her? Huh? Somebody please explain that one to me. This is where the back and forth banter "officially" confirmed itself to be completely manufactured nonsense. Something about a #SimonvsLA hashtag on the television before inner-judge fireworks explode. This was such bullshit and everyone knows it. Ultimately, the right call was made and Simone was not one of the three singers from his group to advance but not before Simone wisely plugged her new video which is rather timely dropping tonight online. Smart girl! No wonder why Simon loves her and I couldn't agree more with her business sense. I've never understood why more contestants haven't plugged themselves more while onstage.
RACHEL CROW - In what was a cleverly designed outfit intended to play up her precious nature, Rachel delivered a fairly strong vocal to somewhat tame responses from the judge. Well, besides Simon calling himself brilliant of course. Nicole didn't care for the song choice and Paula pretty much decided that Rachel can start forming an exploratory committee to run for president at some point after her 35th birthday when she's constitutionally eligible (although she didn't feel her range was highlighted enough), it was more than enough for Simon to move her through to the next round.
DREW RYNIEWICZ - In what was clearly one of the very best performances of the night, Drew delivered another slow and easy-going piano based classic performance to the classic theme from the movie Flashdance. L.A. declared that what pained him was having to give Simon a compliment. Nicole said she'd go to Drew's concert and blew Drew a rather vocalized kiss to her while Paula said that she connects to her audience very well and that she is very mature beyond her years. Simon then floored Drew by telling everyone "This is why I wanted to be back onstage on American TV" which solicited a very celebratory mouth-opening dance from the charming 14 year-old Arizona girl. Drew was clearly the best of the girls tonight and also possibly of the entire competition but the one fear I do have for her is that she is in danger of becoming Pia Toscano; a great, great voice with very few flaws (if any) and a very loyal fan base but she needs to be mindful of boxing herself into the slow going piano ballad renditions. We'll see if Simon recognizes this too. Just to be safe, she should stay away from "River Deep Mountain High" the first week she does steer clear of that.
TIAH TOLLIVER - In a very snowy setting and a very dark tone and music score accompanying her, she ably sang "Sweet Dreams Are Made of These" by The Eurythemics with a very subtle touch of Argent's "Hold Your Head Up" but after L.A. Reid's kitchen-oriented humor fail, Nicole predictably trashed Tiah while then kind of backtracking immediately after saying that, while Paul pounced on her pitch which led to Simon reiterating that they have never liked her and never well. However, it was Simon tonight who ultimately sent Tiah home along with Simone.
MELANIE AMARO - The only girl as good, if not better, than Drew tonight was Melanie. The last minute reversal by Simon Cowell during the conveniently dramatic judges decision round paid off huge dividends tonight. Melanie needed an ultra strong performance tonight to help make her more favorable to the potential voting pool and she delivered. Moved to tears when Simon picked her with Drew and Rachel to advance, Simon predicted that she could just win the whole thing and while he was obviously going to say that if she sang even well enough given what was on the line with her going into tonight, it was quite clear that she did in fact warrant that kind of praise. L.A. said, "We really did save the best for last" despite the song choice of "I Have Nothing" being "predictable" to him, she "knocked it out of the park" in his eyes.
Well, there you have it. Five are now gone and now it's the very evened out Top 12. I'll be curious how they are going to stretch this to December 22nd but I have to imagine that they will certainly break for Thanksgiving next month. Beyond that, it's anybody's guess.
My personal picks for who did well to exceptionally well tonight would be Astro, Marcus Canty, The Stereo Hogzz, InTENsity, Lakoda Rayne, LeRoy Bell, Stacy Francis, Josh Krajcik, Drew Ryniewicz, and Melanie Amaro. I will be updating my picks for favorites, contenders, dark horses, and wild cards in the upcoming days.
As always, follow me on Twitter and stay tuned.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
X Factor Spotlight: Top 17 Announced
Here we are. It's time for the Top 17 to be unveiled.
1) Tora Woloshin - Tora had given Simon some intangible and unexplainable doubts and Simon confirmed that slight reluctance. Tora's journey ended tonight but she'll be one to watch if she chooses to return next season or some other time down the road.
2) Simone Battle - Despite forgetting lyrics and bouts of inconsistency, Simon looked past her mistakes and took her based on her raw potential upside. Judging her on performance
3) Drew Ryniewicz - The most obvious "yes" of the deepest category, Drew was of course given the full torturous runaround before getting the inevitable affirmation of her dominance up to this point of the competition. Simon told her that she wasn't the best teenager of the competition and then after letting Drew dangle a bit, told her that she was the best in the entire competition of the day.
4) Josh Krajcik - Despite Nicole's own misgivings about whether his guy-next-door stardom potential, she unconvincingly head faked Josh and the rest of us for mere seconds before reaching the obvious conclusion. There was no way Nicole Scherzinger was leaving Josh behind.
5) Dexter Haygood - In what was certainly one of the stunners of the night if based solely on performance, Nicole just couldn't say no to the 49 year-old homeless rocker, even flat out admitting that she chose her heart over her mind. Dexter's personality and back story could well make him a fan favorite on the live shows. He just became a fan favorite but competitively speaking, it remains to be seen if he is a dark horse, contender, or favorite.
6) James Kenney - I took a chance and penciled him into the next round in anticipation of the usual reality show slow moving build up to an eventual chosen finalist. I was wrong. It remains to be seen if he'll choose to come back next season but the crowded Over 30 group made a potential dark horse expendable.
7) Christa Collins - In an incredibly dumbfounding move, Nicole Scherzinger elected not to take the lead singer of The Woolly Bandits. I wondered about this however when Enrique Inglesias seemed to have exhibited enthusiasm for her that Nicole did not share. Offering some lame explanation after Christa's rendition of Radiohead's "No Surprises" that she didn't sing with enough pain, despite the fact that Christa's mother was killed when she was very young, Scherzinger inexplicably deferred Christa's X Factor aspirations.
8) 2 Squar'd - The female quartet apparently had quit everything (jobs included), horrible recession and all, to pursue a dream that ended at Paula Abdul's palace. The barely shown foursome received the fate that most people expected.
9) The Brewer Boys - I had them being just out but I was hardly surprised that Paula chose them. She also debunked my theory that she was out to sabotage certain acts. Their viability in the live shows can go either way though but teenage girls will probably love these brothers.
10) Illusion/Confusion - In perhaps the most foregone conclusion of the Top 16 announcements, the barely seen trio failed to make the cut.
11) 4Shore - The aspiring quartet had changed their lives drastically to chase their X Factor dream but it came to an end. The group vowed that this would probably be it for them if they had failed to advance so it is probably the last we see of them.
12) Brian Bradley - The cocky 14 year-old rapper got a vote of confidence from L.A. Reid in being put through to the next round. It was widely believed that it was at least possible that he could be delayed by a year or more because of his obvious maturity issues but L.A. felt that there was no time like the present.
13) Skyelar Anderson - The talented but still unpolished teenager country singer impressed L.A. Reid but ultimately felt that he wasn't quite yet ready. The 16 year-old whose own tragic background got lost in the shuffle of the other heartbreaking stories will certainly be back at some point.
14) Nick Voss - Nick's last performance was not quite as strong as his past performances and it most likely cost him a spot in the Top 16. It's unclear as of now whether he'll mount another run on the show next season or not.
15) Phillip Lomax - In what I can surmount as a genuine shocker, the Rat Pack styled old school spirit made it through to the live shows. It still remains unclear how far he can go on the show but he has surpassed reasonable expectations up to this point and now we will see if he can coax more versatility out of his crooning voice.
16) Brennin Hunt - Brennin was definitely on the fence and one can't help but wonder just how influential Rihanna was in sinking his X Factor aspirations. Hunt had talked about being an old spirit at 26 but it remains to be seen what kind of future he holds. He took the bad news with the same cool grace that made him a contender for the Top 16.
17) Jazzlyn Little - In what was no shock to even Jazzlyn, the teenager was ultimately held back by her own confidence issues and insecurities. Simon definitely wants her to come back and I can't imagine she refuses his advice.
18) Tiger Budhill - Making Nicole cry when he proclaimed that his heart had just sunk, Tiger took the news hard that he wasn't advancing. It definitely had the ring of finality to it and it seems unlikely that he will make another attempt next season or beyond.
19) LeRoy Bell - In what was one of the most pleasant surprises of the evening, Nicole put LeRoy through. Having already seen Christa Collins get a raw deal, it was nice to see both Dexter and LeRoy get the chance to perform live. Bell could become a very fast fan favorite. His much younger than he looks earnestness and modesty could connect to multiple demographics.
20) Chris Rene - L.A. Reid tried faking us out, invoking Chris' struggles to stay clean and sober in the process, but in the end he fooled nobody as we could hear Chris' sister (and former contestant) Geena scream on the other end of his obligatory filmed phone call.
21) Lakoda Rayne - In what was no big surprise, the first of the two manufactured groups made it through. Paula laid out her concerns but still felt their upside outweighed those doubts.
22) InTENsity - Paula was somewhat more explicit in her criticisms of the group and they were even split down gender lines, saving her harshest but most constructive criticisms for the girls. The whole thing was kind of odd given that it was the show itself that decided to put a whopping ten kids together to form one supergroup but they ultimately got the nod.
23) Tiah Tolliver - Having Simon be her biggest supporter paid dividends despite his own concerns about her pitch and the fact that she only seemed to fully win him over. He oddly told her to work on her own confidence which struck me as interesting because her issues seemed to be Nicole and Paula related. Her ceiling on and beyond the show remains extremely high. I still believe she is a major star in the making.
24) Caitlin Koch - In perhaps the biggest shocker of the entire night, the 22 year-old rugby player-coach was sent home. She seemed to be a lock for a spot in the final four but despite what seemed to be one flawless effort after another, she was sent packing. It remains to be seen if she will give American Idol a much more visible go around than in Season 10 or if she'll come back on The X Factor next season but wherever she ends up, it's hard to fathom that we have heard the last of her.
25) Marcus Canty - L.A. Reid shared some doubts about Canty's star potential but I never got the feeling that Marcus wouldn't get the nod. He should be a major contender going forward with a potentially diverse fan base.
26) Tim Cifers - I wasn't completely surprised to see L.A. Reid pass on Tim but after passing on Skyelar, and rightfully so (he's still too unpolished despite his own vast potential), it was stunning to see Reid pass on a country singer with huge upside with the ability to tap into that Scotty McCreery-Lauren Alaina voting block. L.A. will regret this - or at least he should.
27) The Stereo Hogzz - In what came as no surprise, Paula sent the group through. Paula seemed confident that they will go very far in the competition and become huge. Granted, Paula is Paula, but it remains unclear what their live show ceiling will be.
28) The Anser - In what came as somewhat of a surprise to me, The Anser was not put through to the next round. Paula cited some specific examples as to why they didn't make the cut but I wonder if given another opportunity to go through the rigors again if some more hands on mentoring could straighten out some of the kinks and make them much more viable next season.
29) Elaine Gibbs - While I was hardly surprised Elaine did not get to advance, I was actually rather pleasantly surprised that she vowed to not give up on her dream. It remains to be seen if she'll appear on The Voice next instead of waiting for next season of The X Factor when she'll be 54 years old but it's great to see her decide to forge on. She could still have a decent career catering to an older, more R&B and perhaps even gospel oriented audience.
30) Stacy Francis - Nicole did her best to string her along in a very predictable effort to prop up the back and forth cutaway between her and Elaine Gibbs, but there was simply no way she was not advancing - especially after she had what was probably the best effort of all 32 acts in the final audition.
31) Rachel Crow - In a mild surprise, Rachel was advanced through to the live rounds. There were many questions about her age and ability to handle the pressure at just 13 years old but Simon put her through all the same. I can't help but wonder if Simon thinks that the window on her precious factor might expire if he delays her advancement and it's certainly not a bad choice by any stretch of the imagination.
32) Melanie Amaro - Let the controversial drama begin. Simon told her no on his France pool deck but almost immediately regretted his catastrophic error. There is no doubt that Melanie should have been put through the first time around but the made for TV drama could earn her some backlash by the voting public. She unquestionably has the one of the best voices of the entire competition but with Simon being able to call an audible while the other three judges must standby their own decisions, Melanie will now be the unfair target of peeved voters starting next week. If Melanie is still safe after the first few weeks, then she has a legitimate chance to win. If she falters early, angry viewers will punish her in their proxy anger really directed at Simon.
Here are the lists:
THE GROUPS
Lakoda Rayne
InTENsity
The Stereo Hogzz
The Brewer Boys
OVER 30's
Josh Krajcik
Stacy Francis
Dexter Haygood
LeRoy Bell
BOYS
Brian Bradley
Chris Rene
Marcus Canty
Phillip Lomax
GIRLS
Drew Ryniewicz
Simone Battle
Tiah Tolliver
Rachel Crow
Melanie Amaro
So there you have it. I am most disappointed with the results with Caitlin Koch and Christa Collins by far. I feel like Simon and Nicole both made huge mistakes not advancing them but overall I am not too terribly surprised or disappointed. The toughest groups were the toughest cuts as expected and there is plenty of room to grow for several of the acts advancing. Next we're live and then it's really game on. We'll see what the night holds next Tuesday. I will be doing some blogs on some of the contestants that failed to advance as well as some that did. Until then, stay tuned.
1) Tora Woloshin - Tora had given Simon some intangible and unexplainable doubts and Simon confirmed that slight reluctance. Tora's journey ended tonight but she'll be one to watch if she chooses to return next season or some other time down the road.
2) Simone Battle - Despite forgetting lyrics and bouts of inconsistency, Simon looked past her mistakes and took her based on her raw potential upside. Judging her on performance
3) Drew Ryniewicz - The most obvious "yes" of the deepest category, Drew was of course given the full torturous runaround before getting the inevitable affirmation of her dominance up to this point of the competition. Simon told her that she wasn't the best teenager of the competition and then after letting Drew dangle a bit, told her that she was the best in the entire competition of the day.
4) Josh Krajcik - Despite Nicole's own misgivings about whether his guy-next-door stardom potential, she unconvincingly head faked Josh and the rest of us for mere seconds before reaching the obvious conclusion. There was no way Nicole Scherzinger was leaving Josh behind.
5) Dexter Haygood - In what was certainly one of the stunners of the night if based solely on performance, Nicole just couldn't say no to the 49 year-old homeless rocker, even flat out admitting that she chose her heart over her mind. Dexter's personality and back story could well make him a fan favorite on the live shows. He just became a fan favorite but competitively speaking, it remains to be seen if he is a dark horse, contender, or favorite.
6) James Kenney - I took a chance and penciled him into the next round in anticipation of the usual reality show slow moving build up to an eventual chosen finalist. I was wrong. It remains to be seen if he'll choose to come back next season but the crowded Over 30 group made a potential dark horse expendable.
7) Christa Collins - In an incredibly dumbfounding move, Nicole Scherzinger elected not to take the lead singer of The Woolly Bandits. I wondered about this however when Enrique Inglesias seemed to have exhibited enthusiasm for her that Nicole did not share. Offering some lame explanation after Christa's rendition of Radiohead's "No Surprises" that she didn't sing with enough pain, despite the fact that Christa's mother was killed when she was very young, Scherzinger inexplicably deferred Christa's X Factor aspirations.
8) 2 Squar'd - The female quartet apparently had quit everything (jobs included), horrible recession and all, to pursue a dream that ended at Paula Abdul's palace. The barely shown foursome received the fate that most people expected.
9) The Brewer Boys - I had them being just out but I was hardly surprised that Paula chose them. She also debunked my theory that she was out to sabotage certain acts. Their viability in the live shows can go either way though but teenage girls will probably love these brothers.
10) Illusion/Confusion - In perhaps the most foregone conclusion of the Top 16 announcements, the barely seen trio failed to make the cut.
11) 4Shore - The aspiring quartet had changed their lives drastically to chase their X Factor dream but it came to an end. The group vowed that this would probably be it for them if they had failed to advance so it is probably the last we see of them.
12) Brian Bradley - The cocky 14 year-old rapper got a vote of confidence from L.A. Reid in being put through to the next round. It was widely believed that it was at least possible that he could be delayed by a year or more because of his obvious maturity issues but L.A. felt that there was no time like the present.
13) Skyelar Anderson - The talented but still unpolished teenager country singer impressed L.A. Reid but ultimately felt that he wasn't quite yet ready. The 16 year-old whose own tragic background got lost in the shuffle of the other heartbreaking stories will certainly be back at some point.
14) Nick Voss - Nick's last performance was not quite as strong as his past performances and it most likely cost him a spot in the Top 16. It's unclear as of now whether he'll mount another run on the show next season or not.
15) Phillip Lomax - In what I can surmount as a genuine shocker, the Rat Pack styled old school spirit made it through to the live shows. It still remains unclear how far he can go on the show but he has surpassed reasonable expectations up to this point and now we will see if he can coax more versatility out of his crooning voice.
16) Brennin Hunt - Brennin was definitely on the fence and one can't help but wonder just how influential Rihanna was in sinking his X Factor aspirations. Hunt had talked about being an old spirit at 26 but it remains to be seen what kind of future he holds. He took the bad news with the same cool grace that made him a contender for the Top 16.
17) Jazzlyn Little - In what was no shock to even Jazzlyn, the teenager was ultimately held back by her own confidence issues and insecurities. Simon definitely wants her to come back and I can't imagine she refuses his advice.
18) Tiger Budhill - Making Nicole cry when he proclaimed that his heart had just sunk, Tiger took the news hard that he wasn't advancing. It definitely had the ring of finality to it and it seems unlikely that he will make another attempt next season or beyond.
19) LeRoy Bell - In what was one of the most pleasant surprises of the evening, Nicole put LeRoy through. Having already seen Christa Collins get a raw deal, it was nice to see both Dexter and LeRoy get the chance to perform live. Bell could become a very fast fan favorite. His much younger than he looks earnestness and modesty could connect to multiple demographics.
20) Chris Rene - L.A. Reid tried faking us out, invoking Chris' struggles to stay clean and sober in the process, but in the end he fooled nobody as we could hear Chris' sister (and former contestant) Geena scream on the other end of his obligatory filmed phone call.
21) Lakoda Rayne - In what was no big surprise, the first of the two manufactured groups made it through. Paula laid out her concerns but still felt their upside outweighed those doubts.
22) InTENsity - Paula was somewhat more explicit in her criticisms of the group and they were even split down gender lines, saving her harshest but most constructive criticisms for the girls. The whole thing was kind of odd given that it was the show itself that decided to put a whopping ten kids together to form one supergroup but they ultimately got the nod.
23) Tiah Tolliver - Having Simon be her biggest supporter paid dividends despite his own concerns about her pitch and the fact that she only seemed to fully win him over. He oddly told her to work on her own confidence which struck me as interesting because her issues seemed to be Nicole and Paula related. Her ceiling on and beyond the show remains extremely high. I still believe she is a major star in the making.
24) Caitlin Koch - In perhaps the biggest shocker of the entire night, the 22 year-old rugby player-coach was sent home. She seemed to be a lock for a spot in the final four but despite what seemed to be one flawless effort after another, she was sent packing. It remains to be seen if she will give American Idol a much more visible go around than in Season 10 or if she'll come back on The X Factor next season but wherever she ends up, it's hard to fathom that we have heard the last of her.
25) Marcus Canty - L.A. Reid shared some doubts about Canty's star potential but I never got the feeling that Marcus wouldn't get the nod. He should be a major contender going forward with a potentially diverse fan base.
26) Tim Cifers - I wasn't completely surprised to see L.A. Reid pass on Tim but after passing on Skyelar, and rightfully so (he's still too unpolished despite his own vast potential), it was stunning to see Reid pass on a country singer with huge upside with the ability to tap into that Scotty McCreery-Lauren Alaina voting block. L.A. will regret this - or at least he should.
27) The Stereo Hogzz - In what came as no surprise, Paula sent the group through. Paula seemed confident that they will go very far in the competition and become huge. Granted, Paula is Paula, but it remains unclear what their live show ceiling will be.
28) The Anser - In what came as somewhat of a surprise to me, The Anser was not put through to the next round. Paula cited some specific examples as to why they didn't make the cut but I wonder if given another opportunity to go through the rigors again if some more hands on mentoring could straighten out some of the kinks and make them much more viable next season.
29) Elaine Gibbs - While I was hardly surprised Elaine did not get to advance, I was actually rather pleasantly surprised that she vowed to not give up on her dream. It remains to be seen if she'll appear on The Voice next instead of waiting for next season of The X Factor when she'll be 54 years old but it's great to see her decide to forge on. She could still have a decent career catering to an older, more R&B and perhaps even gospel oriented audience.
30) Stacy Francis - Nicole did her best to string her along in a very predictable effort to prop up the back and forth cutaway between her and Elaine Gibbs, but there was simply no way she was not advancing - especially after she had what was probably the best effort of all 32 acts in the final audition.
31) Rachel Crow - In a mild surprise, Rachel was advanced through to the live rounds. There were many questions about her age and ability to handle the pressure at just 13 years old but Simon put her through all the same. I can't help but wonder if Simon thinks that the window on her precious factor might expire if he delays her advancement and it's certainly not a bad choice by any stretch of the imagination.
32) Melanie Amaro - Let the controversial drama begin. Simon told her no on his France pool deck but almost immediately regretted his catastrophic error. There is no doubt that Melanie should have been put through the first time around but the made for TV drama could earn her some backlash by the voting public. She unquestionably has the one of the best voices of the entire competition but with Simon being able to call an audible while the other three judges must standby their own decisions, Melanie will now be the unfair target of peeved voters starting next week. If Melanie is still safe after the first few weeks, then she has a legitimate chance to win. If she falters early, angry viewers will punish her in their proxy anger really directed at Simon.
Here are the lists:
THE GROUPS
Lakoda Rayne
InTENsity
The Stereo Hogzz
The Brewer Boys
OVER 30's
Josh Krajcik
Stacy Francis
Dexter Haygood
LeRoy Bell
BOYS
Brian Bradley
Chris Rene
Marcus Canty
Phillip Lomax
GIRLS
Drew Ryniewicz
Simone Battle
Tiah Tolliver
Rachel Crow
Melanie Amaro
So there you have it. I am most disappointed with the results with Caitlin Koch and Christa Collins by far. I feel like Simon and Nicole both made huge mistakes not advancing them but overall I am not too terribly surprised or disappointed. The toughest groups were the toughest cuts as expected and there is plenty of room to grow for several of the acts advancing. Next we're live and then it's really game on. We'll see what the night holds next Tuesday. I will be doing some blogs on some of the contestants that failed to advance as well as some that did. Until then, stay tuned.
X Factor Spotlight: Top 16 Predictions
Well, we're finally on the verge of the live shows and that can mean only one thing: there are some very, very brutal cuts ahead of us on Tuesday Night. Of the four groups, I believe that the Girls and Over 30 groups will be the bloodiest because there is not a single weak link in those two categories. I feel I am bound to only bat .500 at best in guessing each group's live round representatives.
All I ask is that you keep in mind that these picks do not necessarily reflect my own personal favorites. These are strictly the picks I am guessing that the judges themselves will make. I will keep each synopsis very short but please feel free to disagree me with me below in the comments section. There are plenty of talented people being left off the live shows at this point. In addition to my picks, I will attempt to guess the order of the remaining acts in order of who I think would leapfrog ahead of what will inevitably be some wrong picks on my behalf. I figured that'd be a fun game within the game to play.
GROUPS
1) The Stereo Hogzz - A charismatic lead singer, solid choreography, and clear support from Paula Abdul. I'd be shocked if they weren't one of the groups.
2) The Anser - Of the groups that were groups at the very beginning of the competition, The Anser and The Stereo Hogzz are at least arguably the two best. I see no scenario in which The Anser does not advance.
3) Lakoda Rayne - One of the two manufactured groups, they put together a very competent and slowed down version of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" and I can't imagine that the show, with lots of incentive to showcase the two fostered groups in front of live audiences-slash-voters, won't let them grow and be voted on. Four mostly country slanted talented All-American girls advance with ease. Of the two groups, they are the more mature audience oriented group. Despite their own teenage youth, they could sell well across certain key demographics and Simon Cowell will not let that go to waste by not having them on the live show and that goes double for InTENsity.
4) InTENsity - The group put together a very upbeat and fun mash-up of The Ting-Tings and Hall & Oates and like Lakoda Rayne, the show has too much invested with them to not let them play out. To not do so would undermine it's own agenda. Emily Michalak and Ellona Santiago are the female stars in the making while Nick Dean and John Lindahl standout as the two young male singers with broad female appeal. They might be too High School Musical for older listeners but for this competition, there could be a strong fan base if their peers vote in droves. They are my sleeper pick in this category.
Left Out
1. The Brewer Boys - They are a more distinctive act but the obvious sabotage by Paula Abdul with their song choice indicates to me that they will get sandbagged. I do think of the four remaining acts, they have the best shot of breaking through.
2. 4Shore - They most similarly mirror The Stereo Hogzz and I'm predicting that they don't take both.
3. 2Squar'd - They were the other major female only group but already having a manufactured group that would most likely mirror them on paper, my guess is 2Squar'd fails to advance.
4. Illusion/Confusion - Just based on the little screen time and being the only group to get the cutaway treatment during their actual singing - I just can't imagine that they have a chance to advance.
BOYS
1) Chris Rene - He's been arguably the most consistent performer in this category - or at least of those we've seen consistently from first audition up to this point - and he's kept his word to the judges by staying clean. His version of "Everyday People" seemed to suggest that he won't be everyday people much longer. He advances easily.
2) Marcus Canty - He might have the best mainstream crossover appeal of all the boys. This is another no brainer for L.A. Reid. His performance in front of a facetiously chiding Rihanna in regards to his flirting with her was also another strong indication that he also possesses the confidence and charm to go far. And oh yeah - he's incredibly gifted vocally. Look for him beyond the show regardless of his finish to blossom.
3) Brian Bradley - I'm surprisingly on the fence about this pick because we all know that the cockiness and immaturity still remain so I wouldn't be shocked to see him be told that he will get there but it's just not his time just yet. On the other hand, L.A. Reid and Rihanna both know that he brought it in the last round. I still think L.A. ultimately goes strictly on talent. Simon Cowell has already bragged ahead of time that he's a giant star in the making and I couldn't agree more. His time to shine is probably still now. He stays.
4) Tim Cifers - I am very tempted to say Brennin Hunt but ultimately I think L.A. Reid listens to Rihanna and figures that she might have a point about Brennin being corny. Cifers is barely 30, is a married father of two young children, and he has a country star name to match his country star talent. His family is also a very, very strong asset for those who would vote for him. It's still much closer given all the things Hunt brings to the table but I still think L.A. picks Tim over Brennin.
Left Out
1 - Brennin Hunt - He's the guy who gets in if any of my picks are wrong. His Matt Dillion like looks goes well with the heartthrob chasing female contingency. His being picked would still come as no shocker.
2 - Nick Voss - Nick probably had at least a 50/50 shot before the last round. He's probably too much on the outside looking in at this point and I still see him as being No. 2 on the depth chart of this group of those on the outside looking in.
3 - Phillip Lomax - L.A. Reid and Rihanna basically wrote him off because of his "unique" (actually, very retro Rat Pack sound). I personally think it's great that someone so young channels some of the greatest crooners from a very often forgotten era (at least to modern day music lovers) but I still think that the market for him does exist. I just don't think that L.A. Reid and Rihanna feel it's on the show. He still has a niche to fill and I still see him having a pretty successful career in a truly classy genre of music. Still, it'd be pretty cool to see him make it to the live shows.
4 - Skyelar Anderson - The very talented but unpolished 16 year-old country singer is a distant second to Tim Cifers but don't write him off down the road. The judges still think he could be something with some proper mentoring. Look for him to be encouraged to come back next season.
OVER 30's
1) Josh Krajcik - One of the two easier calls to make here. And now that we know he's the father of a 13 year-old, his appeal as a family man trying to provide for his daughter will just make it that much easier to face the show's voters.
2) Stacy Francis - She survived an abusive marriage and the untimely passing of her father. Finally, she catches a break. She's in with ease. Her version of "Purple Rain" was arguably the best Top 32 performance. I say she's in.
3) Christa Collins - We've gradually seen more of her the past couple of episodes and her story just made it on E! News with American Idol host Ryan Seacrest. While I don't think her selection is a lock, I still believe that she is a very potent dark horse in the making. Her life story is as compelling as her talent and she is already a darling of the reality show media circuit.
4) James Kenney - My guess is that like Christa, James has gotten increasing screen time, and that this might seem to indicate a nod to the married father. Like Collins, I do not think his selection is a lock and would not very surprised if he is not chosen by Nicole Scherzinger.
Left Out
1 - Elaine Gibbs - Gibbs actually had one of the best Top 32 renditions but I suspect that Nicole isn't so sure there's a market for her. If based on her performance, she gets in. If based on other factors, the 53 year-old probably just misses the cut. Either way, I hope this isn't the end for her but she probably abandons her dream if it is and that's too bad. Somebody should sign her.
2 - Dexter Haygood - His bizarre Beyonce cover probably did the homeless rocker in but my guess is that he has already succeeded and that his old band will find new life and more importantly - a new record deal. Look for a happy ending after all but don't be surprised if Nicole just can't say no to him anyway.
3 - LeRoy Bell - His last version of Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love" fell short to Nicole who astutely noticed Bell's nerves despite being the oldest remaining contestant and the most seasoned pro of all. Those remarks might have been a head fake, especially given the depth of this category, but my guess is that given that depth the room for mistakes are just that much more intolerable. Sadly, his journey ends. Hopefully, somebody will still sign him after all. The ageless wonder would make another great post-show story.
4 - Tiger Budhill - Tiger is probably the odd man out no matter what and his selection would be the biggest upset in this category. Whether he still gets a deal or not is questionable but given his economic situation, hopefully things will work out for him one way or another. Perhaps his DJing business gets a huge boost as a result of his time on the show so either way I wish him luck and much success.
GIRLS
1) Caitlin Koch - It's hard to imagine the tough as nails Rugby player not getting the nod. In the most brutal of the four categories, she's one of the two safest picks. Koch gets in easily.
2) Drew Ryniewicz - America's No. 1 Belieber is one of the biggest threats to win the entire competition and another incredibly mature slow downed piano cover, this time of Roxette's "Must Have Been Love" has everyone loving her that much more. Her voice is as mature and masterful as she is as precocious of a teenage girl. Drew is arguably the safest choice of all in this category and her stage maturity seems to be vastly superior to what her age would otherwise suggest.
3) Tiah Tolliver - Judging from the promos, this could be the one pick Simon is referencing to when he says that nobody would have expected him to be saying no to but I will make a very uneducated guess on that in the "Left Out" part of this category. If it's just sheer talent and star material projection, Tiah is a shoo-in.
4) Melanie Amaro - From a sheer marketability standpoint, I'm probably going way out on a limb here. This is the one pick of all my predictions that I am making with the least amount of ease. Amaro is unquestionably one of the Top 10 pure singers in the entire competition but despite her maturity for her age, is she exciting enough? She has a very bright future ahead but will America be wowed by her? Will they take it out on her if they don't have Tiah, Simone Battle, Rachel Crow, or Tora Woloshin to vote for instead? It's a gamble but I'm taking a chance and saying that Simon picks her. Besides, Simon has hinted more times than just in the promo for Tuesday Night's show that he loves to sometimes takes risks. I'm thinking this might be that risk despite her overwhelmingly talented voice.
Left Out
1 - Rachel Crow - Rachel could also be that risk because the same reason why I think she might not make it might be the same reason why Simon picks her - her age. She is incredibly poised and confident for her age but Simon might feel like she needs more time. By the same token, Simon probably recognizes that her strongest level of appeal might be as a bubbly young teenager and he might not want to risk losing the opportunity to make a long-term star out of her by over-thinking her more immediate future.
2 - Simone Battle - She already struggled greatly with Elton John and yet Simon still picked her. She is a pop star diva in the making but her inconsistencies might finally catch up with her. Still, this is the one category where every single person could realistically make it so there would be no great surprise should she advance.
3 - Tora Woloshin - As Simon overtly alluded to, she's fantastically talented and confident, and exudes enormous appeal and marketability but he still thinks there's just that intangible element missing. Normally you'd think this could be deliberate misdirection but given the fierce depth of this field, I'm predicting that Tora's nerves this round get the best of her and that it's 2012 for her.
4 - Jazzlyn Little - Talent wise, Jazzlyn has one of the very best voices in the competition but her lack of confidence and adolescent fueled insecurities would destroy her personally and emotionally at this point in her life. If there's an "easy" call to make here, it's with Jazzlyn. Nothing would be shocking though. Simon might still feel she's ready - under his guidance - and that would certainly be his massive ego and pride dictating that but the likely result is that she's told to come back in a year or two when she's worked on her confidence. She's still one to watch, even if not this year - she could be a true superstar and having that story of overcoming her fears would make an easy favorite out of her down the road.
Well, that's it for now. Now it's in the hands of the judges. They will certainly be taking their sweet time with two hours to kill and expect them to show pretty much everybody's result. I will be writing afterwards about the results, and how my own predictions matched up. I'm bound to get more than a couple wrong but if I didn't screw the pooch at least once or twice it probably wouldn't say very much for the shows' deep talent.
Of all the remaining 32 acts, I believe that as many as 10-12 of the artists have a legitimate chance of being crowned the winner. I also think that Simon Cowell will want to churn out more than just major recording artist of the lot and so that's my other prediction - especially given the hugely disappointing ratings by his own standards. I foresee several long lasting careers not usually found in these competitions and if there's a silver lining for him, it's that if he creates more than just a few stars then that will only aide his money making machine and heavily increase the success of a Season 2 and beyond.
As always, stay tuned.
All I ask is that you keep in mind that these picks do not necessarily reflect my own personal favorites. These are strictly the picks I am guessing that the judges themselves will make. I will keep each synopsis very short but please feel free to disagree me with me below in the comments section. There are plenty of talented people being left off the live shows at this point. In addition to my picks, I will attempt to guess the order of the remaining acts in order of who I think would leapfrog ahead of what will inevitably be some wrong picks on my behalf. I figured that'd be a fun game within the game to play.
GROUPS
1) The Stereo Hogzz - A charismatic lead singer, solid choreography, and clear support from Paula Abdul. I'd be shocked if they weren't one of the groups.
2) The Anser - Of the groups that were groups at the very beginning of the competition, The Anser and The Stereo Hogzz are at least arguably the two best. I see no scenario in which The Anser does not advance.
3) Lakoda Rayne - One of the two manufactured groups, they put together a very competent and slowed down version of Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" and I can't imagine that the show, with lots of incentive to showcase the two fostered groups in front of live audiences-slash-voters, won't let them grow and be voted on. Four mostly country slanted talented All-American girls advance with ease. Of the two groups, they are the more mature audience oriented group. Despite their own teenage youth, they could sell well across certain key demographics and Simon Cowell will not let that go to waste by not having them on the live show and that goes double for InTENsity.
4) InTENsity - The group put together a very upbeat and fun mash-up of The Ting-Tings and Hall & Oates and like Lakoda Rayne, the show has too much invested with them to not let them play out. To not do so would undermine it's own agenda. Emily Michalak and Ellona Santiago are the female stars in the making while Nick Dean and John Lindahl standout as the two young male singers with broad female appeal. They might be too High School Musical for older listeners but for this competition, there could be a strong fan base if their peers vote in droves. They are my sleeper pick in this category.
Left Out
1. The Brewer Boys - They are a more distinctive act but the obvious sabotage by Paula Abdul with their song choice indicates to me that they will get sandbagged. I do think of the four remaining acts, they have the best shot of breaking through.
2. 4Shore - They most similarly mirror The Stereo Hogzz and I'm predicting that they don't take both.
3. 2Squar'd - They were the other major female only group but already having a manufactured group that would most likely mirror them on paper, my guess is 2Squar'd fails to advance.
4. Illusion/Confusion - Just based on the little screen time and being the only group to get the cutaway treatment during their actual singing - I just can't imagine that they have a chance to advance.
BOYS
1) Chris Rene - He's been arguably the most consistent performer in this category - or at least of those we've seen consistently from first audition up to this point - and he's kept his word to the judges by staying clean. His version of "Everyday People" seemed to suggest that he won't be everyday people much longer. He advances easily.
2) Marcus Canty - He might have the best mainstream crossover appeal of all the boys. This is another no brainer for L.A. Reid. His performance in front of a facetiously chiding Rihanna in regards to his flirting with her was also another strong indication that he also possesses the confidence and charm to go far. And oh yeah - he's incredibly gifted vocally. Look for him beyond the show regardless of his finish to blossom.
3) Brian Bradley - I'm surprisingly on the fence about this pick because we all know that the cockiness and immaturity still remain so I wouldn't be shocked to see him be told that he will get there but it's just not his time just yet. On the other hand, L.A. Reid and Rihanna both know that he brought it in the last round. I still think L.A. ultimately goes strictly on talent. Simon Cowell has already bragged ahead of time that he's a giant star in the making and I couldn't agree more. His time to shine is probably still now. He stays.
4) Tim Cifers - I am very tempted to say Brennin Hunt but ultimately I think L.A. Reid listens to Rihanna and figures that she might have a point about Brennin being corny. Cifers is barely 30, is a married father of two young children, and he has a country star name to match his country star talent. His family is also a very, very strong asset for those who would vote for him. It's still much closer given all the things Hunt brings to the table but I still think L.A. picks Tim over Brennin.
Left Out
1 - Brennin Hunt - He's the guy who gets in if any of my picks are wrong. His Matt Dillion like looks goes well with the heartthrob chasing female contingency. His being picked would still come as no shocker.
2 - Nick Voss - Nick probably had at least a 50/50 shot before the last round. He's probably too much on the outside looking in at this point and I still see him as being No. 2 on the depth chart of this group of those on the outside looking in.
3 - Phillip Lomax - L.A. Reid and Rihanna basically wrote him off because of his "unique" (actually, very retro Rat Pack sound). I personally think it's great that someone so young channels some of the greatest crooners from a very often forgotten era (at least to modern day music lovers) but I still think that the market for him does exist. I just don't think that L.A. Reid and Rihanna feel it's on the show. He still has a niche to fill and I still see him having a pretty successful career in a truly classy genre of music. Still, it'd be pretty cool to see him make it to the live shows.
4 - Skyelar Anderson - The very talented but unpolished 16 year-old country singer is a distant second to Tim Cifers but don't write him off down the road. The judges still think he could be something with some proper mentoring. Look for him to be encouraged to come back next season.
OVER 30's
1) Josh Krajcik - One of the two easier calls to make here. And now that we know he's the father of a 13 year-old, his appeal as a family man trying to provide for his daughter will just make it that much easier to face the show's voters.
2) Stacy Francis - She survived an abusive marriage and the untimely passing of her father. Finally, she catches a break. She's in with ease. Her version of "Purple Rain" was arguably the best Top 32 performance. I say she's in.
3) Christa Collins - We've gradually seen more of her the past couple of episodes and her story just made it on E! News with American Idol host Ryan Seacrest. While I don't think her selection is a lock, I still believe that she is a very potent dark horse in the making. Her life story is as compelling as her talent and she is already a darling of the reality show media circuit.
4) James Kenney - My guess is that like Christa, James has gotten increasing screen time, and that this might seem to indicate a nod to the married father. Like Collins, I do not think his selection is a lock and would not very surprised if he is not chosen by Nicole Scherzinger.
Left Out
1 - Elaine Gibbs - Gibbs actually had one of the best Top 32 renditions but I suspect that Nicole isn't so sure there's a market for her. If based on her performance, she gets in. If based on other factors, the 53 year-old probably just misses the cut. Either way, I hope this isn't the end for her but she probably abandons her dream if it is and that's too bad. Somebody should sign her.
2 - Dexter Haygood - His bizarre Beyonce cover probably did the homeless rocker in but my guess is that he has already succeeded and that his old band will find new life and more importantly - a new record deal. Look for a happy ending after all but don't be surprised if Nicole just can't say no to him anyway.
3 - LeRoy Bell - His last version of Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love" fell short to Nicole who astutely noticed Bell's nerves despite being the oldest remaining contestant and the most seasoned pro of all. Those remarks might have been a head fake, especially given the depth of this category, but my guess is that given that depth the room for mistakes are just that much more intolerable. Sadly, his journey ends. Hopefully, somebody will still sign him after all. The ageless wonder would make another great post-show story.
4 - Tiger Budhill - Tiger is probably the odd man out no matter what and his selection would be the biggest upset in this category. Whether he still gets a deal or not is questionable but given his economic situation, hopefully things will work out for him one way or another. Perhaps his DJing business gets a huge boost as a result of his time on the show so either way I wish him luck and much success.
GIRLS
1) Caitlin Koch - It's hard to imagine the tough as nails Rugby player not getting the nod. In the most brutal of the four categories, she's one of the two safest picks. Koch gets in easily.
2) Drew Ryniewicz - America's No. 1 Belieber is one of the biggest threats to win the entire competition and another incredibly mature slow downed piano cover, this time of Roxette's "Must Have Been Love" has everyone loving her that much more. Her voice is as mature and masterful as she is as precocious of a teenage girl. Drew is arguably the safest choice of all in this category and her stage maturity seems to be vastly superior to what her age would otherwise suggest.
3) Tiah Tolliver - Judging from the promos, this could be the one pick Simon is referencing to when he says that nobody would have expected him to be saying no to but I will make a very uneducated guess on that in the "Left Out" part of this category. If it's just sheer talent and star material projection, Tiah is a shoo-in.
4) Melanie Amaro - From a sheer marketability standpoint, I'm probably going way out on a limb here. This is the one pick of all my predictions that I am making with the least amount of ease. Amaro is unquestionably one of the Top 10 pure singers in the entire competition but despite her maturity for her age, is she exciting enough? She has a very bright future ahead but will America be wowed by her? Will they take it out on her if they don't have Tiah, Simone Battle, Rachel Crow, or Tora Woloshin to vote for instead? It's a gamble but I'm taking a chance and saying that Simon picks her. Besides, Simon has hinted more times than just in the promo for Tuesday Night's show that he loves to sometimes takes risks. I'm thinking this might be that risk despite her overwhelmingly talented voice.
Left Out
1 - Rachel Crow - Rachel could also be that risk because the same reason why I think she might not make it might be the same reason why Simon picks her - her age. She is incredibly poised and confident for her age but Simon might feel like she needs more time. By the same token, Simon probably recognizes that her strongest level of appeal might be as a bubbly young teenager and he might not want to risk losing the opportunity to make a long-term star out of her by over-thinking her more immediate future.
2 - Simone Battle - She already struggled greatly with Elton John and yet Simon still picked her. She is a pop star diva in the making but her inconsistencies might finally catch up with her. Still, this is the one category where every single person could realistically make it so there would be no great surprise should she advance.
3 - Tora Woloshin - As Simon overtly alluded to, she's fantastically talented and confident, and exudes enormous appeal and marketability but he still thinks there's just that intangible element missing. Normally you'd think this could be deliberate misdirection but given the fierce depth of this field, I'm predicting that Tora's nerves this round get the best of her and that it's 2012 for her.
4 - Jazzlyn Little - Talent wise, Jazzlyn has one of the very best voices in the competition but her lack of confidence and adolescent fueled insecurities would destroy her personally and emotionally at this point in her life. If there's an "easy" call to make here, it's with Jazzlyn. Nothing would be shocking though. Simon might still feel she's ready - under his guidance - and that would certainly be his massive ego and pride dictating that but the likely result is that she's told to come back in a year or two when she's worked on her confidence. She's still one to watch, even if not this year - she could be a true superstar and having that story of overcoming her fears would make an easy favorite out of her down the road.
Well, that's it for now. Now it's in the hands of the judges. They will certainly be taking their sweet time with two hours to kill and expect them to show pretty much everybody's result. I will be writing afterwards about the results, and how my own predictions matched up. I'm bound to get more than a couple wrong but if I didn't screw the pooch at least once or twice it probably wouldn't say very much for the shows' deep talent.
Of all the remaining 32 acts, I believe that as many as 10-12 of the artists have a legitimate chance of being crowned the winner. I also think that Simon Cowell will want to churn out more than just major recording artist of the lot and so that's my other prediction - especially given the hugely disappointing ratings by his own standards. I foresee several long lasting careers not usually found in these competitions and if there's a silver lining for him, it's that if he creates more than just a few stars then that will only aide his money making machine and heavily increase the success of a Season 2 and beyond.
As always, stay tuned.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
X Factor Spotlight: The Top 32 (Part 2)
We finally got the second half of the Top 32 contestants and then their fates are all in the hands of the judges. From Jazzlyn Little to Melanie Amaro, the final 16 acts performed in front of their assigned mentors for the right to advance to the Sweet Sixteen round of The X Factor. (I"m sorry but I just couldn't help but go all March Madness there.)
Jazzlyn Little - Jazzlyn delivered a very competent vocal performance, albeit it a very a safe one, and Simon seemed to genuinely enjoy it but I personally found the arrangement to be way too corny and it veered way off course of the actual song. Simon rightfully criticized Simone Battle for doing this to Elton John's "Your Song" but he seemed to be perfectly okay with Jazzlyn's far reaching treatment of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" so perhaps it's because Jazzlyn at least remembered all the words. Still think she's just too emotionally fragile and insecure to get the nod but her voice alone is definitely one of a worldwide star recording artist. 2011 is just not her time but when she does finally gain some much deserved confidence, she could become one of Simon Cowell's greatest talent finds ever.
Brennin Hunt - He sang "Like A Star" but Rihanna just thinks, despite great looks and perfect tone, that he is too corny. I'm not so sure that L.A. Reid will follow her advice because Marcus Canty is probably a lock, Chris Rene is a probable, and Brian Bradley's issues are age, wisdom, and lack of humility related. I still think he advances. (Interestingly enough, Brennin Hunt tweeted during the East Coast broadcast of tonight's episode pointing out that they used the same reaction to him as they did with Marcus Canty. Great catch by Hunt.) I think he deserves a chance to be voted on, cheesy or not. His Matt Dillion like looks and female appeal are extremely commercially viable and I can't believe that L.A. Reid wouldn't be equally conscious of this despite Rihanna's feedback.
The Stereo Hogzz - I haven't been too sold on any of these boy bands up to this point but I do feel like they found a moment and a good time to have it. Their choreography was surprisingly ill-timed at various points but their vocals were good and I think that they are probably Top 16 bound. Paula Abdul and Pharrell seemed to hint that they agree and Pharrell invoked Motown, which would also indicate to the five man group another encouraging sign.
Josh Krajcik - Have to admit that this wasn't my favorite Josh Krajcik performance. I felt it was too poor of a song choice for America's most famous burrito maker. Like Jazzlyn Little, his vocal performance was perfectly up to par but this song just left him less room to pour some of his midwestern raspy soul into it. Still can't imagine he's going home. Equally interesting was the sudden introduction of a 13 year-old daughter he had when was still a teenager himself. A very bizarre editing move on FOX's part to say the least but I'd be stunned if they just threw that in there at the last moment just to show him being cut from the competition. Still think he's too safe to go home and I expect a very deep run by one of the show's most down to earth contestants.
2 Sqaur'd - I criticized the judges for some apparent sabotage on their parts with some of the song choices they have assigned their own team members and I see no reason to stop it now. The ladies did a perfectly okay job with it but in a category that seems to be the most wide open of all the four groups, it just didn't feel like it was enough to displace Lakoda Rayne or even the high flying InTENsity.
Tim Cifers - Tim performed "Dance With My Father" for L.A. Reid and Rihanna and I am very much on the fence about his chances. With Marcus Canty and Chris Rene looking like the only true locks in this category (Brian Bradley still might not advance because of his age and questions about his maturity level), he could be primed for a spot in the Top 16. The younger Skyelar Anderson isn't nearly as polished as Cifers and if that knocks Skyelar out of the running for this season, Cifers' performance could be just enough to get through to the next round. Still, if Cifers advances, his country background would immediately catapult him into the upper dark horse tier.
Rachel Crow - Crow gave "I Want It That Way" the Drew Ryniewicz, slowing down the song to piano, and vastly improving the song itself over the famous original version. Crow's vocal was very much along the same lines as Josh Krajcik's performance. It was very competent and steady but it ultimately felt way too safe. Simon was extremely impressed and pleased with the performance, but like with Brian Bradley, don't be surprised if the respective ages of the two postpone their rise to stardom by at least one more season. Still, despite the seemingly unemotional element of her performance, Crow still delivered a very strong vocal. I just think it will ultimately mean that she'll have to come back in 2012.
LeRoy Bell - LeRoy curiously sang Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love" for (at least) the second time in the competition. Judge Nicole Scherzinger expressed doubts about his level of confidence despite his age and vastly superior amount of experience in the industry compared to the other contestants. Bell's voice did seem to trail off a few times here and there but it was probably more due to the knowledge on his part that this is his last rodeo. This could be a total edit job. Bell is a great story and this might be a complete head fake. However, the fact remains that he is truly one of the legitimate 50/50 singers of the entire round but I for one would love to see him get a chance to carry over his true underdog status to the live round where he could attract various demographics and possibly make him the most intriguing dark horse of all.
Illusion/Confusion - This was a total sandbag job on the part of the show and network. They were the only group of the entire round to have a cutaway during their performance and this happened twice. They have probably received the least amount of air time of all the remaining 32 acts and it's hard to imagine that they will make it to the live round but regardless of what was the case, I can't stand this tactic on the part of networks with these shows and just found this treatment of this three piece group to be outright rude and disrespectful.
Tiger Budhill - They turned up the back story of the 42 year-old, honing in on his family's house foreclosure and how he'd love to have his 83 year-old mother live in a nice house like the one Nicole Scherzinger hosted her group at. My initial thoughts are that they are probably setting up him to go home and for that big heartstring parade sendoff. Another perfectly okay vocal, this automatically puts him on the bubble. And again, beware of the editing job here. They are definitely trying to head fake us and it's up to us now to guess in which direction that might be. At the end of the day however, I'd still be shocked if he isn't going home.
Marcus Canty - Before he even started singing he was scolded by Rihanna for flirting with her instead of focusing in on his actual singing but once Marcus began "All My Life" it was quite clear that he had just delivered one of the standout performances of the evening. Canty showcased his youthful charisma and female appealing charm and his vocals were right on. Look for Marcus to easily get the nod.
Tiah Tolliver - I found her assigned song to be another curious case but Tolliver delivered another Simon Cowell-pleasing number and it's incredibly hard to imagine she doesn't advance to the live round of the competition. However, the wild card here is still her competition. Simon has the deepest talent pool to work with out of all of the four groups and if Simon begins to nitpick or begin to look for otherwise minor infractions then anything can happen but I'd still be shocked if Tiah doesn't advance. I still think her vocals were strong enough for Simon to keep her chugging along.
Christa Collins - I won't pretend to be objective here but Christa absolutely ruled "No Surprises" much to the hand clapping delight of guest judge Enrique Inglesias. While Nicole Scherzinger inexplicably questioned a lack of emotion for a darkly toned song, Inglesias correctly put Nicole in her place for deriding Christa essentially for not singing with more pain and sadness. I found her remark to be either outright disgusting for at least sounding like she should exploit her own tragic past more or at best completely ignorant of how it'd come off sounding like. Or still, a third option - just being completely oblivious to a Top 16 worthy rendition. Scherzinger almost sounded like someone determined to find a reason to not advance her. We'll see if Enrique's enthusiasm sways the strangely doubting diva. Without question, Christa should advance. We'll see if the former Pussycat Dolls leader comes around or not but I still maintain that the 31 year-old self-described rock n' roll gypsy is still one to watch.
InTENsity - I was skeptical about how they'd sound and this doubt increased the closer they got to showing them but I felt that they were one of the standout acts of the evening. While I ultimately still think it's just too many people for one group, they did deliver a very Paula-pleasing performance. While their potential sound could still ultimately be too "High School Musical" for my personal taste, they still might be too good to be passed on given how enthusiastically well they sang. If given the chance to advance, they are a definite dark horse. They will receive no shortage of votes from their peers if they go live and it's hard to imagine how an incredibly strong cross-version of The Ting-Ting's "That's Not My Name" and Hall & Oates' "You Make My Dreams Come True" doesn't advance them. And let's not count out the "cute-youth" factor here either. Paula is a sucker for talented youth, upbeat or emotional, and this ten piece outfit certainly fits that bill.
Chris Rene - Chris delivered a rather strong version of "Everyday People" and it's probably going to be between him and Brian Bradley since they are both rappers. Rene has more vocal versatility and Bradley is younger and more immature but Rene has his own host of concerns given his ongoing recovery. My guess is that Chris gets the nod anyway but I'm not quite sure that he is the lock he appeared to be just a round or two earlier. Loved the arrangement regardless of his fate. It stayed just true enough to the original while giving it a very cool and hip modernized feel as well. If it's about who deserves to go then there should be room for both Chris and Brian.
Melanie Amaro - Singing "Will You Be There" to Simon, her superiorly strong performance was overshadowed by Simon feeling as if he was given a dirty look by Amaro on her way out. Despite this, Simon characteristically stayed on point with no regard to his own feelings, and heaped praise on her. She is perhaps the strongest dark horse of the girls category if she gets one of the four coveted spots. She is certainly more stoic for her age compared to her fellow contestants in her category; her personality doesn't match up to the others and if that's a determining factor, then she will have to come back in 2012 to mount what would still be a very legitimate run at the title. Regardless of her fate Tuesday Night, she has a very bright music future ahead.
Felt that Christa Collins, InTENsity, Tiah Tolliver, The Stereo Hogzz, and Melanie Amaro were probably the most noticeable acts of the evening. Of those acts, Tiah and Melanie are probably contenders while I still believe that Christa is still a strong dark horse. I will be posting my predictions sometime between late night tonight and tomorrow afternoon. Stay tuned.
Jazzlyn Little - Jazzlyn delivered a very competent vocal performance, albeit it a very a safe one, and Simon seemed to genuinely enjoy it but I personally found the arrangement to be way too corny and it veered way off course of the actual song. Simon rightfully criticized Simone Battle for doing this to Elton John's "Your Song" but he seemed to be perfectly okay with Jazzlyn's far reaching treatment of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" so perhaps it's because Jazzlyn at least remembered all the words. Still think she's just too emotionally fragile and insecure to get the nod but her voice alone is definitely one of a worldwide star recording artist. 2011 is just not her time but when she does finally gain some much deserved confidence, she could become one of Simon Cowell's greatest talent finds ever.
Brennin Hunt - He sang "Like A Star" but Rihanna just thinks, despite great looks and perfect tone, that he is too corny. I'm not so sure that L.A. Reid will follow her advice because Marcus Canty is probably a lock, Chris Rene is a probable, and Brian Bradley's issues are age, wisdom, and lack of humility related. I still think he advances. (Interestingly enough, Brennin Hunt tweeted during the East Coast broadcast of tonight's episode pointing out that they used the same reaction to him as they did with Marcus Canty. Great catch by Hunt.) I think he deserves a chance to be voted on, cheesy or not. His Matt Dillion like looks and female appeal are extremely commercially viable and I can't believe that L.A. Reid wouldn't be equally conscious of this despite Rihanna's feedback.
The Stereo Hogzz - I haven't been too sold on any of these boy bands up to this point but I do feel like they found a moment and a good time to have it. Their choreography was surprisingly ill-timed at various points but their vocals were good and I think that they are probably Top 16 bound. Paula Abdul and Pharrell seemed to hint that they agree and Pharrell invoked Motown, which would also indicate to the five man group another encouraging sign.
Josh Krajcik - Have to admit that this wasn't my favorite Josh Krajcik performance. I felt it was too poor of a song choice for America's most famous burrito maker. Like Jazzlyn Little, his vocal performance was perfectly up to par but this song just left him less room to pour some of his midwestern raspy soul into it. Still can't imagine he's going home. Equally interesting was the sudden introduction of a 13 year-old daughter he had when was still a teenager himself. A very bizarre editing move on FOX's part to say the least but I'd be stunned if they just threw that in there at the last moment just to show him being cut from the competition. Still think he's too safe to go home and I expect a very deep run by one of the show's most down to earth contestants.
2 Sqaur'd - I criticized the judges for some apparent sabotage on their parts with some of the song choices they have assigned their own team members and I see no reason to stop it now. The ladies did a perfectly okay job with it but in a category that seems to be the most wide open of all the four groups, it just didn't feel like it was enough to displace Lakoda Rayne or even the high flying InTENsity.
Tim Cifers - Tim performed "Dance With My Father" for L.A. Reid and Rihanna and I am very much on the fence about his chances. With Marcus Canty and Chris Rene looking like the only true locks in this category (Brian Bradley still might not advance because of his age and questions about his maturity level), he could be primed for a spot in the Top 16. The younger Skyelar Anderson isn't nearly as polished as Cifers and if that knocks Skyelar out of the running for this season, Cifers' performance could be just enough to get through to the next round. Still, if Cifers advances, his country background would immediately catapult him into the upper dark horse tier.
Rachel Crow - Crow gave "I Want It That Way" the Drew Ryniewicz, slowing down the song to piano, and vastly improving the song itself over the famous original version. Crow's vocal was very much along the same lines as Josh Krajcik's performance. It was very competent and steady but it ultimately felt way too safe. Simon was extremely impressed and pleased with the performance, but like with Brian Bradley, don't be surprised if the respective ages of the two postpone their rise to stardom by at least one more season. Still, despite the seemingly unemotional element of her performance, Crow still delivered a very strong vocal. I just think it will ultimately mean that she'll have to come back in 2012.
LeRoy Bell - LeRoy curiously sang Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love" for (at least) the second time in the competition. Judge Nicole Scherzinger expressed doubts about his level of confidence despite his age and vastly superior amount of experience in the industry compared to the other contestants. Bell's voice did seem to trail off a few times here and there but it was probably more due to the knowledge on his part that this is his last rodeo. This could be a total edit job. Bell is a great story and this might be a complete head fake. However, the fact remains that he is truly one of the legitimate 50/50 singers of the entire round but I for one would love to see him get a chance to carry over his true underdog status to the live round where he could attract various demographics and possibly make him the most intriguing dark horse of all.
Illusion/Confusion - This was a total sandbag job on the part of the show and network. They were the only group of the entire round to have a cutaway during their performance and this happened twice. They have probably received the least amount of air time of all the remaining 32 acts and it's hard to imagine that they will make it to the live round but regardless of what was the case, I can't stand this tactic on the part of networks with these shows and just found this treatment of this three piece group to be outright rude and disrespectful.
Tiger Budhill - They turned up the back story of the 42 year-old, honing in on his family's house foreclosure and how he'd love to have his 83 year-old mother live in a nice house like the one Nicole Scherzinger hosted her group at. My initial thoughts are that they are probably setting up him to go home and for that big heartstring parade sendoff. Another perfectly okay vocal, this automatically puts him on the bubble. And again, beware of the editing job here. They are definitely trying to head fake us and it's up to us now to guess in which direction that might be. At the end of the day however, I'd still be shocked if he isn't going home.
Marcus Canty - Before he even started singing he was scolded by Rihanna for flirting with her instead of focusing in on his actual singing but once Marcus began "All My Life" it was quite clear that he had just delivered one of the standout performances of the evening. Canty showcased his youthful charisma and female appealing charm and his vocals were right on. Look for Marcus to easily get the nod.
Tiah Tolliver - I found her assigned song to be another curious case but Tolliver delivered another Simon Cowell-pleasing number and it's incredibly hard to imagine she doesn't advance to the live round of the competition. However, the wild card here is still her competition. Simon has the deepest talent pool to work with out of all of the four groups and if Simon begins to nitpick or begin to look for otherwise minor infractions then anything can happen but I'd still be shocked if Tiah doesn't advance. I still think her vocals were strong enough for Simon to keep her chugging along.
Christa Collins - I won't pretend to be objective here but Christa absolutely ruled "No Surprises" much to the hand clapping delight of guest judge Enrique Inglesias. While Nicole Scherzinger inexplicably questioned a lack of emotion for a darkly toned song, Inglesias correctly put Nicole in her place for deriding Christa essentially for not singing with more pain and sadness. I found her remark to be either outright disgusting for at least sounding like she should exploit her own tragic past more or at best completely ignorant of how it'd come off sounding like. Or still, a third option - just being completely oblivious to a Top 16 worthy rendition. Scherzinger almost sounded like someone determined to find a reason to not advance her. We'll see if Enrique's enthusiasm sways the strangely doubting diva. Without question, Christa should advance. We'll see if the former Pussycat Dolls leader comes around or not but I still maintain that the 31 year-old self-described rock n' roll gypsy is still one to watch.
InTENsity - I was skeptical about how they'd sound and this doubt increased the closer they got to showing them but I felt that they were one of the standout acts of the evening. While I ultimately still think it's just too many people for one group, they did deliver a very Paula-pleasing performance. While their potential sound could still ultimately be too "High School Musical" for my personal taste, they still might be too good to be passed on given how enthusiastically well they sang. If given the chance to advance, they are a definite dark horse. They will receive no shortage of votes from their peers if they go live and it's hard to imagine how an incredibly strong cross-version of The Ting-Ting's "That's Not My Name" and Hall & Oates' "You Make My Dreams Come True" doesn't advance them. And let's not count out the "cute-youth" factor here either. Paula is a sucker for talented youth, upbeat or emotional, and this ten piece outfit certainly fits that bill.
Chris Rene - Chris delivered a rather strong version of "Everyday People" and it's probably going to be between him and Brian Bradley since they are both rappers. Rene has more vocal versatility and Bradley is younger and more immature but Rene has his own host of concerns given his ongoing recovery. My guess is that Chris gets the nod anyway but I'm not quite sure that he is the lock he appeared to be just a round or two earlier. Loved the arrangement regardless of his fate. It stayed just true enough to the original while giving it a very cool and hip modernized feel as well. If it's about who deserves to go then there should be room for both Chris and Brian.
Melanie Amaro - Singing "Will You Be There" to Simon, her superiorly strong performance was overshadowed by Simon feeling as if he was given a dirty look by Amaro on her way out. Despite this, Simon characteristically stayed on point with no regard to his own feelings, and heaped praise on her. She is perhaps the strongest dark horse of the girls category if she gets one of the four coveted spots. She is certainly more stoic for her age compared to her fellow contestants in her category; her personality doesn't match up to the others and if that's a determining factor, then she will have to come back in 2012 to mount what would still be a very legitimate run at the title. Regardless of her fate Tuesday Night, she has a very bright music future ahead.
Felt that Christa Collins, InTENsity, Tiah Tolliver, The Stereo Hogzz, and Melanie Amaro were probably the most noticeable acts of the evening. Of those acts, Tiah and Melanie are probably contenders while I still believe that Christa is still a strong dark horse. I will be posting my predictions sometime between late night tonight and tomorrow afternoon. Stay tuned.
Friday, October 14, 2011
X Factor Spotlight: The Top 32 (Part 1)
We just saw the first 16 acts of the Top 32 compete in front of their respective mentors. Here is my breakdown of those performances with some predictions mixed in here and there.
Brian Bradley - The cocky young rapper L.A. Reid feels might be too young took it old school with Grandmaster Flash's 1982 classic "The Message" from his self-titled debut album. Bradley's flow and timing were impeachable and even impressed special guest judge Rihanna enough to the point where she admitted he was just too cute in her eyes to even make an immediate judgment. Reid's assessment pertaining to Bradley's maturity level might still win the day but it's pretty clear that his artistic maturity level is on the rise. Only four from each category can advance. The 14 year-old prodigy in waiting did everything he could but it still might not be enough and with fellow rapper Chris Rene in the mix as well as Marcus Canty, Brennin Hunt, and dark horse country singer Tim Cifers lurking, it's tough to imagine Reid taking more than one rapper when even he expresses doubts about a rapper in a singing competition out loud to one of his own greatest prodigies. Talent-wise he's more than ready but given L.A.'s own doubts about his current maturity level, I am far from sold that Bradley is a lock to advance despite deserving to do so without question when simply measured on the merits alone.
Simone Battle - Battle had been, well, embattled, and she needed a strong rebound performance with an extremely deep girls field. I believe she got it and Simon was very impressed. Battle turned down the hubris (hear that Brian Bradley?), and then turned on the smooth charm with a very tenderized piano ballad version of The Beatles' "Help" and judging from Simon's reaction, she certainly put her best foot forward.
The Anser - The Anser took a chance on covering Pink's "Perfect" in another slow and piano driven ballad version. Personally I think the group category is wide open because it has the most question marks but I do think that this version will probably be enough for Paula to advance them to the live rounds. It was legitimately decent but perhaps a little too sluggish. If they fail to advance, that could be the difference. Still, I consider them as safe of a wild card as I can name, but keep in mind that the biggest wild card in the entire competition is still Paula Abdul herself.
Dexter Haygood - In what was one of the more bizarre performances of the night, Haygood belted out a very disoriented and dizzying version of Beyonce's "Crazy In Love" and I just worry that Nicole Scherzinger and special guest Enrique Inglesias found it to be too in their face and too unruly for the former Pussycat Dolls leader to put him into the live rounds. Despite L.A. Reid telling him to stop thinking that it's the end, I worry that this time it really is. The judges have been tacitly rooting for him out loud, wanting to put him through, for both personal and television viewing purposes, and his feel good story writes itself but in order for that to work, Haygood had to at least be in the ballpark with his performances. With standouts Elaine Gibbs, Josh Krajcik, Stacy Francis, and other old-timer favorite LeRoy Bell lurking, as well as dark horses Christa Collins and James Kenney, Haygood might have taken the silliness too far. The silver lining? Look for him to get some kind of record contract anyway. His story is too heartbreaking and heartwarming to go completely unrewarded. Haygood might still walk away a winner yet even if it's not as the $5 million winner.
Skyelar Anderson - Tony Rich's "Nobody Knows" was his song of choice but it feels like we do know that he probably won't advance this time around. L.A. Reid and Beyonce both enjoyed his potential but seem to rather overtly feel that he needs to be more polished. A 16 year-old African-American country singer with the tragic back story of having lost his father to cancer right in front of him and his brother being shot to death still has the potential to resonate with live viewers but it might have to wait until Season 2.
Tora Woloshin - In what was a very interesting cover of The Rolling Stones staple "Satisfaction", a suddenly nervous Woloshin put her best foot forward but she seemed to be teetering on the edge of losing all the impressively cool confidence she brought to her first audition and the ensuing Boot Camp rounds. Simon professed his love for Tora but conceded that there was just something not there and given the unparalleled depth of his girls group, we might have to wait for Season 2 to see Tora take her game to the next level. Still, reality show editing has a way of throwing us head fakes and it'd be wise and prudent to not count out the ambitious young mechanic just yet because her talent and appeal are both still very much there even if her confidence might be a little shaken right now.
Lakoda Rayne - The first of the two manufactured groups to sing in the Top 32 round impressed me enough to write this and while the girls themselves felt like something was missing with their audition, there's a very good chance that Paula Abdul will look past how throw together the girls before making her final decision. The girls were very wise and mature for their age, opting to gather at Cari Fletcher's Wall Township, New Jersey house to practice and their choreography of their countrified version of Lady Gaga's tolerance anthem "Born This Way" was just different enough to be unique without losing itself in another "weirdo version" as Simon would say. A coin toss at this point but one I would love to see be given the chance to progress. Post-X Factor they certainly have both the potential and mass appeal to succeed and that won't be lost on whoever signs them once they are done on FOX.
Stacy Francis - Perhaps the standout moment of the evening, with the possible exceptions of Elaine Gibbs and Drew Ryniewicz. Francis took Prince's classic "Purple Rain" and turned it into a gospel fueled choir backed gem. Francis brought all the emotion of her first audition and meshed it with all the unleashed but still perfectly harnessed vocal firepower she has in her arsenal. It would not just be a surprise but also an absolute scandal if she doesn't advance. Nicole and Enrique seemed perfectly onboard and it's tough to imagine that not carrying the day in what might have been the highlight of the entire episode. Look for Francis to easily advance.
The Brewer Boys - I have to call shenanigans on Paul Abdul here. In what was clearly a shameless Rihanna promoting ploy on FOX's part, given her connection to L.A. Reid, even if she wasn't even with this category as its special guest judge, also seemed like a very naked sabotage job on Abdul's part. Why on Earth would he make The Brewer Boys cover Rihanna's "Only Girl In The World" is beyond anybody's comprehension. Yes, this is Paula Abdul we are talking about but even for her this seems like it was just an obvious attempt to destroy any real chance the brother duo could have of advancing in the competition and given their uniqueness and obvious appeal to young female demographics, it just makes Paula's ill-timed wackiness that much more baffling. The Brewer Boys deserve a chance to be voted on and in Season 1, not Season 2 but we'll see if America's most spaced out reality show judge calls it.
Phillip Lomax - Another curious case of apparent sabotage on behalf of a judge. L.A. Reid throws Lomax out with a cover of Rihanna's "Please Don't Stop The Music" to be sung in front of Rihanna herself. He might as well changed the lyrics to "Please Don't Stop My Journey On The X Factor" for that matter because it smelled of a professional hit on the Rat Pack styled crooner. And it's a shame. Lomax was entertaining but ultimately more novelty at first to me but he has grown on me since the competition has progressed and it's exactly that kind of old school feel that a 21 year-old soul feels such kinship to that should be allowed a chance to be advance or be sent home o sheer merit. L.A. Reid said to Rihanna that he doubted his commercial viability but I completely disagree. He's one of those singers who would appeal to a very specific genre, or perhaps even sub genre, and could make a very nice career out of it. Just because he's not Bruno Mars doesn't mean he can't be Harry Connick, Jr. and it'd be a waste to see that opportunity, well, wasted. If he does get sent home after doing what he was assigned and doing it very well, it'd be a shame to see such an honest and brilliant effort go unrewarded. Lomax might have been on the bubble to begin with but should he indeed be cut and come back for Season 2, he might adapt a more faithful following because of how his perceived hose job by one of the judges himself.
Elaine Gibbs - Gibbs has mostly flown under the radar due to more restricted coverage so far but she is rapidly losing her stealth status. Gibbs has been playing with house money from the beginning but now we are starting to see what kind of secret weapon that FOX has been holding back on us and she has now made it ostensibly harder on Nicole to keep someone like Dexter Haygood around, or perhaps one of the other dark horses, and her performance stood out as clearly one of the three best performances of the evening. Look for the 53 year-old to get the nod for the live rounds.
Caitlin Koch - The 22 year-old unlikely Rugby player is still very much a favorite in this competition and judging from Simon Cowell's reaction to her performance last night, she still seems very much in the running. Koch performed a very stirring version of Carole King's classic "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" and my guess is that America will absolutely still love her tomorrow and when she gets to be voted on live. Cowell raved about her pitch and tone and pretty much everything else. It's hard to imagine she doesn't advance.
Nick Voss - The interesting Vanilla Ice reminding singer sang the Tears For Fears classic "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" but it didn't seem to garner the warm reception that he needed to advance. Rihanna seemed less than impressed and L.A. Reid seemed to indicate that he was not going to make the cut as well. Voss is an interesting personality and I could still see him coming back for Season 2 if he does in fact get cut, and his persona in general could garner other entertainment industry opportunities as well.
4Shore - 4Shore is a tricky group to figure out. They are pretty decent sounding but there still lacks an obvious "Wow" factor that is required to be the next Boys II Men. The Stereo Hogzz seem to be a little more in sync with each other and I'd be hard pressed to think that both groups will advance. Mr. Brownstone's "If You Love Me" impressed special guest Pharrell vocally but my guess is that it didn't impress Paula enough to love them enough to advance them. Their X Factor and post-X Factor futures both seem to be in limbo given the tepid response to them by the judges.
James Kenney - James Kenney is another enigma. He gave a very decent vocal on his own Rihanna cover ("Russian Roulette") but in the very crowded Over 30 field, perhaps one of the two best groups in the competition, it didn't feel enough to break through to the live rounds but should he advance he has several personal traits and attributes that would make him very appealing to certain key voting demographics (i.e. cougars, tweeners, etc.).
Drew Ryniewicz - There was absolutely no suspense here. Her surprise song assignment of the 80's Roxette tune "It Must Have Been Love" was another slowed down version of a well known song but hers really took flight. Ryniewicz absolutely personifies being too young to be scared and her fearlessness translates into both stronger confidence and stronger vocals than many of those in the competition much older than her. Simon clearly has a spot for her in the live rounds and it'd be a complete stunner to not see her advance. It's starting to become rather abundantly clear that the well oiled Simon Cowell machine has more than a couple stars on its hands and Ryniewicz is in that upper tier of budding star talent. It's safe to say at this point that a long desired duet with Justin Bieber will be taking place at some point during the live competition.
I will refrain from making my predictions about how will take each categories' much coveted final four spots for the live competition rounds but I do think that you are probably looking at a few certainties from last night. You have to imagine that Caitlin Koch and Drew Ryniewicz are locks from the girls side. Despite Brian Bradley's very strong performance, I'm still not sold he's lock for this season. Stacy Francis and Elaine Gibbs seem like locks from the Over 30 contingency. My guess is that The Anser is probably as near a lock as there is for the Groups but don't rule out Lakoda Rayne. They might be given extra leeway and I strongly believe that if given the chance to shine on the live stage that they could build a steamrolling force of momentum. Tora Woloshin, Dexter Haygood, Nick Voss, Phillip Lomax, and 4Shore are all on the bubble and everyone else is too uncertain for me to even guess.
That's it for now. We'll do this all again either Sunday Night or whenever the hell FOX next broadcasts The X Factor!
Brian Bradley - The cocky young rapper L.A. Reid feels might be too young took it old school with Grandmaster Flash's 1982 classic "The Message" from his self-titled debut album. Bradley's flow and timing were impeachable and even impressed special guest judge Rihanna enough to the point where she admitted he was just too cute in her eyes to even make an immediate judgment. Reid's assessment pertaining to Bradley's maturity level might still win the day but it's pretty clear that his artistic maturity level is on the rise. Only four from each category can advance. The 14 year-old prodigy in waiting did everything he could but it still might not be enough and with fellow rapper Chris Rene in the mix as well as Marcus Canty, Brennin Hunt, and dark horse country singer Tim Cifers lurking, it's tough to imagine Reid taking more than one rapper when even he expresses doubts about a rapper in a singing competition out loud to one of his own greatest prodigies. Talent-wise he's more than ready but given L.A.'s own doubts about his current maturity level, I am far from sold that Bradley is a lock to advance despite deserving to do so without question when simply measured on the merits alone.
Simone Battle - Battle had been, well, embattled, and she needed a strong rebound performance with an extremely deep girls field. I believe she got it and Simon was very impressed. Battle turned down the hubris (hear that Brian Bradley?), and then turned on the smooth charm with a very tenderized piano ballad version of The Beatles' "Help" and judging from Simon's reaction, she certainly put her best foot forward.
The Anser - The Anser took a chance on covering Pink's "Perfect" in another slow and piano driven ballad version. Personally I think the group category is wide open because it has the most question marks but I do think that this version will probably be enough for Paula to advance them to the live rounds. It was legitimately decent but perhaps a little too sluggish. If they fail to advance, that could be the difference. Still, I consider them as safe of a wild card as I can name, but keep in mind that the biggest wild card in the entire competition is still Paula Abdul herself.
Dexter Haygood - In what was one of the more bizarre performances of the night, Haygood belted out a very disoriented and dizzying version of Beyonce's "Crazy In Love" and I just worry that Nicole Scherzinger and special guest Enrique Inglesias found it to be too in their face and too unruly for the former Pussycat Dolls leader to put him into the live rounds. Despite L.A. Reid telling him to stop thinking that it's the end, I worry that this time it really is. The judges have been tacitly rooting for him out loud, wanting to put him through, for both personal and television viewing purposes, and his feel good story writes itself but in order for that to work, Haygood had to at least be in the ballpark with his performances. With standouts Elaine Gibbs, Josh Krajcik, Stacy Francis, and other old-timer favorite LeRoy Bell lurking, as well as dark horses Christa Collins and James Kenney, Haygood might have taken the silliness too far. The silver lining? Look for him to get some kind of record contract anyway. His story is too heartbreaking and heartwarming to go completely unrewarded. Haygood might still walk away a winner yet even if it's not as the $5 million winner.
Skyelar Anderson - Tony Rich's "Nobody Knows" was his song of choice but it feels like we do know that he probably won't advance this time around. L.A. Reid and Beyonce both enjoyed his potential but seem to rather overtly feel that he needs to be more polished. A 16 year-old African-American country singer with the tragic back story of having lost his father to cancer right in front of him and his brother being shot to death still has the potential to resonate with live viewers but it might have to wait until Season 2.
Tora Woloshin - In what was a very interesting cover of The Rolling Stones staple "Satisfaction", a suddenly nervous Woloshin put her best foot forward but she seemed to be teetering on the edge of losing all the impressively cool confidence she brought to her first audition and the ensuing Boot Camp rounds. Simon professed his love for Tora but conceded that there was just something not there and given the unparalleled depth of his girls group, we might have to wait for Season 2 to see Tora take her game to the next level. Still, reality show editing has a way of throwing us head fakes and it'd be wise and prudent to not count out the ambitious young mechanic just yet because her talent and appeal are both still very much there even if her confidence might be a little shaken right now.
Lakoda Rayne - The first of the two manufactured groups to sing in the Top 32 round impressed me enough to write this and while the girls themselves felt like something was missing with their audition, there's a very good chance that Paula Abdul will look past how throw together the girls before making her final decision. The girls were very wise and mature for their age, opting to gather at Cari Fletcher's Wall Township, New Jersey house to practice and their choreography of their countrified version of Lady Gaga's tolerance anthem "Born This Way" was just different enough to be unique without losing itself in another "weirdo version" as Simon would say. A coin toss at this point but one I would love to see be given the chance to progress. Post-X Factor they certainly have both the potential and mass appeal to succeed and that won't be lost on whoever signs them once they are done on FOX.
Stacy Francis - Perhaps the standout moment of the evening, with the possible exceptions of Elaine Gibbs and Drew Ryniewicz. Francis took Prince's classic "Purple Rain" and turned it into a gospel fueled choir backed gem. Francis brought all the emotion of her first audition and meshed it with all the unleashed but still perfectly harnessed vocal firepower she has in her arsenal. It would not just be a surprise but also an absolute scandal if she doesn't advance. Nicole and Enrique seemed perfectly onboard and it's tough to imagine that not carrying the day in what might have been the highlight of the entire episode. Look for Francis to easily advance.
The Brewer Boys - I have to call shenanigans on Paul Abdul here. In what was clearly a shameless Rihanna promoting ploy on FOX's part, given her connection to L.A. Reid, even if she wasn't even with this category as its special guest judge, also seemed like a very naked sabotage job on Abdul's part. Why on Earth would he make The Brewer Boys cover Rihanna's "Only Girl In The World" is beyond anybody's comprehension. Yes, this is Paula Abdul we are talking about but even for her this seems like it was just an obvious attempt to destroy any real chance the brother duo could have of advancing in the competition and given their uniqueness and obvious appeal to young female demographics, it just makes Paula's ill-timed wackiness that much more baffling. The Brewer Boys deserve a chance to be voted on and in Season 1, not Season 2 but we'll see if America's most spaced out reality show judge calls it.
Phillip Lomax - Another curious case of apparent sabotage on behalf of a judge. L.A. Reid throws Lomax out with a cover of Rihanna's "Please Don't Stop The Music" to be sung in front of Rihanna herself. He might as well changed the lyrics to "Please Don't Stop My Journey On The X Factor" for that matter because it smelled of a professional hit on the Rat Pack styled crooner. And it's a shame. Lomax was entertaining but ultimately more novelty at first to me but he has grown on me since the competition has progressed and it's exactly that kind of old school feel that a 21 year-old soul feels such kinship to that should be allowed a chance to be advance or be sent home o sheer merit. L.A. Reid said to Rihanna that he doubted his commercial viability but I completely disagree. He's one of those singers who would appeal to a very specific genre, or perhaps even sub genre, and could make a very nice career out of it. Just because he's not Bruno Mars doesn't mean he can't be Harry Connick, Jr. and it'd be a waste to see that opportunity, well, wasted. If he does get sent home after doing what he was assigned and doing it very well, it'd be a shame to see such an honest and brilliant effort go unrewarded. Lomax might have been on the bubble to begin with but should he indeed be cut and come back for Season 2, he might adapt a more faithful following because of how his perceived hose job by one of the judges himself.
Elaine Gibbs - Gibbs has mostly flown under the radar due to more restricted coverage so far but she is rapidly losing her stealth status. Gibbs has been playing with house money from the beginning but now we are starting to see what kind of secret weapon that FOX has been holding back on us and she has now made it ostensibly harder on Nicole to keep someone like Dexter Haygood around, or perhaps one of the other dark horses, and her performance stood out as clearly one of the three best performances of the evening. Look for the 53 year-old to get the nod for the live rounds.
Caitlin Koch - The 22 year-old unlikely Rugby player is still very much a favorite in this competition and judging from Simon Cowell's reaction to her performance last night, she still seems very much in the running. Koch performed a very stirring version of Carole King's classic "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" and my guess is that America will absolutely still love her tomorrow and when she gets to be voted on live. Cowell raved about her pitch and tone and pretty much everything else. It's hard to imagine she doesn't advance.
Nick Voss - The interesting Vanilla Ice reminding singer sang the Tears For Fears classic "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" but it didn't seem to garner the warm reception that he needed to advance. Rihanna seemed less than impressed and L.A. Reid seemed to indicate that he was not going to make the cut as well. Voss is an interesting personality and I could still see him coming back for Season 2 if he does in fact get cut, and his persona in general could garner other entertainment industry opportunities as well.
4Shore - 4Shore is a tricky group to figure out. They are pretty decent sounding but there still lacks an obvious "Wow" factor that is required to be the next Boys II Men. The Stereo Hogzz seem to be a little more in sync with each other and I'd be hard pressed to think that both groups will advance. Mr. Brownstone's "If You Love Me" impressed special guest Pharrell vocally but my guess is that it didn't impress Paula enough to love them enough to advance them. Their X Factor and post-X Factor futures both seem to be in limbo given the tepid response to them by the judges.
James Kenney - James Kenney is another enigma. He gave a very decent vocal on his own Rihanna cover ("Russian Roulette") but in the very crowded Over 30 field, perhaps one of the two best groups in the competition, it didn't feel enough to break through to the live rounds but should he advance he has several personal traits and attributes that would make him very appealing to certain key voting demographics (i.e. cougars, tweeners, etc.).
Drew Ryniewicz - There was absolutely no suspense here. Her surprise song assignment of the 80's Roxette tune "It Must Have Been Love" was another slowed down version of a well known song but hers really took flight. Ryniewicz absolutely personifies being too young to be scared and her fearlessness translates into both stronger confidence and stronger vocals than many of those in the competition much older than her. Simon clearly has a spot for her in the live rounds and it'd be a complete stunner to not see her advance. It's starting to become rather abundantly clear that the well oiled Simon Cowell machine has more than a couple stars on its hands and Ryniewicz is in that upper tier of budding star talent. It's safe to say at this point that a long desired duet with Justin Bieber will be taking place at some point during the live competition.
I will refrain from making my predictions about how will take each categories' much coveted final four spots for the live competition rounds but I do think that you are probably looking at a few certainties from last night. You have to imagine that Caitlin Koch and Drew Ryniewicz are locks from the girls side. Despite Brian Bradley's very strong performance, I'm still not sold he's lock for this season. Stacy Francis and Elaine Gibbs seem like locks from the Over 30 contingency. My guess is that The Anser is probably as near a lock as there is for the Groups but don't rule out Lakoda Rayne. They might be given extra leeway and I strongly believe that if given the chance to shine on the live stage that they could build a steamrolling force of momentum. Tora Woloshin, Dexter Haygood, Nick Voss, Phillip Lomax, and 4Shore are all on the bubble and everyone else is too uncertain for me to even guess.
That's it for now. We'll do this all again either Sunday Night or whenever the hell FOX next broadcasts The X Factor!
X Factor Spotlight: Lakoda Rayne Online
This wasn't the blog I was meant to write tonight. It is the second blog I've written about an artist in the past few days and I am more than pleased with the response it has gotten. I'm supposed to be writing my overall review of last night's episode but given the sidetracked nature of my evening, I decided to put that on hold until Friday and just concentrate on a very interesting evening with the ladies of Lakoda Rayne online.
In what seems like is becoming second nature for me, I just spent a late night online with a live internet broadcast with singers from a reality television singing competition. What started off as a very contrived and forced experiment, one in which Paige Elizabeth Ogle didn't even initially think was a good idea, has turned into a genuine collaboration of sisters determined to prove that second chances matter and that all it takes to survive a singing show is hard work and momentum on top of natural talent and dedication.
Only Dani Knights was not seen at all at any given point. Hayley Orrantia, who pleasantly surprised me when given more screen time in tonight's broadcasted episode of The X Factor, adorably had her parents in other rooms or at least off camera online as part of the late night chat session. At one point Hayley had to tell her father that he was on twice.
Paige and Cari Fletcher were broadcasting in a green painted bathroom at the Fletcher residence somewhere in Wall Township, New Jersey and it was these two I was most thoroughly amused by. Despite knowing each other for mere months at this point, they clearly act like lifelong friends and you would never suspect that they are anything but two teenage girls that fully enjoy playing off of each other, especially for the camera.
Having just interacted with Lily Elise of The Voice just the other night on her live Stickam broadcast, I was wondering what the level of discipline would be for the young ladies of Lakoda Rayne. Lily surprised me the other night. She was able to keep it mostly on subject, although she was also promoting a new single that was just hours away from hitting iTunes, so that definitely helped. Despite all the expected adolescent frivolities, the girls wisely kept the topic of discussion on target while also soliciting additional questions when there seemed to be a lack of interrogative viewers.
The viewing totals were admittedly rather low. There were probably a few factors to explain that away. First off, they were on a smaller broadcast site. In fact, the word tiny is even in it. Secondly, they were experiencing great technical difficulties and it ultimately proved to be too much for Hayley as she called it a night just shortly before Dani Knights' typed messages stopped appearing.
Despite this, Paige and Cari didn't miss a beat. The show thankfully went on because it was definitely worth soldiering through endless technical difficulties. These broadcasts are not without limitations but they are also not without advantages. It humanizes contestants. It shows us their more natural personalities and you get to see them, completely unedited, in real time. There are no misleading cutting jobs that you cynically assign manipulative intentions to as the most melodramatic events unfold before your eyes on national television. And it's more than possible that if the girls advance that they will start to show us more and more of that personality.
The technical difficulties prevented me from hearing my own questions being answered sometimes. The site broke off when I was hearing them tell me what instrument Hayley plays but Cari plays guitar and piano, and I believe it was Paige that they said also plays the piano - or possibly guitar. Or perhaps it was Dani. At any rate, I'll straighten it out soon enough. I had felt once the judges assembled this group that they might be in the same mold of The Dixie Chicks should they survive. I eagerly await seeing how on point my assessment is about these young country ladies and how they fare on that front.
The girls are young. They are all very lovely and quite attractive and they all have very strong commercial potential should they make it to the live rounds. There seemed to be a Freudian slip on Cari's part when she said that it was their goal moving forward was to win it all and the way she said it seemed to indicate that they are on their way to being voted on by the public but this is all still speculation on my own part. They were having a hard enough time figuring out how to say Himay Co. (pronounced HIGH-may) but I was not one to take offense. I was enjoying the broadcast too much to even give a damn about my own selfish pride.
As with the other manufactured group InTENsity, it will be very curious to see how far Lakoda Rayne advances. While the former will possess all kinds of both advantages and disadvantages of being a ten person ensemble, I also strongly believe that despite the girls themselves feeling that their Top 32 performance felt somewhat incomplete, that if given the chance to move on that the possibilities of tighter chemistry are boundless. I had begun to worry after just the first two episodes that the show might not live up to the hype but I uncharacteristically foolishly underestimated the genius of Simon Cowell and company. They saw something that separately might not have survived in individualistic capacities but as a foursome could become an incredibly viable entity both on the show and beyond.
Don't be surprised if the two fostered groups end up becoming two of the biggest success stories of the season. I still believe that Emily Michalak is still too strong to not be a solo artist and hence confined to a ten person group, and the numbers just seem to be too silly to truly succeed once the competition ends for InTENsity to pan out in the real world, but one thing for sure with these groups is that the four seasoned pros have found the shrewdest and equally importantly economic avenue for maximizing strong young talent. Fletcher confirmed when I asked them about their post-show future that they plan on taking Lakoda Rayne past the expiration of their time on The X Factor and it would still be very interesting to see in a Season 2 if they don't make the cut this time, to see them all return as Lakoda Rayne and all.
Still, I believe they made the cut. Based on Cari's quasi-slip, Paula's understanding of their thrown to the wolves like situation, and just the overall potential viability as a widely popular all-female group, all things seem to point towards an advancement of Lakoda Rayne into the Top 16 and at least well earned speculation of a possible return effort in Season 2 even if they don't. I certainly hope so. While Cari Fletcher might not know much baseball, and while Paige might love teasing her about it as she declares her love for Ray Lewis and the boys in her native Baltimore, Maryland, there is no doubt that they could sneak up on some people enough to the point that they are hidden in broad daylight.
We will find out Sunday Night, barring more baseball oriented diversions, if they do indeed move on. They really have bonded for real. That's not just some on camera gimmickry they are deploying in the search for public support. They are both fun and funny, too young to be too scared of the stage and all of its possible success, but not too old to be above making booger references and if you don't get that then you weren't there and just don't know what you were missing. If they continue to build upon their personal chemistry, then that might just be changing soon enough.
Follow Lakoda Rayne on Twitter.
Follow Lakoda Rayne on Facebook.
Follow Lakoda Rayne on Tiny Chat.
(Jamie Cole is a Lawrenceville, NJ based freelance social media and marketing consultant, writer, blogger, artist/musician, and recovering high school athlete. Follow him on Twitter.)
In what seems like is becoming second nature for me, I just spent a late night online with a live internet broadcast with singers from a reality television singing competition. What started off as a very contrived and forced experiment, one in which Paige Elizabeth Ogle didn't even initially think was a good idea, has turned into a genuine collaboration of sisters determined to prove that second chances matter and that all it takes to survive a singing show is hard work and momentum on top of natural talent and dedication.
Only Dani Knights was not seen at all at any given point. Hayley Orrantia, who pleasantly surprised me when given more screen time in tonight's broadcasted episode of The X Factor, adorably had her parents in other rooms or at least off camera online as part of the late night chat session. At one point Hayley had to tell her father that he was on twice.
Paige and Cari Fletcher were broadcasting in a green painted bathroom at the Fletcher residence somewhere in Wall Township, New Jersey and it was these two I was most thoroughly amused by. Despite knowing each other for mere months at this point, they clearly act like lifelong friends and you would never suspect that they are anything but two teenage girls that fully enjoy playing off of each other, especially for the camera.
Having just interacted with Lily Elise of The Voice just the other night on her live Stickam broadcast, I was wondering what the level of discipline would be for the young ladies of Lakoda Rayne. Lily surprised me the other night. She was able to keep it mostly on subject, although she was also promoting a new single that was just hours away from hitting iTunes, so that definitely helped. Despite all the expected adolescent frivolities, the girls wisely kept the topic of discussion on target while also soliciting additional questions when there seemed to be a lack of interrogative viewers.
The viewing totals were admittedly rather low. There were probably a few factors to explain that away. First off, they were on a smaller broadcast site. In fact, the word tiny is even in it. Secondly, they were experiencing great technical difficulties and it ultimately proved to be too much for Hayley as she called it a night just shortly before Dani Knights' typed messages stopped appearing.
Despite this, Paige and Cari didn't miss a beat. The show thankfully went on because it was definitely worth soldiering through endless technical difficulties. These broadcasts are not without limitations but they are also not without advantages. It humanizes contestants. It shows us their more natural personalities and you get to see them, completely unedited, in real time. There are no misleading cutting jobs that you cynically assign manipulative intentions to as the most melodramatic events unfold before your eyes on national television. And it's more than possible that if the girls advance that they will start to show us more and more of that personality.
The technical difficulties prevented me from hearing my own questions being answered sometimes. The site broke off when I was hearing them tell me what instrument Hayley plays but Cari plays guitar and piano, and I believe it was Paige that they said also plays the piano - or possibly guitar. Or perhaps it was Dani. At any rate, I'll straighten it out soon enough. I had felt once the judges assembled this group that they might be in the same mold of The Dixie Chicks should they survive. I eagerly await seeing how on point my assessment is about these young country ladies and how they fare on that front.
The girls are young. They are all very lovely and quite attractive and they all have very strong commercial potential should they make it to the live rounds. There seemed to be a Freudian slip on Cari's part when she said that it was their goal moving forward was to win it all and the way she said it seemed to indicate that they are on their way to being voted on by the public but this is all still speculation on my own part. They were having a hard enough time figuring out how to say Himay Co. (pronounced HIGH-may) but I was not one to take offense. I was enjoying the broadcast too much to even give a damn about my own selfish pride.
As with the other manufactured group InTENsity, it will be very curious to see how far Lakoda Rayne advances. While the former will possess all kinds of both advantages and disadvantages of being a ten person ensemble, I also strongly believe that despite the girls themselves feeling that their Top 32 performance felt somewhat incomplete, that if given the chance to move on that the possibilities of tighter chemistry are boundless. I had begun to worry after just the first two episodes that the show might not live up to the hype but I uncharacteristically foolishly underestimated the genius of Simon Cowell and company. They saw something that separately might not have survived in individualistic capacities but as a foursome could become an incredibly viable entity both on the show and beyond.
Don't be surprised if the two fostered groups end up becoming two of the biggest success stories of the season. I still believe that Emily Michalak is still too strong to not be a solo artist and hence confined to a ten person group, and the numbers just seem to be too silly to truly succeed once the competition ends for InTENsity to pan out in the real world, but one thing for sure with these groups is that the four seasoned pros have found the shrewdest and equally importantly economic avenue for maximizing strong young talent. Fletcher confirmed when I asked them about their post-show future that they plan on taking Lakoda Rayne past the expiration of their time on The X Factor and it would still be very interesting to see in a Season 2 if they don't make the cut this time, to see them all return as Lakoda Rayne and all.
Still, I believe they made the cut. Based on Cari's quasi-slip, Paula's understanding of their thrown to the wolves like situation, and just the overall potential viability as a widely popular all-female group, all things seem to point towards an advancement of Lakoda Rayne into the Top 16 and at least well earned speculation of a possible return effort in Season 2 even if they don't. I certainly hope so. While Cari Fletcher might not know much baseball, and while Paige might love teasing her about it as she declares her love for Ray Lewis and the boys in her native Baltimore, Maryland, there is no doubt that they could sneak up on some people enough to the point that they are hidden in broad daylight.
We will find out Sunday Night, barring more baseball oriented diversions, if they do indeed move on. They really have bonded for real. That's not just some on camera gimmickry they are deploying in the search for public support. They are both fun and funny, too young to be too scared of the stage and all of its possible success, but not too old to be above making booger references and if you don't get that then you weren't there and just don't know what you were missing. If they continue to build upon their personal chemistry, then that might just be changing soon enough.
Follow Lakoda Rayne on Twitter.
Follow Lakoda Rayne on Facebook.
Follow Lakoda Rayne on Tiny Chat.
(Jamie Cole is a Lawrenceville, NJ based freelance social media and marketing consultant, writer, blogger, artist/musician, and recovering high school athlete. Follow him on Twitter.)
Thursday, October 13, 2011
X Factor: Favorites, Contenders, Dark Horses, & Wild Cards
I will be doing this after each airing from here on out. I will, on a weekly basis, be updating who the favorites, contenders, dark horses, and wild cards are. Don't read too much into a favorite of yours being ranked as vulnerable one week. These things have a funny way of changing from week to week so let the fun begin!
THE FAVORITES
Caitlin Koch - When Simon Cowell was on Jimmy Kimmel Live promoting The X Factor, Kimmel inevitably asked him if any former American Idol singers had tried out and Cowell devilishly gloated that he loved turning all of them down. WRONG! In fact, I don't think she ever got any face time whatsoever on Season 10, or it was very, very little if she did. Well, that shows you the depth of the talent that Cowell's former show produced this past season but let's not tell Simon. He's still found a potential star in this 21 year-old Buffalo, NY native. She's a favorite to win this and her body of work thus far affirms it.
Drew Ryniewicz - Many people were fooled by her audition as to how serious of a singer she was going based on her Justin Bieber obsessed persona. For many, this generally has joke contestant written all over it. I was not one of those people. I knew she'd be good. I just didn't realize she'd be great. This 14 year-old could win the whole thing. She's young, cute, boy crazy, and she made Justin Bieber's own signature song into a decent song. (Finally!) Somebody had to do it and it might as well have been his number one fan. She could very well be Number One herself after this competition. Love her pleasantly surprisingly mature voice and her personality, of which she has plenty of. She'll be a force to be reckoned with barring an unexpected Top 32 meltdown. I'd be willing to bet that she'll get her chance to share the stage with her barely older than herself idol.
Rachel Crow - She wants her own bathroom and the 13 year-old has a crowd friendly personality to help get her that. However, vocally speaking, I wonder where she now stands. She's currently a tentative favorite from my standpoint. If she falters, she could be quick to go. If she gets out of the gate strong, she could be a very tough competitor to knock out of the running. Perhaps the most fascinating pre-Top 32 favorite to watch because of that.
Tiah Tolliver - She needs no introduction. She has worldwide superstar tattooed all over her and she would be gobbled up by millions of adoring fans and still be just controversial enough to her haters to help move her from beyond just relevant to stardom. She had the standout vocal during the Group round in which even a stunned Chesi Springs was blown away by her fellow team member's spectacular vocal which left Simon Cowell feeling gleefully vindicated and unafraid to rub it in Nicole Scherzinger's face. Her cover of "Feeling Good" will have her feeling good for some time to come and regardless of her finish, Simon Cowell clearly has a star on his hands with her if the stars themselves properly and the post-show timing is right. Cowell is obviously pushing hard for her at this point and now having her directly under his own modesty-free tutelage will only help serve his own ambitious star making goals that the show itself has been created for.
Tora Woloshin - Like Tiah, Tora has widespread appeal, has a very strong personality and charm about her, can change your oil and a flat tire, and has the look of an international star to match her starlike vocals. She is definitely one to watch and when it's all said and done she should walk away with nothing less than a recording contract of some kind even if she doesn't win. Men and boys will love her "one of the guys but still very ladylike" quality, and women and girls will love her because they will love her quirky style and look and will want to emulate her. She's a winner regardless of her finish.
Chris Rene - The recovering addict projects great success in the Rap/R&B/Pop crossover categories and he will undoubtedly be extremely popular with young people, especially girls and women. He will be his own worst enemy but also his own best friend. The longer he stays clean and sober, the better chance he has to make a star out of himself and provide a life to his son that this current trash collector probably could have never imagined before auditioning.
Josh Krajcik - This self-described burrito slinger is everything America loves in an unconventional star. He has an amazing voice with a very ordinary look to boot to go along with it, and his offbeat personality, as well as his desire to immediately find the bar with his mom after initially auditioning, has surely made him a heavy early favorite. People of all demographics will probably love him and what becomes of him both on and after the show will be interesting and great fun to watch.
Stacy Francis - The single 42 year-old mother has carried grief and pain with her every step of the way on her journey. There is utterly no way that this unbelievably talented vocalist will fail to advance to the live rounds. Her back story and her talent all rolled in one will make her few enemies. She will almost certainly get a record deal out of her time on the show one way or another and after the hell that she has been to and back, she certainly deserves it and I strongly believe it doesn't take a rocket scientist to predict that America will wholeheartedly agree.
THE CONTENDERS
Melanie Amaro - She is not quite as front and center personality wise as the favorites but I fully anticipate her getting a nice solid bump up into that category at some point provided she survives the Top 32 cut. She's not in your face and she has a very refreshing modesty to her for her age. Her potential is very interesting but also very exciting. Her modest personality could rob her of superstardom but her voice shouldn't rob her of a very long and quality career. She'll survive in some form or another past the show. She's definitely one to watch because she has the potential to breakthrough into the Favorites category and go far.
Simone Battle - She might not need to work on her confidence but perhaps she has finally worked on some much needed humility. The judges saved her and wisely they did. The voice, look, and attitude are all there and like some of the other contestants left, she will be her own worst enemy. She too has great superstar potential and a corresponding career in film would certainly help cement her as an all-around celebrity diva. The worldwide success on both of these fronts is hers to take. The one question mark is how the voting audience will treat her given her early hubris. Hopefully, she gets the benefit of the doubt because he has Beyonce like aspirations and she would be too much fun to watch to see cast aside too early. And that's her one last hurdle before the live rounds. If she survives the Top 32 cut, she'll be one to monitor moving forward.
Brennin Hunt - This very Matt Dillon looking singer has a very high ceiling to work with. If he makes it out of the Top 32 than the teenage girls, young women, and the cougar coalition that has propelled the likes of David Cook, Lee DeWyze, Kris Allen, and Scotty McCreery to the winner's circle could very well do the same thing with Hunt if he advances past the Top 32 round. McCreery just reversed the low selling trend of recent Idol winners. This could be a very encouraging sign, especially to such cougar bait like Hunt. This Don Henley/The Eagles and Jackson Browne influenced singer-songwriter has the ability and capability of moving up to the Favorites circle as well if he advances to the live round.
Marcus Canty - Simon loves him and for good reason. He has great pop star like talent and charisma and at just 20, he could help secure the vital youth demographics needed to have long lasting success on the charts. He too should consider acting as well. He has that kind of diverse appeal should he advance to the Top 32 you could see another female-induced rise to the Favorites circle as well.
The Brewer Boys - I struggled to determine whether The Brewer Boys deserved to start off as a contender or dark horse. Since they are a group, I went with contender because I think they will be one of the better and popular groups among potential voters. If they survive the Top 32 they will almost certainly go far. They are a breath of fresh air and these two brothers have perfect harmony and timing and that will certainly resonate to The X Factor audience.
The Stereo Hogzz - Nicole Scherzinger clearly loves them. And if they make it to the live rounds, they will probably have a decent following as well. L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell pointed out that they are inconsistent but they finished the pre-Top 32 rounds quite strong so while they might otherwise be a wild card to start, I am opting to call them contenders to start.
THE DARK HORSES
Tim Cifers - Very little screen time so far but this 30 year-old country crooning family man is a very, very strong dark horse. He's a good looking young father, is country, and has a noticeably strong voice. If he makes it to the Top 32 round, he could corner the country market along with Lakoda Rayne, which makes him one to watch. He could however sneak up so quickly that he loses his dark horse status and rapidly ascends into the contender and favorite realms.
Christa Collins - I have already written quite glowingly about this ultra sexy singer. Christa is still one of the true dark horses in this competition. Just like Pia Toscano was shown a little bit during the taped segments before becoming a breakout celebrity, Collins could quickly sneak up on people. I've already said plenty about her so far but I will certainly be blogging more on her as the competition deepens.
Elaine Gibbs - Elaine is 53 years old but her talent is as fresh and exciting has any 23 year-old in this competition. Not much has been shown or learned about her so far but if she advances past the Top 32 round and is given a chance to hang around long enough on the live shows, she could become a seemingly unlikely favorite.
LeRoy Bell - He's written for Elton John and has a long and extensively impressive background in the industry but at 59 years old is taking what he claims is his last shot to be front and center and Bell could arguably become the first dark horse to contender or even favorite should he make it to the Top 32 round. He is the ultimate underdog and his voice is strong enough that his character and back story could propel him to his own success.
THE WILD CARDS
Jazzlyn Little - Jazzlyn Little could stand to have Simone Battle give her the excessive confidence she needs to shed because I wouldn't be surprised to see Little cut just strictly based on her stunning lack of confidence and stage freight issues. Having said that, if she pieces it together, she will quickly become a very strong favorite. She has superstar like talent and with confidence being the sole obstacle, her fate could go either way but whether it's this season or another one, she seems to be a likely star at some point.
Brian Bradley - You might have stopped looking at his mom but the real question is if after L.A. Reid correctly pointed out that he might be too young, can he recover some of that early momentum to become the superstar that Cowell himself has publicly stated he will definitely be. That seems to indicate he will either easily make the final pre-live cut but it could also mean that he needs some more seasoning before he can make that leap to superstardom but I do agree that he certainly has it in him to achieve that.
Nick Voss - One of the more curious choices. For someone shown fairly often so far he still remains a bit of a mystery. His audition had both good and not so good components and he might be on the chopping block to go live.
Phillip Lomax - It's quite possible that he's just not cut out for this show but it's hard not to love a 21 year-old in 2011 that channels the really old school crooners like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. He could very well benefit regardless of finish because a Harry Connick, Jr. like career could be waiting in the wings for him. He could prove to be too polarizing in the meantime though and he might need to advance to the live rounds which for him is still very 50-50.
Skyelor Anderson - He's a very affable and polite young man and he has a decent voice and the distinction of being a very rare African-American country singer but it's yet to be determined if he is strong enough to get out of the Top 32. He could just be a year or two (or few) too soon but his future could still be very bright even if he has to come back next season. It could be even brighter if that year does him good but he's still talented enough to make at least some waves should he advance this time around; a true wild card at this point.
Dexter Haygood - One of the biggest potential feel good stories of the season. His emulation issues have gotten him into hot water and it could ultimately cost him a chance to even compete in the live rounds but should he be able to make it that far, he could rather conceivably amass a very large and loyal fan base. Look for him to become part of something past his time on the show in some capacity or not and for him to at least eventually take L.A. Reid's advice of not expecting things to end. A very hard person to root against and for good reason. Would love to see him succeed past the show no matter what happens with him on the show at this point. Like Stacy Francis, it'd take a very abysmal performance in the Top 32 to prevent them from advancing him to the live rounds.
James Kenney - Very little has been seen or heard from him so far but he could be a dark horse to become a dark horse, if that makes any sense. I know. It doesn't. He could be hurt by the presence of other more sensical and attention grabbing underdogs but he remains an interesting possibility.
Tiger Budhill - Curious decision to pick the 42 year-old father over the 53 year-old widow of Ike Turner, Audrey Turner. He could do very well in more rural areas of the country should he make it to the Top 32 but he could also carry too much resentment from those who felt Turner should have advanced instead of him. And he could still be sent home before the live rounds even start. He is the biggest question mark going into the Top 32 round.
2Squar'd - Very little screen time and thus far and certainly not enough for me to form an opinion so far. They could be hurt by higher profile groups like The Anser, The Stereo Hogzz, and the two created groups, Lakoda Rayne and InTENsity.
4Shore - An inconsistent act so far, they might be too much on the outside looking in but if the other groups, more specifically The Stereo Hogzz, fails to have a good Top 32 round, then it could create an opening for them to successfully capitalize on the opportunity.
The Anser - Perhaps the one thing that really annoys me about The Anser is the refusal to put a "w" in the spelling. However, they have been semi-under the radar and could supplant both The Stereo Hogzz and 4Shore if they continue to perform consistently well and the other two groups stumble. My guess is that they are one of the safer groups in terms of vulnerability, barring a dismal Top 32 performance of course.
Illusion/Confusion - We have really only heard them once during the group round and have otherwise been just a name. That's sometimes a case of these shows holding back but it also can be a case of being elimination fodder.
InTENsity + Lakoda Rayne - Just wrote about this. There's not much to go on so far but you'd have to imagine that the show has a lot invested in these groups so barring terrible Top 32 performances, they probably want them to advance. Going into the round of 32 Paula Abdul's group is also potentially the most vulnerable group overall so there could definitely be room for both groups and given the young nature of both, could result in lots of potential votes from their peers.
THE FAVORITES
Caitlin Koch - When Simon Cowell was on Jimmy Kimmel Live promoting The X Factor, Kimmel inevitably asked him if any former American Idol singers had tried out and Cowell devilishly gloated that he loved turning all of them down. WRONG! In fact, I don't think she ever got any face time whatsoever on Season 10, or it was very, very little if she did. Well, that shows you the depth of the talent that Cowell's former show produced this past season but let's not tell Simon. He's still found a potential star in this 21 year-old Buffalo, NY native. She's a favorite to win this and her body of work thus far affirms it.
Drew Ryniewicz - Many people were fooled by her audition as to how serious of a singer she was going based on her Justin Bieber obsessed persona. For many, this generally has joke contestant written all over it. I was not one of those people. I knew she'd be good. I just didn't realize she'd be great. This 14 year-old could win the whole thing. She's young, cute, boy crazy, and she made Justin Bieber's own signature song into a decent song. (Finally!) Somebody had to do it and it might as well have been his number one fan. She could very well be Number One herself after this competition. Love her pleasantly surprisingly mature voice and her personality, of which she has plenty of. She'll be a force to be reckoned with barring an unexpected Top 32 meltdown. I'd be willing to bet that she'll get her chance to share the stage with her barely older than herself idol.
Rachel Crow - She wants her own bathroom and the 13 year-old has a crowd friendly personality to help get her that. However, vocally speaking, I wonder where she now stands. She's currently a tentative favorite from my standpoint. If she falters, she could be quick to go. If she gets out of the gate strong, she could be a very tough competitor to knock out of the running. Perhaps the most fascinating pre-Top 32 favorite to watch because of that.
Tiah Tolliver - She needs no introduction. She has worldwide superstar tattooed all over her and she would be gobbled up by millions of adoring fans and still be just controversial enough to her haters to help move her from beyond just relevant to stardom. She had the standout vocal during the Group round in which even a stunned Chesi Springs was blown away by her fellow team member's spectacular vocal which left Simon Cowell feeling gleefully vindicated and unafraid to rub it in Nicole Scherzinger's face. Her cover of "Feeling Good" will have her feeling good for some time to come and regardless of her finish, Simon Cowell clearly has a star on his hands with her if the stars themselves properly and the post-show timing is right. Cowell is obviously pushing hard for her at this point and now having her directly under his own modesty-free tutelage will only help serve his own ambitious star making goals that the show itself has been created for.
Tora Woloshin - Like Tiah, Tora has widespread appeal, has a very strong personality and charm about her, can change your oil and a flat tire, and has the look of an international star to match her starlike vocals. She is definitely one to watch and when it's all said and done she should walk away with nothing less than a recording contract of some kind even if she doesn't win. Men and boys will love her "one of the guys but still very ladylike" quality, and women and girls will love her because they will love her quirky style and look and will want to emulate her. She's a winner regardless of her finish.
Chris Rene - The recovering addict projects great success in the Rap/R&B/Pop crossover categories and he will undoubtedly be extremely popular with young people, especially girls and women. He will be his own worst enemy but also his own best friend. The longer he stays clean and sober, the better chance he has to make a star out of himself and provide a life to his son that this current trash collector probably could have never imagined before auditioning.
Josh Krajcik - This self-described burrito slinger is everything America loves in an unconventional star. He has an amazing voice with a very ordinary look to boot to go along with it, and his offbeat personality, as well as his desire to immediately find the bar with his mom after initially auditioning, has surely made him a heavy early favorite. People of all demographics will probably love him and what becomes of him both on and after the show will be interesting and great fun to watch.
Stacy Francis - The single 42 year-old mother has carried grief and pain with her every step of the way on her journey. There is utterly no way that this unbelievably talented vocalist will fail to advance to the live rounds. Her back story and her talent all rolled in one will make her few enemies. She will almost certainly get a record deal out of her time on the show one way or another and after the hell that she has been to and back, she certainly deserves it and I strongly believe it doesn't take a rocket scientist to predict that America will wholeheartedly agree.
THE CONTENDERS
Melanie Amaro - She is not quite as front and center personality wise as the favorites but I fully anticipate her getting a nice solid bump up into that category at some point provided she survives the Top 32 cut. She's not in your face and she has a very refreshing modesty to her for her age. Her potential is very interesting but also very exciting. Her modest personality could rob her of superstardom but her voice shouldn't rob her of a very long and quality career. She'll survive in some form or another past the show. She's definitely one to watch because she has the potential to breakthrough into the Favorites category and go far.
Simone Battle - She might not need to work on her confidence but perhaps she has finally worked on some much needed humility. The judges saved her and wisely they did. The voice, look, and attitude are all there and like some of the other contestants left, she will be her own worst enemy. She too has great superstar potential and a corresponding career in film would certainly help cement her as an all-around celebrity diva. The worldwide success on both of these fronts is hers to take. The one question mark is how the voting audience will treat her given her early hubris. Hopefully, she gets the benefit of the doubt because he has Beyonce like aspirations and she would be too much fun to watch to see cast aside too early. And that's her one last hurdle before the live rounds. If she survives the Top 32 cut, she'll be one to monitor moving forward.
Brennin Hunt - This very Matt Dillon looking singer has a very high ceiling to work with. If he makes it out of the Top 32 than the teenage girls, young women, and the cougar coalition that has propelled the likes of David Cook, Lee DeWyze, Kris Allen, and Scotty McCreery to the winner's circle could very well do the same thing with Hunt if he advances past the Top 32 round. McCreery just reversed the low selling trend of recent Idol winners. This could be a very encouraging sign, especially to such cougar bait like Hunt. This Don Henley/The Eagles and Jackson Browne influenced singer-songwriter has the ability and capability of moving up to the Favorites circle as well if he advances to the live round.
Marcus Canty - Simon loves him and for good reason. He has great pop star like talent and charisma and at just 20, he could help secure the vital youth demographics needed to have long lasting success on the charts. He too should consider acting as well. He has that kind of diverse appeal should he advance to the Top 32 you could see another female-induced rise to the Favorites circle as well.
The Brewer Boys - I struggled to determine whether The Brewer Boys deserved to start off as a contender or dark horse. Since they are a group, I went with contender because I think they will be one of the better and popular groups among potential voters. If they survive the Top 32 they will almost certainly go far. They are a breath of fresh air and these two brothers have perfect harmony and timing and that will certainly resonate to The X Factor audience.
The Stereo Hogzz - Nicole Scherzinger clearly loves them. And if they make it to the live rounds, they will probably have a decent following as well. L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell pointed out that they are inconsistent but they finished the pre-Top 32 rounds quite strong so while they might otherwise be a wild card to start, I am opting to call them contenders to start.
THE DARK HORSES
Tim Cifers - Very little screen time so far but this 30 year-old country crooning family man is a very, very strong dark horse. He's a good looking young father, is country, and has a noticeably strong voice. If he makes it to the Top 32 round, he could corner the country market along with Lakoda Rayne, which makes him one to watch. He could however sneak up so quickly that he loses his dark horse status and rapidly ascends into the contender and favorite realms.
Christa Collins - I have already written quite glowingly about this ultra sexy singer. Christa is still one of the true dark horses in this competition. Just like Pia Toscano was shown a little bit during the taped segments before becoming a breakout celebrity, Collins could quickly sneak up on people. I've already said plenty about her so far but I will certainly be blogging more on her as the competition deepens.
Elaine Gibbs - Elaine is 53 years old but her talent is as fresh and exciting has any 23 year-old in this competition. Not much has been shown or learned about her so far but if she advances past the Top 32 round and is given a chance to hang around long enough on the live shows, she could become a seemingly unlikely favorite.
LeRoy Bell - He's written for Elton John and has a long and extensively impressive background in the industry but at 59 years old is taking what he claims is his last shot to be front and center and Bell could arguably become the first dark horse to contender or even favorite should he make it to the Top 32 round. He is the ultimate underdog and his voice is strong enough that his character and back story could propel him to his own success.
THE WILD CARDS
Jazzlyn Little - Jazzlyn Little could stand to have Simone Battle give her the excessive confidence she needs to shed because I wouldn't be surprised to see Little cut just strictly based on her stunning lack of confidence and stage freight issues. Having said that, if she pieces it together, she will quickly become a very strong favorite. She has superstar like talent and with confidence being the sole obstacle, her fate could go either way but whether it's this season or another one, she seems to be a likely star at some point.
Brian Bradley - You might have stopped looking at his mom but the real question is if after L.A. Reid correctly pointed out that he might be too young, can he recover some of that early momentum to become the superstar that Cowell himself has publicly stated he will definitely be. That seems to indicate he will either easily make the final pre-live cut but it could also mean that he needs some more seasoning before he can make that leap to superstardom but I do agree that he certainly has it in him to achieve that.
Nick Voss - One of the more curious choices. For someone shown fairly often so far he still remains a bit of a mystery. His audition had both good and not so good components and he might be on the chopping block to go live.
Phillip Lomax - It's quite possible that he's just not cut out for this show but it's hard not to love a 21 year-old in 2011 that channels the really old school crooners like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. He could very well benefit regardless of finish because a Harry Connick, Jr. like career could be waiting in the wings for him. He could prove to be too polarizing in the meantime though and he might need to advance to the live rounds which for him is still very 50-50.
Skyelor Anderson - He's a very affable and polite young man and he has a decent voice and the distinction of being a very rare African-American country singer but it's yet to be determined if he is strong enough to get out of the Top 32. He could just be a year or two (or few) too soon but his future could still be very bright even if he has to come back next season. It could be even brighter if that year does him good but he's still talented enough to make at least some waves should he advance this time around; a true wild card at this point.
Dexter Haygood - One of the biggest potential feel good stories of the season. His emulation issues have gotten him into hot water and it could ultimately cost him a chance to even compete in the live rounds but should he be able to make it that far, he could rather conceivably amass a very large and loyal fan base. Look for him to become part of something past his time on the show in some capacity or not and for him to at least eventually take L.A. Reid's advice of not expecting things to end. A very hard person to root against and for good reason. Would love to see him succeed past the show no matter what happens with him on the show at this point. Like Stacy Francis, it'd take a very abysmal performance in the Top 32 to prevent them from advancing him to the live rounds.
James Kenney - Very little has been seen or heard from him so far but he could be a dark horse to become a dark horse, if that makes any sense. I know. It doesn't. He could be hurt by the presence of other more sensical and attention grabbing underdogs but he remains an interesting possibility.
Tiger Budhill - Curious decision to pick the 42 year-old father over the 53 year-old widow of Ike Turner, Audrey Turner. He could do very well in more rural areas of the country should he make it to the Top 32 but he could also carry too much resentment from those who felt Turner should have advanced instead of him. And he could still be sent home before the live rounds even start. He is the biggest question mark going into the Top 32 round.
2Squar'd - Very little screen time and thus far and certainly not enough for me to form an opinion so far. They could be hurt by higher profile groups like The Anser, The Stereo Hogzz, and the two created groups, Lakoda Rayne and InTENsity.
4Shore - An inconsistent act so far, they might be too much on the outside looking in but if the other groups, more specifically The Stereo Hogzz, fails to have a good Top 32 round, then it could create an opening for them to successfully capitalize on the opportunity.
The Anser - Perhaps the one thing that really annoys me about The Anser is the refusal to put a "w" in the spelling. However, they have been semi-under the radar and could supplant both The Stereo Hogzz and 4Shore if they continue to perform consistently well and the other two groups stumble. My guess is that they are one of the safer groups in terms of vulnerability, barring a dismal Top 32 performance of course.
Illusion/Confusion - We have really only heard them once during the group round and have otherwise been just a name. That's sometimes a case of these shows holding back but it also can be a case of being elimination fodder.
InTENsity + Lakoda Rayne - Just wrote about this. There's not much to go on so far but you'd have to imagine that the show has a lot invested in these groups so barring terrible Top 32 performances, they probably want them to advance. Going into the round of 32 Paula Abdul's group is also potentially the most vulnerable group overall so there could definitely be room for both groups and given the young nature of both, could result in lots of potential votes from their peers.
X Factor Spotlight: Top 32 Artists By Categories
The X Factor: Top 32 Category Breakdown
The Four Categories
GIRLS
Caitlin Koch
Drew Ryniewicz
Jazzlyn Little
Melanie Amaro
Rachel Crow
Simone Battle
Tiah Tolliver
Tora Woloshin
BOYS
Brennin Hunt
Brian Bradley
Chris Rene
Marcus Canty
Nick Voss
Phillip Lomax
Skyelar Anderson
Tim Cifers
OVER 30s
Christa Collins
Dexter Haygood
Elaine Gibbs
James Kenney
Josh Krajcik
LeRoy Bell
Stacy Francis
Tiger Budhill
GROUPS
2Squar'd
4Shore
The Anser
The Brewer Boys
Illusion/Confusion
InTENsity
Lakoda Rayne
The Stereo Hogzz
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