All set for a drama-filled, tear-filled two hours of The X Factor.
The judges select their 16 finalists tonight. I’ll rate each selection with a thumbs up, a thumbs down or a neutral.
For a look at who I think should make the finals after watching the auditions, boot camp and the judges’ mansion performances, go here.
Girls
First up to learn their fate, Simone Battle and Tora Woloshin. Simone, who looks like a pop star but doesn’t sing like one, makes the live shows. Tora, who looks and sings like a pop star, does not. Major thumbs down.
Next up to learn her fate, Drew Ryniewicz. And she makes the final four. Good thing. She has been the best of the young contestants on The X Factor. Major thumbs up.
Jazzlyn Little hears her fate next. Honestly, I can’t see her advancing given her lack of confidence in a category chock full of talent. And she doesn’t make it. Thumbs up.
Caitlin Koch and Tiah Tolliver appear before Simon. We all know he’s quite taken with Tiah. Caitlin, however, has been the better of the two. I just think she’s going to be perceived as too safe a choice for Simon. Yep, Caitlin doesn’t make it. Tiah does. No smart, Simon, but predictable. Major thumbs down.
Among the girls, the final spot comes down to Rachel Crow vs. Melanie Amaro. Please, Simon, you have to pick Melanie. You’ve already screwed up two selections. Oh, well, Simon blows it again, sending the best singer home and keeping the kid. Thumbs down.
So, Simon admits a mistake and puts Melanie back in the competition. Thumbs up.
The Groups
2 Squar’d, The Brewer Boys and Illusion Confusion are the first three groups to learn their fate. Given that grouping, I have to think it’s good news for 2 Squar’d, in spite of that Bohemian Rhapsody disaster. Illusion Confusion doesn’t make it. No surprise there. And 2 Squar’d doesn’t make it either. The Brewer Boys do? Hmm. Well, there is a very weak category. They won’t be around for long. Neutral.
4 Shore, the four guys from Virginia Beach, are next up to hear their fate. I suppose that means they made it through. Sorry, I just have not been impressed by these guys. Not at all. Whoa, they don’t make it either. Thumbs up.
Next up for consideration, Lakoda Rayne and Intensity. I’d like to see both advance, actually. But I think Intensity has the better chance at long-term success on the show. And Lakoda Rayne makes it. Hooray!!! Intensity makes it, too. Hooray #2!!! Major thumbs up for Paula Abdul’s choices.
The final spot among the groups is between The Answer and Stereo Hogzz. The Stereo Hogzz need to advance. They’re the only group that has shown much of anything. And the spot, in a wise decision, goes to Stereo Hogzz. Thumbs up.
Over 30s
Josh Krajcik is first up among the Over 30s. He says he made between $12,000 and $14,000 making burritos last year and is hoping The X Factor will turn things around for he and his daughter. He advances. Thumbs up.
Next up, Christa Collins, James Kenney and Dexter Haygood. You figure only one is going through. I’ll be rooting for Christa. Oh, well, Nicole botched thata one. Christa goes home, James goes home, forever teary-eyed Dexter Haygood with all his on-stage antics is going through. Thumbs down.
Tiger Budbill and LeRoy Bell are the next two up. This spot should go to LeRoy, but like I’ve said before, Tiger has the better back-story so … Tiger sits down next to Nicole and he’s already crying. Tiger gets the boot. LeRoy goes through. Thumbs up.
Predictably, one of the Over 30 spots comes down to Elaine Gibbs versus Stacy Francis. My vote goes to Elaine, who’s just as good a singer and has shown more confidence. And Nicole blew that choice, advancing Stacy instead of Elaine. Thumbs down.
The Boys
Brian Bradley, 14, nicknamed “Astro,” is up first. Please don’t put this kid through. But L.A. Reid does. Boo! Thumbs down.
Next up, four guys, Brennin Hunt, Skyelor Anderson, Nick Vloss and Phillip Lomax. Wow, he picks Phillip Lomax, the guy who constantly wants to channel Sinatra. Well, Simon should be happy. Thumbs down.
Chris Rene sits down in front of L.A. next. I did not like his judges’ mansion performance. But it’s going to be tough for American Idol … oops, I meant X Factor … to say no to his story. And, of course, he advances. Neutral.
The final boys spot comes down to Marcus Canty vs. Tim Cifers. OK, this should be a shoe-in. Marcus needs to advance. And that’s just what happens. Guess The X Factor won’t have a country winner, a la Idol. Marcus advances. Thumbs up.
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