Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The X Factor sure set the stage for a special Michael Jackson episode.

Michael’s brother was on hand.  So was his mother.  So were his three children.

Simon Cowell was almost bursting with pride.  Steve Jones could barely contain himself.

Just one thing went wrong in the world of The X Factor USA.

The performances, on the whole, were horrid.  Probably the worst wall-to-wall episode yet this year, which is saying something considering a couple of two-hour turkeys we’ve had to endure.

And if there was ever any doubt that Simon’s $5 million prize has failed to deliver $5 million talent … well, last night should have confirmed it once and for all.

So tonight we could say goodbye to Marcus Canty, Chris Rene, Rachel Crow and Astro (please, let it be Astro) and The X Factor would be better off as a result.

But say goodbye to Josh Krajcik, Drew Ryniewicz or Melanie Amaro … well, let’s just say this show simply cannot afford the loss of the truly talented singers is has uncovered.

Tonight’s episode starts with a group performance of “Man in the Mirror.” Hmm, I think the contestants are proving my point. How many times does America need to hear Chris Rene and Rachel Crow to know they can’t sing?

Hmm.  Apparently the contestants will sing two songs next week, and fans will get to help choose one of the two.

Chris Rene:  Makes it through to the final five.  Huh?

Melanie Amaro: Makes it through to the final five. Hooray.

Rachel Crow: Makes it through to the final five. Huh?

Great.  That means either Josh Krajcik or Drew Ryniewicz is in the bottom three.

It also means we get to hear Rachel Crow shout twice and Chris Rene try to sing twice on next week’s show.  Gee.  Can’t wait.

Also advancing to the final five: Josh Krajcik.

And he act going home this week on The X Factor is Astro.  Hooray!

That leaves Marcus Canty and Drew Ryniewicz to sing for survival.  Judging from the comments last night, Nicole and Paula think a lot of Marcus.  To me, Drew is clearly the better contestant.

Drew needs to pull it together for this final performance. She’s in tears over this outcome.

Drew Ryniewicz: She’s singing “Listen to Your Heart.”  And I’m sure this is going to be a tender, vulnerable vocal.  But, gee, this would have been a great time for Drew to go up-tempo.  Her voice cracked there at the end.  But otherwise, a pretty decent performance. Grade: B.

Marcus Canty: And if I were competing against Drew in a sing-off, I’d go upbeat to show my showmanship.  Marcus isn’t.  Another ballad.  I’ll give Marcus this, he’s pouring his heart into this performance.  But it’s just a wee bit tortured.  Grade: B-

Now it’s up to the judges.  I have a feeling a deadlock is the best Drew can hope for based on the comments Marcus got from Paula and Nicole last night.

L.A. Reid: Votes to send home Drew.

Simon Cowell: Votes to send Marcus home.

Nicole: Votes to send Drew home.

Paula: Votes to send Drew home.

What a joke.  Seriously, this show just lost one of the three special singers it managed to find.

One less reason to watch this crap.