THE X FACTOR (US) “Top 7 Perform” Episode 19 – Tonight’s live performance show was dubbed “Michael Jackson night,” and, yet again, the contestants were looking at a double-elimination for tomorrow’s results show.
Host Steve Jones opened by thanked the “sexy dancing people.” Alrighty. The judges then did their catwalk stroll out to the applause of the larger-than-studio audience, a “tradition” I pretty much despise, as it feels like a colossal waste of time, pandering to the ginormous egos of Simon and friends.
The show then rolled out Tito, Marlon, and Jackie, as well as Michael’s mom and kids and—
Jesus. Do they really still call that kid “Blanket?” Sure, let’s just crush his confidence for life why don’t we? Poor kid looks perpetually creeped out. I’m curious why they don’t let him talk. Maybe that’s his thing.
This week on The X Factor, Paula was left to her own devices, as she has no groups left to mentor. Not that it was much of a change; Paula was Paula, and as daffy as ever.
Anyway, here’s how I ranked the performers. Note that, now that we’re down to 7 (and 5 next week) I will rank them overall rather than in their respective categories. Here’s how I rated ‘em:
1. Melanie Amaro: Sure, the “new accent” still weirds me out a little. But Melanie did “Earth Song,” diva-ing it up (not shocking), and doing it quite well. The song just rose and rose, better and beter as it went and ending with that last crushing note. Clarkson is looking over her shoulder going, “Uh oh, she’s coming for me.” Saved the best for last indeed. Loved the dress too.
2. Brian “Astro” Bradley: He’d never done a Michael Jackson song—not shocking given his age—but Simon was right, that was exactly what he should be doing. “Black or White” turned into a world peace rap? Hell yes. Loved it. (Not sure who dressed his dancers, but I’m going to assume their clothing was a cultural mash-up… though it looked more like a clash-up.) Hopefully the voters will get behind him.
3. Marcus Canty: They claimed being in the bottom two was a good thing for Marcus, forcing him to step up his game. And I have to say I saw see distinct improvement. The stage show was great, Canty’s dance moves sharp. The vocals weren’t perfect—one of the few times Simon was right tonight—but this was one of Marcus’s best performances to date.
4. Drew “I Can’t Dance” Ryniewicz: Simon said she would do a Michael Jackson song “with a twist”—so my first guess, of course, was that she’d take a Jacko song and slow it waaay down. What I didn’t guess is that she’d steal a performance from American Idol winner David Cook. It was the exact same song, done exactly the same way. And two of those freaking judges—Simon and Paula—were there when it happened on American Idol! Shame on them for not pointing this out. (Of course Simon wasn’t going to point it out—since stealing it was probably his idea in the first place.) Was the performance decent? Sure. Quite good, actually. But unoriginal. Still, she should be safe. How many people will remember Cook’s version on A.I.?
5. Chris Rene: Who knew Chris Rene’s grandfather wrote “Rockin’ Robin?” Small world. But “music is in his blood” (does that really have anything to do with it?) so he did his thing. I liked the usual Reggae Rene vibe he threw into “I’ll Be There,” making it slightly fun and funky. I think his raps aren’t as strong as Astro’s, and some of the vocals were slightly pitchy, but he did his thing.
6. Josh Krakcik: Josh was worried that “Michael Jackson week” wouldn’t exactly be in his comfort zone, and whoo-boy, was he right. “Dirty Diana” was … what was that? Stripperific? I’m not sure. At least he got to shred on the guitar. But his vocals were kind of hidden. I wouldn’t agree with Paula and her gushing; Simon was right, it was probably his worst performance to date.
7. Rachel Crow: The little moppet from Mead Colorado sang “Can You Feel It,” kind of with a 50′s vibe, which… honestly, she’s done before, and done better. I feel like Simon is getting in a rut with his girls, sticking each one into these neat little niches. Like I’m not feeling like I’m hearing anything new. Rachel’s performance itself was not her best, L.A. and Nicole and Paula were right. Simon needs to shake it up with all of his girls—or they’re in danger of being seriously boring.
So what do you think? Who’s going home tomorrow on The X Factor?
If you believe, as I do, that Blanket Jackson is the new face of Amercia’s disenfranchised, disinterested counterculture, follow me on Twitter! That’s @Axechucker, you rebels!
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