Dramatic twist to the x factor usa season this year - the "four chair challenge" which really exposes the contestants I feel, as they may be sitting right there watching others in their category perform only to be thinking one thing - please don't let him/her replace me on this seat. Contestants looked in turn relieved when others blew it, as Primrose and Riley did, scared (Victoria Carriger when she thought it might he her being switched out and Jeff Gutt from the moment he sat down until the final four Overs were locked in), and anxious when the performance got good but the 4 chairs were filled... I don't know if it's a good thing that these facets of the contestants are laid out for all to see. Bit unnecessarily cruel almost :-/ Moving on to the performances...
Overs - James and Lillie were the stand outs for me. James worked the crowd and reminds me of David Cook in his frankness and chill but sekretly earnest way. Jeff did a powerful rock version of Amazing Grace, well-played, but I wonder how he might handle other genres. Rachel came in with somewhat of a disadvantage cos everyone was expecting her to blow the roof off but then she didn't quite get there. I think her saying she's been sick and on meds hurt her more than the performance did, in the eyes of the audience. No mercy lot they. Look how they tormented CeCe Frey of last season. Rachel needs to be careful how she plays it from now, to get the audience back on her side. Starting with a killer performance to remind them what they loved about her at the start. Lillie's performance was a home run - mature, touching, humble and that VOICE.
[edit: Apparently Lillie is actually a Nicole McCloud who'd already recorded back in the 80s?! PFFT.]
Girls - 3 totally messed up, 1 surprised me - I was expecting Ashly to really deliver - leaving 6 strong contenders for the 4 spots. Demi seemed to be picking her team quite strategically, choosing Simone to go when Danie had to be given a seat (she did, Danie, and I say it with total bias cos I like her genre. very Norah Jones-y.) and sending Jamie home when Ellona garnered the audience's (egged on by Simon) loud support which I honestly thought prompted Demi's decision to keep her. She'd seemed really set on the four in the chairs. Kahya's performance was really strong and showcased her vocals well and Rion, the youngest, has got some unpolished skill that I imagine could really shine with work and guidance. Now it depends on how fast she can learn and improve. I was sad that Jamie left though! Really like her voice and the genius of switching to Spanish and killing it? Ought to have been rewarded with a seat. But there are only 4 spots, so. C'est la vie I guess.
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