Last night, the final 12 sang LIVE for our votes … and did you? Vote, that is? If you didn’t, I hope you have a good excuse ready, because not having enough methods to cast your votes definitely isn’t an option.

Now, in the words of our very un-Welsh voiceover man: It’s tiiiiime … to faaaace … THE MUSIC!

But before we do, let’s take a look back at last night’s performances, shall we? I posted my rankings (which apparently didn’t sit well with at least one commenter, but hey… it’s all opinion! And that just goes to show: You never know if your favorites are popular across the board. Just another reason to vote!) and here they are:

The tenth SAFE act is:
Stacy Francis [As it should be!]

Which means InTENsity and Stereo Hogzz are still “at risk,” says Steve. Poor Paula is going to lose one of her groups either way. Let’s hope the judges make the right call and choose quality over quantity/cuteness.

SINGING FOR SURVIVAL

Stereo Hoggz:
 

The boys perform “Emotions” by the Bee Gees (or by Destiny’s Child, depending on your generation) and I honestly don’t understand why they’re in this precarious position. Their vocals are so strong, and of all the groups, they actually know how to put on a show. Do you actually want to say goodbye to these five gorgeous men, America? DO YOU?

InTENsity:


For their last plea, the United Kids of Benetton go for Simon’s jugular: Kelly Clarkson’s “My Life Would Suck Without You.” Ironically, without all their usual bells and whistles, this is my favorite InTENsity performance yet. It just feels less gimmicky. But I still think the judges would be deaf, dumb and blind to eliminate the Stereo Hogzz over this ragtag team of youngsters.

Simon votes to send home: Stereo Hogzz [BOOOOO! Wake up your ears, Simon! I guess the Clarkson Plan worked.]Paula votes to send home: InTENsity [Mentor knows all!]
Nicole votes to send home: InTENsity [Good work, Nicole.]It all comes down to L.A., and he votes to send home: InTENsity

ELIMINATED: InTENsity

Well, it was risky business there for a minute, but the lesser of Paula’s groups did indeed get the boot. It’s sad to see ten children’s hearts simultaneously shattered, but them’s the breaks in showbiz, kids. You may not have won $5 million, but you’re building character.

Steve Jones certainly doesn’t help matters: “InTENsity are inconsolable,” he tells us. “But stay tuned for the premiere of Bones!” Great, thanks Steve, a gruesome murder will really lift our spirits.

Well, what did you think of the first X Factor results show? Did America — and the judges — make the right call?

I’d like to believe that too many people simply tuned in too late and missed Stereo Hogzz’ AMAZING opening performance of “Rhythm Nation” last night, but I may simply be blinded by my personal adoration for their unique stylings. It’s certainly not for everybody, but I hope they can redeem themselves and get those crucial votes next week.

In the meantime:

(Images courtesy of FOX)

Meghan Carlson

Senior Writer, BuddyTV

Meghan hails from Walla Walla, WA, the proud home of the world’s best sweet onions and Adam West, the original Batman. An avid grammarian and over-analyzer, you can usually find her thinking too hard about plot devices in favorites like The OfficeIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and How I Met Your Mother. In her spare time, Meghan enjoys drawing, shopping, trying to be funny (and often failing), and not understanding the whole Twilight thing. She’s got a BA in English and Studio Art from Whitman College, which makes her a professional arguer, daydreamer, and doodler.