Not only are the final live performances on tonight on The X Factor, there is something else worthy of sharing a “Yippee!” over. Yes, this marks the beginning of the end for a long-awaited break from Paula Abdul and her crocodile tears.
Did you guys miss me? Our expert on all things X Factor, Meghan Carlson, will return tomorrow with a live blog of the results show, when Steve Jones announces who takes the title of “Lucky Cow with the X Factor.” Until then, you and I will relive the special moments from the last three contestants.
Who Wants to Play ‘Which Celebrity Does Not Belong?’
Tonight’s theme comes by way of Celebrity Duets! Get ready for appearances by Alanis Morissette, Avril Lavigne and R. Kelly. Before the music stops, tell me which one of these does not belong.
Musical interlude.
Time is up! If you guessed R. Kelly, you win! Your prize is a copy of R. Kelly’s 2003 mug shot. Enjoy!
Before we get started, Nicole Scherzinger has rolled up the envelope with the winning name into her hair and placed it atop her head for safe keeping. That is all.
Hometown supporters are being broadcasted live for each of the finalists tonight.
Wooster, OH – Josh Krajcik
Santa Cruz, CA – Chris Rene
Sunrise, FL – Melanie Amaro
Round One – Celeb Duets
Josh Krajcik – “Uninvited” with Alanis Morissette
Not only is Josh singing one of her better songs, they actually got her onstage to sing it along with him! Josh brings the emo back out of Alanis and the crowd loves it. Perfect match-up! Simon, on the other hand, gives him 8 out of 10 and says he looked “intimidated.”
Back home in Wooster, Grandma Krajcik yells, “We love you, we love you” over and over again while random excited people jump for joy that they’re on live television.
Chris Rene – “Complicated” with Avril Lavigne
It’s a hip-hop, amped-up, raver’s version of the punk/pop hit. It’s fun, it’s energetic and the two have a great chemistry onstage. Avril adds that Chris “definitely kicked ass.” I would say that’s some positive feedback. He still isn’t the best singer, but he’s a great performer.
Chris’s next door neighbor Susan and friends back in Santa Cruz have made a “face cake” for their favorite finalist amidst a club of wild and crazy fans.
Melanie Amaro – “I Believe I Can Fly” with R. Kelly
Apparently R. Kelly passed the security check for this performance. The performance sounds and looks good, except for a few production additions. The virtual birds behind them on the screens are a bit over the top as well as the immense amount of falling glitter. No one can deny they sounded fantastic, though. R. Kelly says working with Melanie was “unbelievable.”
At home in Sunrise, they are having church! They are praising Melanie’s performance and yelling like crazy with the biggest smiles on their faces. Undoubtedly, they have much to be excited over.
MJ Sneak Peek
Before we enter the second leg of the show, there’s a special performance from the Michael Jackson: Immortal World Tour show. Is there ever anything related to this man that stands as less than amazing?
The finalists join the robotic dancers singing “They Don’t Care About Us.” I officially have goosebumps!
Round Two – “Song to Win” Songs
Josh Krajcik – “At Last” by Etta James
Just a man and his guitar and some good old soul. This is why we fell in love with Josh Krajcik. Everything has come full circle. Nicole stands with tears in her eyes and Paula stands because … well, that’s what she does. Anyway, that was a perfect way to end his stint in the competition.
Back in Wooster, Josh’s hype man — otherwise known as his best friend — is quite excited and loud with the mic.
Chris Rene – “Young Homie” by Chris Rene
Celebrating eight months of sobriety, Chris comes out with his immediate hit first seen at the auditions. After a high-energy, heartfelt performance, he stands there taking in all the cheers and Paula’s incredibly spastic commentary.
Friends Mark and Bruce are in Santa Cruz, holding Chris’s first guitar. Plus, the mayor of the city is attempting to throw up cool hand gestures. Poor guy.
Melanie Amaro – “Listen” by Beyonce
I’m not a fan of the glittery, feathered mermaid dress, yet I’m a huge fan of this girl’s voice. Since the first time we heard her sing this selection, her voice has strengthened because of her confidence. Simon is a proud papa, stating that, based on that performance, she “should be the winner of The X Factor.”
Melanie shares tears with many of the ecstatic people filling a stadium back home in Sunrise. They hope that she comes home after she finishes winning and flying ’round the world. Where else would she go but home?
That concludes our time together, all! Get out there and vote for who you think should be our first winner of The X Factor USA. Meghan will take over tomorrow night for the live blog of the results show on FOX at 8/7c. Goodnight, all!
Jilliane Johnson
Contributing Writer
(Image courtesy of FOX)
Contributing Writer, BuddyTV
