The Final 10 put the pedal to the metal on the X Factor stage tonight! Blow out your hair, slap on that funky make-up and pour yourselves into those leather pants. It’s rock night!
Okay, I do hope you get involved in these recaps, but I totally understand if you don’t care to dress the part. But I encourage you engage in some air guitar moves while watching the show!
LeRoy Bell — ‘We’ve Got Tonight’ by Bob Seger
While LeRoy is a great performer and has a great sense of style for an older cat, he’s “still not working it like a rock star,” as L.A. states. There isn’t enough connection and feeling in this one. Nothing about it is memorable, so either Nicole needs to step up her game or he needs to start making the calls.
Rachel Crow — ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ by The Rolling Stones
Why is it that everyone takes a shot at this song? The Stones have tons of others. Anyways, Rachel is cute, but have you ever seen those movies where someone is trying to catch a train after it leaves the station? Well, I believe Rachel is attempting to catch the X Factor train. I’m not convinced that she knows where she’s going, yet the arena loves the performance.
Chris Rene — ‘No Woman, No Cry’ by Bob Marley
It is rock night, correct? Nothing about this is rock and roll. While it’s not in theme, it is fun and entertaining, but Chris can do so much better than this one. There’s a huge ruckus over whether the song is in the requested genre, but all in all the performance could have been a lot better.
Stacy Francis — ‘It’s All Coming Back to Me Now’ by Meatloaf
Holy flat notes, Batman! Yes, Stacy sings this song, she sings it really loud and off-key, but she sings it. Paula agrees it’s her least favorite of Stacy’s performances. The fact that Nicole calls this “glam rock” is ridiculous. Nowhere in the world should Stacy Francis be categorized with David Bowie.
Melanie Amaro — ‘Everybody Hurts’ by R.E.M.
Alright, this isn’t an up-tempo rock song by any means, yet it is a rock song all the same. Melanie kills the vocals as always, but it’s the same performance that we always see from her. Where’s the edge? Somebody’s got to step up; she won’t be able to ride on just that voice throughout the competition.
Josh Krajcik — ‘The Pretender’ by Foo Fighters
This is what we should have been hearing all night! Awesome raspy vocals, strobe lights and Nicole’s head-banging make for a rockin’ performance. Hands down the best one tonight. “Bloody fantastic,” as Simon comments. I have to ask, though. Why doesn’t Nicole give her other contestants songs like this one?
Astro — ‘I’ll Be Missing You’ by Puff Daddy (a.k.a. Diddy), Faith Evans, 112 and Sting
He does it again. Astro adds his own lyrics and pays homage to hip-hop and fallen musical legends such as Tupac Shakur and Heavy D. Is it rock and roll? Perhaps yes, because of Sting’s influence. Aside from that, it’s a great performance that reaches out to the audience. Astro winning this competition could mean huge changes for rap and hip-hop and he could very well take this.
Lakoda Rayne — ‘Use Your Love/Go Your Own Way’ by The Outfield and Fleetwood Mac
Well this is fun. It’s definitely better than what we have seen so far, but is it great? So Paula is trying to mold a new Dixie Chicks? After this comment, that third seat might be vacant next week. These girls still need to work on vocals, but they look cute.
Drew Ryniewicz — ‘With or Without You’ by U2
Like L.A. and Nicole, I am waiting for the drums to kick in. Drew needs to try something more upbeat. It is the same performance every single week. Beautiful song, pretty nice vocals, but no one wants to be put to sleep, Drew. Just saying …
Marcus Canty — ‘Piece of My Heart’ by Janis Joplin
I don’t know how to comment, because Marcus states that he wants to hold true to his morals. Did anyone else catch him mopping up the floor with his back while sliding through the dancers’ legs? I don’t mind some provocative performances at all. Dirty it up! Yet that stands out more than anything else.
My favorite of the night has to be Josh Krajcik. He rocks the house! Although let’s not forget that he’s in his element. Who are your favorites? Who should be kicked to the curb this week? I want to see what you guys think, so leave those comments. Tune back in tomorrow for The X Factor results and a guest performance by Rihanna!
Jilliane Johnson
Contributing Writer
(Image courtesy of FOX)
Contributing Writer, BuddyTV
