Well that's it for the first season of The X Factor.  There was so much talent on this show from the very beginning that at times it was hard to watch talent be dismissed.  Melanie Amaro's voice definitely made her deserving of the title. I was a little surprised to see Chris Rene go off before Josh Krajcik.  I hope all three are able to succeed and produce music for us to listen to. 

The finale itself was okay.  I liked that bald guy--kind of a rapper?  Laugh young ones--laugh :)  Of course, as usual it was way too long of a show. 

Enjoy your Christmas and New Year!  See you in 2012!  Bloggergal

I was hoping for a little more from last night's X Factor finale.  Does anyone else think that LA Reid represents those stars that sang with the finalists?  I didn't think Alana Morissette and Avril Lavigne were the perfect matches for Josh and Chris.  I did like the duo of Melanie and R.Kelly and their song the best. 

As far as who is going to win this thing, I have no idea.  All three contestants bring such a different vibe you can't compare them to each other.  Everyone of the three have their own following and deservedly so.  I guess it just comes down to who has the following that takes the time to vote. 

In the singing competition, Melanie Amaro wins by far.  Her voice is right up there with some amazing singers and I don't think she has to worry about her future.  I'd be very surprised if she was unable to succeed in the music industry after this.  So, on that note, I don't think she should win! 

Next we have Chris Rene.  Like Melanie, he is going to be famous.  He's got something about him that just pulls you in.  Even though he doesn't sing the type of music I usually listen to, he has won me over this season and I see him going far in his career (as long as he keeps his "act" together).  So once again, I don't think he should win!

Of the three contestants, I think that Josh Krajcik is the long shot.  I don't think he has amazing talent like Melanie and his stage presence can't stand up to Chris Rene's, but yet he has that Joe Cocker-kind of stage presence and a very interesting voice.  Of all the three, and I suppose due to my age, he'd be the one I'd like to hear more of.  So I think he should win The X Factor because I think he needs the fame of the title more than the other two.  Do I think that's how America should choose?  I have no idea, but it's how I chose.  Now it's your turn.  Bloggergal

Let me start with some information for Dr. Butz's class.  Danny, I mailed your surprise and would you believe the post office destroyed it?  The envelope came back all ripped and totally empty.  I still owe you one.  Second of all, can someone tell me who came out FIRST the second time I went through the comments?  I'm asking this for two reasons.  One is that I can't remember and I'm too lazy to look it up and two is that I want to see if anyone really reads this!  :)

Okay...on to the show... I didn't comment last week after Rachel Crow was eliminated.  I don't really have a problem with the elimination, but I do have a problem with the procedure.  It bothered me that Nicole didn't have the guts to make the decision because it was hers to make.  In the end the person with the lowest number of votes went home and fair is fair.  I really do like Rachel Crow and look forward to seeing what happens to her in the future.

Last night we heard from the final four contestants...Chris Rene, Marcus Canty, Melanie Amaro and Josh Krajcik.  Each of these performers is so different from the other three that it is very difficult to compare them.  I personally like Josh Krajcik because he comes from my generation.  Chris Rene has won me over throughout the season.  Melanie Amaro has a killer voice, but in my opinion, very little stage presence.  As far as Marcus Canty, I really think he's in over his head and should be heading out the door later on today, but we shall see.  He manages to save himself time and time again. 

Okay, now it's your turn.  Who is making it to the final three and why?  Let me know.  Use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation for some extra attention!  I will go through the comments two more times at least.  That means there will be at least four, probably five prizes coming your way. 

Bloggergal

Last night's X Factor highlighted the final five in the competition with two songs.  The first song was a dance-type number.  Of course, it was perfect for Chris Rene's style.  Marcus Canty surprised me and did a super job with this.  I liked his stage moves and he seemed very comfortable performing.  Melanie Amaro as usual gave a flawless voice performance, but did anyone else notice that she stood there like a ton of bricks?  She reminded me of Pia Toscano on American Idol last season.  They both have amazing voices, but I think they both stand there and sing.  This is good for recordings, but maybe not so good for live performances?  Rachel Crow was her usual cute, fun self.  I didn't think the dance number was one of her best songs though.  Josh Krajcik was definitely out of his element on this song and it showed. 

The second number was changed twenty-four hours prior to showtime.  This should have separated the boys (girls) from the men (women), but all five contestants handled the change with aplomb.  Melanie Amaro was back to her Diva singing and she once again proved she is going to be a Diva someday.  Rachel Crow did an admirable job with her song, but maybe this little one has gone as far as she can go in this competition?  She's young with an enormous career in front of her, I don't think losing The X Factor is going to hurt her at all.  Josh Krajcik went back to his roots and sang the way he is supposed to.  Of the five, I think Josh's music is one I will continue to listen to.  Maybe that's because I'm older--not old, mind you--just older!  Marcus Canty put everything into this second performance and it showed.  Last week, I was disappointed that Drew was sent home and Marcus remained, but now I'm not so sure.  Marcus may not sing the types of music I'll buy, but he definitely has stage presence and I feel deserves to be in the the top five.  Last but most definitely not least, we have Chris Rene.  I've never really been a Chris Rene fan mostly because I don't like his type of music, but him taking off his hat and sitting with an acoustic guitar and singing his own song was fantastic.  I just wish he'd perform like this more often. 

Well, that's what I think.  What did you think?  Who's going home tonight?  Who do you want to see stay?  Bloggergal

Okay, I can't lie, I didn't see the show yet!  I've been too busy with unpacking and working, but I depend on my comment makers to fill me in.  So comment and let me know who you thought was good tonight, who you thought was great and who you think should be shown the door. 

I didn't forget about Dr. Butz's class and the comments.  I will get around to checking out what you said and HOW you said it very soon.  Every blog article will have a comment winner, so make sure to leave your best comments! 

Hopefully, I'll get to wa

Last night we was movie night on The X Factor.  The eleven remaining acts performed, hoping to make it to the top 10.  I didn't see half of the acts, but I did catch some of the last hour.  My favorite of the night was once again Rachel Crow.  I swear that girl has some "old soul" singer living inside of her.  Her expressions are something to see when she performs. 

I'm still sticking to my unlike of the rappers.  It's just not my thing and I don't think a rapper represents enough of America to win The X Factor.  JMO

Melanie Amaro is coming alive on that stage.  Her whole demeanor is changing and it's fun to watch. 

I love Josh Krajcik's voice and I like that he hasn't let the show producers, etc. change him too much. 

Unfortunately, that's all the performances I've seen. 

Dr. Butz's class... I haven't had the chance to read your last comments and I didn't forget about my first week's comment winner.  Once I move in to a new house, I'll be sending your "crackerjack" prize and picking a new winner.  So this week, let me know who you think should make it to the top 5 and tell me why.  Once again, don't forget your grammar, spelling and punctuation.  Oh and while you're at it, tell me who you think will be the next to go home.  Bloggergal

I knew watching who the judges eliminated tonight on X Factor would be hard.  I didn't think there was going to be so many surprises.  I was very surprised that Dexter Haygood made it through.  Come on X Factor, he didn't sing even half as good as Tiger Budbill.  In fact, he didn't sing as good as any of the other 7 choices.  I was really happy that LeRoy Bell made it through.  Along with Dexter and LeRoy in the over 30's category are single mom Stacey Francis and Josh Krajcik.  I was most disappointed to see Elaine Gibbs leave the show.  She is very, very talented.  Also off the show is Krista Collins and James Kenney. 

As I mentioned in the last blog, I felt Simon had the hardest decisions to make.  I like all eight of the contestants and there are only four placements.  Most deserving her spot in the top four is Drew Ryniewicz.  I love that girl!  Not surprisingly, Simon sticks to his guns and keeps one of his favorites Tiah Tolliver.  Simone Battle and Rachel Crow were also chosen to go through.  Huh, what happened to Melanie Amaro?  Well before the shows ends, Simon goes to her home and gives her the news that she will be the 17th contestant.  Well, thank goodness for that!  Melanie should have been the first one chosen!

Let's go on to the guys.  Most disappointing (at least for me) was losing cutie Brennin Hunt.  I think he's hot and has talent.  I hope someone recognized this and gives him a shot elsewhere!  I was also not too thrilled with the choice of Brian Bradley.  I don't think he can do anything but rap, like sing for instance.  Chris Rene took the third spot and I'm not sure if he'll prove he belongs there.  I would like to see him move away from Eminem type music.  Tim Cifers, the country guy gets booted along with Skyelor Anderson.  Does anyone else think that LA Reid doesn't like country music?  I was happy to see Marcus Canty make it through, but I was surprised to see Philip Lomax there.  I love him, but I think that the Sinatra card may have already been played on America's Got Talent.  I know from the comments I received that a lot of you loved Nick Voss.  I don't think you were wrong in recognizing this guy's talents.  Unfortunately, LA Reid didn't agree with any of us and Nick was sent packing.

Of all the categories, I thought the groups had a bigger fluctuation of good and bad performances.  I wasn't surprised to see 2squar'd, Illusion Confusion and 4 Shore get eliminated.  I was surprised, but very happily to see The Brewer Boys move on to the live shows.  The two groups that were put together by The X Factor, Lakoda Rayne and InTENsity, producers moved on.  This was pretty much a sure thing, don't you think?  That leaves just one more group going through and The Stereo Hogzz beat out The Anser.  This was an extremely sad moment because both of these groups were great. 

So that's it.  Next week we move on to the Live Shows.  See you then!  Bloggergal

The second night of X Factor performances didn't disappoint.  All my favorites were on and all are so very talented.  Don't ask me how the judges are going to get from 8 to 4.  It is going to be very sad not only for the contestants, but for all of us. 

One thing that did bother me more on this second night of performing were the song choices.  Yes, some were perfect for the singer, but then others were just not right and I think the song will hurt the contestants chances of making it to the live shows.  For instance, 2squar'd sang Bohemian Rhapsody.  Why they were given this song, I have no idea.  I thought they sounded flat.

Another weird song choice was the one chosen for cutie Rachel Crow.  Why would they have such a young girl since so serious a song?  Anyway, Simon loved it, so hopefully she will make it through to the next round.

I loved Tim Cifers entrance to his audition.  He walked right up and shook LA and Rhianna's hands.  To me this shows class and composure.  His country style is right up my alley and I would buy his music tomorrow.

One of my very favorites from the beginning has been LeRoy Bell.  I'm not sure if its because he's older, but his determination, yet calmness is fascinating to me, plus, I love the way he sings.

The group Illusion Confusion didn't seem to deliver what it's going to take to continue on in this competition.  Paula didn't think their ability matched their drive. 

Tiger Budbill is one of those guy that you can't help cheering on.  He know how important this competition is to him and he gave 150% to his song.  Hopefully that will enough.

Rhianna broke out into a slight sweat when crooner Marcus Canty sang right to her.  Good for him!

One of Simon's favorites from the beginning has been Tiah Tolliver.  You remember that she is the one the female judges seemed to be against in the beginning.  She definitely is hot and marketable. 

Krista Collins was a child performer that retired at sixteen.  She says she regrets if since then.  I'm not sure she can make it to the live shows.  There is just too much competition.

Intensity is the group made up of all the young ones who didn't make it as solos.  They were very good together, but I don't see them having a career in such a huge group. 

Performing in his own style of music was Chris Rene.  That type of music isn't my thing, so I don't have  a negative or positive about his performance.  I was very surprised at how good he looks when he takes off that stupid hat. 

In the Amazing catergory is Melanie Amorro.  This girl has talent and she deserves to move on and on and on.

The Stereo Hogz have stage presence similar to the old Motown groups like the Spinners and The O'Jays.  If you haven't heard of these groups, check them out! 

Hunky Brennin Hunt always surprises me when he begins to sing because his voice is as beautiful as his face.  Rhianna said he was corny.  Pfttt!

Last but never least is Josh Krajcik.  Never one to doll up, he strolls on up to his audition looking just as he did on day one.  To me it doesn't matter because the tone of his voice mesmerizes me.  At this minute, I'm trying to figure out how to get his auditions on to my iPod. 

So there you have it, thirty-two amazing auditions.  Very few of those thirty-two could be crossed right out.  One that I think can was Dexter Haygood.  He just is not good enough.  I'm so sorry Dexter because you are a great guy!  Hopefully hanging around awhile will be Caitlin Koch, Drew Ryniewicz, Melanie Amorro, Rachel Crow, Jazzlyn Little...oh wait I'm over four gal choices, aren't I?  I wouldn't want to be the one to have to decide between that eight.  I think everyone of them deserves a spot!

I feel that of all the categories, the groups are the weakest.   Maybe this is just because they are groups.  To be honest, if it was up to me, I'd eliminate the eight groups and give four more chances to the other categories. 

The judge's decision will be telecast on

X Factor took a serious turn when the contestants finally were matched up with their mentor/judge.  Paula Abdul was given the dance groups.  A fitting decision since she has worked with many groups in the past.  Simon Colwell is mentoring the girls under 30.  I hope they provided lots and lots of chaperones!  LA Reid has the guys under 30 and Nicole Scherzinger has the over 30's.  I thought she looked disappointed when she was told this, but actually she always seems to have that same expression on her face. 

The contestants, eight acts in each category were then brought the judges home (seriously can we call them homes?) to meet their mentors.  These mansions were gorgeous and maybe, just maybe it was a tiny bit depressing to watch, okay at least for me!  They probably don't even spend very much time at home.  I won't go into that whole 1% having the most money, but I think you get my point.  Anyway, the contestants are lucky enough to stay at their mentor's home. 

This week the eight acts will be cut down to four acts.  Each of the eight acts in the four categories will sing a song chosen by their mentor/judge.  Then the mentor/judge will pick the four acts that will go on to the live shows.  When we get to the live shows, it's my understanding that America will get to vote,similar to American Idol. 

Last night, we had the chance to see the acts perform most of a song instead of just a snippet here and there. If you have read my previous blogs, you know that one of my favorite things to do is go back and listen to the songs without looking at the performer.  I did this for some of last night's contestants. 

When I first heard him, I thought Nick Voss sounded great, but when I listened again, he was flat for most of the song.  This was a disappointment to me because I like him. 

I can't comment on Brian Bradley because I know nothing about rap and honestly, I don't want to. 

Dexter Haygood really can't sing and the show had so much background music on that you almost couldn't tell. 

Country singer Skyelor Anderson doesn't have the X Factor, does he?  I love The Anser.  They have great harmonies and they have a great look. 

Simon said that there was something in Tora Woloshin's performance that "didn't quite get to me".  I have to agree with Simon.  I like her, but there's a but...and I don't know what the "but" is.

I don't understand how the group 4Shore isn't already signed.  They are as good as any group of that genre that I've seen. 

What can I say about Caitlin Koch?  Two words...Whole Package.

It is totally amazing to me that someone of the caliber of Elaine Gibbs has gone through half her life without being discovered.  It just goes to show how very, very hard it is to get to stardom. 

I love the Brewer Boys because they are my hometown heroes, but I have to admit I don't think they are close to the caliber of groups like 4Shore and The Anser.  They are young and have time to work on it. 

How can you criticize four amazingly pretty, talented gals?  Since Lakoda Rayne were thrown together, I think they have a little work to do, but I the potential with them is great.

I find it interesting that the judges picked the songs and then commented on them as if they didn't.  For instance, Nicole and Enrique commented after James Kenney performed that the song was really hard to sing.  Well then, why did they pick that one?  I didn't like this song, but I do like James.

I liked Drew Ryniewicz the minute I first saw her.  She has such amazing texture to her voice.  I love this young woman!  This song showed that she can sing slow ballad type songs and yet past performances show she can sing young, hip pop-style music too.

I love the Frank Sinatra-ness of Philip Lomax, but I do realize that this might not be the "thing" of our younger generation.  Too bad--I love him!

Simone Battle sure can dress the part, but can she perform too?  She sang the Beatles hit "Help".  I loved her version. 

Contestant Stacy Francis is one of those women that you just want to see succeed.  You can see and feel her emotions and you know she's gone through a lot.  I think she deserves this chance and I hope she gets to experience it to the very end.  She may need a tiny bit more control.  I think she might go to the high register of her voice a little bit too much, but heck, she can do it, so why not? 

I can't wait to hear Rachel Crow sing on the next X Factor show.  I think her voice is so authentic and she never sings off key.  Her young age gives her the advantage of not realizing just how important this whole competition is to her.  I think she's having fun and that shows through in all her performances. 

The next X Factor show will air on Sunday unless the baseball playoffs interrupt it.  We won't know until after Saturday's game.  Stay tuned!  Bloggergal

Here are some questions and answers I found on the X Factor website.  Very interesting!

1. Who was the guy who had a breakdown and yelled “I don’t have a life!” when he didn’t make it through bootcamp?

It was philosophy doctorate student J. Mark Inman (31) who sang Radiohead’s Creep during his audition. Paula had told him, “You don’t belong here. You are otherworldly. I think I visited there once or twice in my life...the places we could go together!” Poor J. Mark...his journey ended at bootcamp.

Speaking of breakdowns, Tatiana “Reina” Williams also lost her cool when she yelled, "Maybe I'm just too talented and it would be a rap putting anyone against me!" You’re talented for sure, Reina...you did make further than most!

2. Are Chris Rene and Gina Rene related?

Yes, both brother and sister made it to bootcamp! After the announcements, they gave each other a much-deserved hug...even Paula was touched! Unfortunately, Gina didn’t make it to the judges’ houses, but Chris will be waiving the Rene family flag.

And music is in their blood...their dad, the late Googie Rene, was a soul/jazz musician, and their grandfather, Leon Rene, was also a prolific songwriter!

3. Saw some new faces in bootcamp who you hadn’t seen during the auditions?

Some new faces you may have spotted during bootcamp were Tim Cifers, James Kenney, Christa Collins, The Brewer Boys, Dani Knights, Emily Michalak, Haley Orrantia, Illusion/Confusion, Emily Michalak, Lauren Ashley, and Ma'at Bingham Shango. Find out more about them!

4. Who refused to dance during the mandatory three-hour group dance lesson?

It was none other than the young rapper, Brian Bradley. As the contestants danced to Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal, Brian sat at the back of the stage and refused to dance. He said, “Emcees do not dance. You don’t see Jay-Z [dancing] on stage....I’m not doing all of that. That’s not what I’m here for.” Fair or not fair, what did you think?

5. Why did some of the performances during bootcamp not sound as good as the auditions?

The acts only had a couple of hours to rehearse their songs AND practice their moves. Not only that, they had to work as a GROUP! Not so easy when the pressure’s on. Many of the acts forgot their lyrics and cos of the lack of practice were way out of tune! All of them practiced for weeks on end before the auditions, but during bootcamp they just had to nail it (or not) to move onto the next stage, and some people just can’t handle that type of pressure. But real stars MUST!

Don’t worry though, from now on the vocal coaches will be work intensely with all of them, and you’re gonna be blown away with what they deliver.

6. Who are the vocal coaches on the show?

A vocal coach helps singers warm up their voices and improve their vocal performance. Vocal coach Claude Kelly is also a well-respected songwriter. He told us, “Besides being musical and knowing how to write songs...you have to let your ego go and let the song take its shape...You need to get the best vocal performance out of the artist.” Learn more about both of our vocal coaches here!

7. What was up with Brian Friedman’s vest?

Gotta’ love that Brian Friedman knows how to make a fashion statement! We hope that birds weren’t harmed in the making of that vest. But the more important question is...where does he SHOP? Ask him on Twitter via @brianfriedman 8. Why did the show form two new groups for the Groups category?

The judges were so impressed by some of the solo acts that didn’t make the cut to the judges’ houses, that they wanted to give them a second chance to compete...in a GROUP! One group is made up of four female soloists and the other group is made up of TEN people! The word in the street is that Simon made the decision at bootcamp because he wanted stronger acts in the group category because a vocal group has never won THE X FACTOR, ever! Paula (the Groups mentor) really has got her work cut out for her!

9. What’s with the many looks of Drew Ryniewicz?

During her audition, she was the sweet Justin Bieber-loving girl, wearing a white cardigan and a flowery dress. During bootcamp, she was sporting a tight tank top and tiny denim shorts! Who’s the real Drew? We better call in Stylist June Ambrose to help her out!