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Lenny Kravitz & Mary J. Blige to perform on X Factor this week

This week Weds on X Factor the contestants will be doing 2 songs each and on Thursday there will be 2 superstar acts performing. Lenny Kravitz, a music legend who started his career in 1989, will be performing a song from his new album called “Rock Star City Life” and will then do his hit song “Are You Gonna Go My Way.”

Mary J. Blige, who started her career in 1991 and has sold over 50 million records, will also perform. Mary’s latest album “My Life II…The Journey Continues (Act 1)” was released on November 21. She will be performing a new song from her album called “Need Someone.”

X Factor USA Show Highlights & Videos from 11/30 – Top Seven Perform

Its the top seven performing tonight. Last week we saw Lakoda Rayne and Leroy Bell go home. So far I have not missed a single one of the acts eliminated. However we are closing in on the top talent pool now and to challenge them even further they have upped the ante with this weeks theme. The contestants will be singing songs from the Michael Jackson catalog. Which means they have access to his music and that of the Jackson 5. And to add to the pressure, in the audience are three of his brothers, Marlon, Randy, Jackie, his mother and his three children, Prince, Blanket and Paris.

Michael Jackson has a stunning array of songs for them to choose from, let’s hope they respect his material enough not to try anything too radical. Here are the performances and the judges comments:

1. First up is Josh Krajcik singing Dirty Diana. This is a great song, but I don’t think Josh did a good job. It is not made for his voice.

L.A. said: I was really proud of you doing it, you landed on your feet.
Paula said: You learned how to be comfortable, you rose the bar, great job.
Simon said: As a spectacle is was great, however, you were over produced, you were lost in the choreography – it was what Nicole wanted you to be and it was weak.
Nicole said: We like to take risks on this show, Michael is so inspiring, we feel it in our veins and that is exactly what Josh did.

2. Astro was next doing his own rap to Black or White. Personal opinion? Absolutely stunning.

Nicole said: That was baad, I don’t know if it was my favorite performance from you, but I liked the lyrics.
Paula said: I think you are extroardinary, you amaze me ever time, I think you could win this competition.
Simon said: I am going to completely disagree with Nicole because that is what some one your age should do, take a pop song and make it your own, you deserve to be here.
L.A. said: You know what, I am proud, I like to think the Jackson family is as proud of you as I am, you made it you own and paid truibute to a great legend.

3. Next was Drew Ryniewicz who sang Billy Jean.

Paula said: This was your best vocal performance, however, nothing visual, paying homage to Michael, there should have been more.
Simon said: Paula let me remind you, because of too much dancing, your acts are out of the building. The whole point of tonight was to show that she is a great artist and she sang the song beautifully.
L.A. said: You made the song your own and it pains me to say that I liked it.
Nicole said: I like you, the whole chair thing I didn’t understand, you showed range and passion but I wanted you to get up from the chair.

4. Rachel Crow sang Can You Feel It, which is a song by the Jackson 5 sung by Michael.

L.A. said: This is probably the only time that I have watched you and didn’t believe that you were having a great time, it was not the best that I have seen you.
Nicole said: Pumpkin, I thought you did a really good job, but I did not feel the connection.
Paula said: I absolutely adore you, I don’t feel this song gave you justice and it is time to get back to what you want to do.
Simon said: It is actually anti-Simon tonight, I thought you were great and do listen to Squidley, Diddly and Tweedle Dum.

5. Marcus Canty sang Pretty Young Thing.

Nicole said: I love you PYT, I hope America appreciates your talent and keeps you another week. Paula said: What a beautiful homage to Michael Jackson and you are the whole package.
Simon said: I agree with everything that Paula just said, but the vocals where not that great.
L.A. said: It was an inventive arrangement, I hope that flip you did flips you some votes.

6. Chris Rene did the Chris Rene treatment to the Jackson 5 classic I’ll be there.

Nicole said: What is so amazing about Michael Jackson is that you always feel his spirit and I felt that tonight, you sounded the best you ever sang.
Paula said: You looked the best tonight, you connected with the whole public and I can’t wait till you have an album out, you manifest in the heart department.
Simon said: The vocal was a little shaky on the top, when the rap came in it was better.
L.A. said: I think the performance speaks for itself.

7.Last but not least we had Melanie Amaro who sang the Earth Song. She was the best of the night.

L.A. said: For one second, I forgot we were in a competition, I thought we were at a concert.
Nicole said: Not only was it the best of the night, it was the best on the show so far.
Paula said: It was flawless and you nailed it.
Simon said: I could not be more proud, what a great way to pay tribute to Michael Jackson.

Check in tomorrow for a recap of the results show, which will move us to the top 6 (or top 5, if there is a twist).

X Factor USA Show Highlights from 11/23 – The Top Seven Revealed

Last night the top nine performed, and there were definitely some great performances. Its going to be really hard to see another contestant leave the show. What makes it worse is that tonight is a double elimination. Two acts have to go home, one who has the lowest votes out of the nine and the next two will battle it out for the judges votes.

Here is a quick recap of the top nine and what they sang, in the order they sang it:

Rachel Crow – I Believe by Yolanda Adams
Marcus Canty – A Song For Mama by Boyz II Men
Melanie Amaro – World’s Greatest by R. Kelly
Chris Rene – Let It Be by The Beatles
Lakoda Rayne – You Belong To Me by Taylor Swift
LeRoy Bell – In The Arms Of An Angel by Sarah McLachlan
Astro – Show Me What You Got by Jay-Z
Drew Ryniewicz – Skyscraper by Demi Lovato
Josh Krajcik – Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones

Tonights guest performances were Kelly Clarkson performing her single “What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger)” and Bruno Mars with his song from the new Twilight movie soundtrack “Let It Rain”.

Our top nine also performed a medley of Pink’s hits.

After the usual series of announcements we find out that the following contestants are safe from elimination this week: Drew, Chris Rene, Rachel Crow, Josh Krajcik, Melanie Amaro, Astro. We also find out that Lakoda Rayne had the lowest votes and are first act to be eliminated.

That leaves Marcus Canty and LeRoy Bell to sing for their lives in front of the judges. It is going to be a close vote. After the performances, L.A. Reid votes to send LeRoy Bell home. Nicole opts to send Marcus Canty. Paula sends home Marcus Canty. Simon sends home LeRoy Bell. This tied vote from the judges means the act with the lowest votes of the two goes home. And it is LeRoy Bell.

So now we have our top seven!

X Factor USA Show Highlights & Videos from 11/22 – Top Nine Perform

This week the top nine performed, singing a song to someone special. While this leaves a lot of room in terms of song choice, we can expect to hear a lot of personal dedications. Last week was a shock bottom two of Stacey Francis and Astro. Astro was saved and Stacey went home, leaving this weeks top nine. The nine contestants left are: Melanie Amaro, Rachel Crow and Drew, Astro, Marcus Canty, Chris Rene, LeRoy Bell, Josh Krajcik, Lakota Rayne.

Here is a recap of each contestant and the judges comments:

1. Rachel Crow thansk her mom and dad for adopting her, and sang I Believe by Yolanda Adams.

Nicole said: You made a believer out of me and I am sure out of everyone in America, you are such an inspiration, you are a bright light.
Paula said: If any ever questions if there are angels on earth, it is you, thank you for opening the show in such a grand way.
L.A. said: You did it again, I really loved it.
Simon said: This is not a night to be said, it is a night to be thankful. We were so right to drop the age, great vocals, great performance.

2. Marcus Canty is next and thanks his mom for her support. He sang A Song For Mama by Boyz II Men.

Simon said: So far you had a yo yo ride so far, tonight for the first time I actually felt a connection with you when you sang, I think you put yourself back in the competition tonight.
L.A. said: I have worked with some great singers and you are as great as the guy who sang this song, Baby Face.
Nicole said: You make all the other sons out there look bad tonight, that was so beautiful and precious, your mama must be so proud, enjoy this, it was so honest, you sang from your heart.
Paula said: Tonight the passion and connection was great.

3. Melanie Amaro sang the World’s Greatest by R. Kelly, dedicating it to god for never letting her down.

Paula said: I have waited week after week for the vulnerability to come out, what we just saw makes people fall in love with you. You are an amazing singer, you don’t need a choir.
L.A. said: What am I supposed to say, am I supposed to criticize that.
Nicole said: You are so courageous, can I give you a hug?
Simon said: I think it was appropriate that there was a choir because she sings in church, you were outstanding tonight.

4. Chris Rene dedicated the song to his friend Tim for helping him through the lowest point in his life. He sang Let It Be by The Beatles.

Simon said: I didn’t think the first song worked, but going into the second was great. Not too many people have the guts to admit what happened to you, you just may have inspired a lot of people. I hope America keeps you in the show.
L.A. said: Your tattoo reads ‘I Believe’, and I believe in you.
Nicole said: I believe you are such a blessing and an example in this competition.
Paul said: It is so nice to see you go back to where we fell in love with you in the first place, you did an amazing job tonight.

5. Lakoda Rayne sang You Belong To Me by Taylor Swift, dedicated to everyone who helped them get to where they are today.

Simon said: This is by far your best performance to date, the vocals were not perfect, but in terms of what kind of song you were singing, I hope you are not going home tomorrow night.
Paula said: The sky is the limit, you are amazing artists, I am so proud.
L.A. said: This week you actually managed to pump up some excitement, you disarmed me, congratulations.
Nicole said: I felt like I was watching you in concert.

6. LeRoy Bell devoted tje song to his mom who past away two years ago and sang Angel by Sarah Mclachlan.

Simon said: I have a lot of respect for L.A., normally I agree with him but not tonight, this is the first time that I feel that you meant every word, it was a great version.
Nicole said: This is your moment, I asked you to just let go and don’t hold back, your mom is shining down on you right now.
L.A. said: That was really good, but to me it wasn’t your very best, it was heartfelt for sure. Paula said: I couldn’t disagree with L.A. more, the passion and connection was beautiful.

7. Astro was next and apoligized for last week and rapped a song about last week.

Paula said: Can I be an ASTROnaut? you are well on your way to be ing prolific, anyone who is hating on you, they just must be perfect and there is nobody that is operfect.
Simon said: I want you to be an ASTROnaut Paula and I’ll send you to the moon. I admire you Astro, all the tantrums, you have a hard way of expressing yourself. The music beusiness needs unpredictability and although I didn’t like the song, it showcased your talent.
Nicole said: You said you are taking over, never take it for granted, be grateful.
L.A. said: You apologized and you did a good job. As long as you keep your head on your shoulders you will be fine.

8. Drew is giving thanks to her best friend in the whole world, Shelby and the song she chooses is Skyscraper by Demi Lovato.

Nicole said: You are a beautiful girl and I am happy you devoted it to your friend.
Paula said: L.A. said: I am going to direct my comments to your mentor, you are 15 years old and you are doing songs for people who are 40. I don’t understand why you are not doing age appropriate music. Everyone needs a friend and it is actually a young artist who sings it, I loved your tempo.
Simon said: L.A., I am sick to death of your pointless stupid criticism, you are talking complete and utter rubbish. I know she deserves a shot on this show, you are trying to make her seem worthless.

9. Josh Krajcik was next and dedicated this song to his 13 year old daughter who he had when he was 17, sand sang Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones.

Simon said: That’s what it’s all about, a great song, a great voice and you meant everything you sang.
Nicole said: I am very proud, beyond this competition I think your music can change the world.
L.A. said: You have the right amount of everything to win this competition.
Paul said: It is such a pleasure knowing you, you are larger than life and brilliant.

The results will be announced tomorrow along with Performances by former American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson and Bruno Mars.

X Factor USA Show Highlights from 11/17 – Third Results Show

Thursdays results show opened with a group performance of We will Rock You, to tie in with this weeks theme. To recap, in yesterdays show, the top 10 performed Rock tracks. While some of the judges and fans didn’t think many of the songs fitted the Rock moniker, some of the contestants shone outside their comfort zone. Today we find out who the bottom two were, and who gets voted out by the judges. Will Paula lose her last group and be out of the competition? or will it be a solo performer?

After the group track, Rihanna sang her hit We Found Love. She performed the dance hit in a Bomber jacket and torn jeans. Afterwards, we found out who was in the bottom two.

The first of the bottom two was Stacey Francis. This is not much of a surprise. Although she does have a great voice and talent, she has been sub par the last couple of weeks. Much to Paula’s relief and everyone else’s horror, the second of the bottom two was rap prodigy Astro.

Stacey sang a somewhat pitchy Amazing Grace, which didn’t seem to wow the judges like a last chance performance should. Astro on the other hand argued against performing again. Thought after some encouragement from LA, he sang his raps to Never Can Say Goodbye. Watching him rap, it was obvious that being in the bottom two has affected his confidence. He was on a rocketship as far as praise and confidence was concerned. If he survives it will be interesting to see how he copes with being in the bottom two.

After the usual discussions, the judges voted and Simon got the last vote. “I really don’t want to do this,” he said, looking at Astro. “I’m gonna send home Stacy,”

X Factor USA Show Highlights & Videos from 11/16 – Top 10 Perform

This week the top 10 performed and we are expecting greater and greater things from our top 10. The initial plan was for this to be Madonna and Lady Gaga week, but Simon changed his mind and it was changed to “Rock”. It will be interesting to see how some of the contestants adapt their style or the song to this weeks theme. As is now the norm, one contestant will be voted out based on today’s performance along with the announcement tomorrow.

1. First up we have Leroy Bell singing a version of Bob Seger‘s ‘We’ve Got Tonight’

L.A. said: We are no longer simply trying to get to the next round, we are looking for a star and you look great and sound great but you are not working it like a rock star, I need more.
Simon said: Nice song, good voice, zero for originality. Five million dollars, a Pepsi commercial, we have heard the same kind of songs week after week like you are in a cage. I want you to have a shot at winning and right now you can’t win.
Nicole said: I believe in you and tonight is the best you have ever sung in this competition. You are the oldest person in this competition and you are great. L.A. Reid intervenes and says that Mick Jagger is older, you go L.A. Reid!
Paula said: There is no mistaking that you have a beautiful voice but there needs to be more of a connection, start engfaging with the audince.

2. Next we have Rachel Crow singing a version of the Rolling Stones‘ ‘I Can’t Get No Satisfaction’. Interesting song choice, though I would have never imagined it for her.

L.A. said: Last week you made your official return to the competition and the question is can you sell tickets and records, the answer is yes.
Paula said: You are one of my favorites, I love how you are connecting with the audience, when I see you up there I only see you.
Simon said: Rachel you said to me this week that you wanted to win this competition and I can see you winning, there is nothing wrong with you wanting to win. I like winners. Most importantly now, people are going to respect you as a singer.
Nicole said: That was the perfect song choice, it is my favorite performance of yours, it was effortless and fun.

3. Next up was Chris Rene singing a version of Bob Marley‘s ‘No Woman No Cry’. Not sure how this is classified as rock.

Paul said: I get why you choose this song, what I love about you, I buy into you – you are original.
Simon said: I loved the performance, but it was too Regee for me.
LA. said: I was worried that you would not stay on key, I completely defend what you did, Bob Marley was a rock star, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Nicole said: I love that song, that was very original, but it’s not my favorite performance by you, I was confused.

4. Next was Stacy Francis singing a version of Meatloaf‘s ‘It’s All Coming Back To Me Now’. Awesome song, definitely rock, let’s see what the judges thought of her performance.

Simon said: Your hair looked good this week but the song was a bad choice this week, it was soft, you are going backwards now, it is not a cabaret competition, not working.
Nicole said: You are glam rock diva, I don’t if it was the best song, but you continue to rise. You were real in this performance.
L.A. said: You really sang that song really well.
Paula said: It is my least favorite song you have ever sang, your pitch was under and I didn’t feel it.

5. Melanie Amaro was next and saang REM‘s ‘Everybody Hurts‘. Not really rock in my opinion.

L.A. said: I’m confused, was that rock?
Nicole said: You sounded beautiful but I am confused why I didn’t cry with this performance, it wasn’t raw.
Paul said: You took us to church, your voice is gorgeous, you need to let loose.
Simon said: That reminded me of Alicia Keys, I am very proud of you and the audience is going to support you.

6. Josh Krajcik channeled his inner Foo Fighters. Wow.

Nicole said: Oh babe, you took me right back, you are the ultimate rock star.
L.A. said: You have the authenticity, you have stage presence and you are the only person that really rocked it out tonight.
Paula said: This is your best performance and best of all tonight.
Simon said: That was bloody fantastic.

7. Astro sang his own version of Puff Daddy‘s ‘Every Breath I Take‘. We keep expecting more and more from him, and he keeps delivering. A definite talent and is destined to be a star whether he wins this competition or not.

Simon said: You took on Puff Daddy, you are more maturity than some of the contestants, you have a shot at winning this.
L.A. said: You have everything it takes to be a major international star and to win this competition.
Nicole said: That was a smart song, the question is are you ready at this age for a five million dollar contract and I believe you are.
Paula said: Can you just suck for once? I don’t think you can, you are ready to sell millions of albums.

8. The hot foursome Lakota Rayne sang a version of Fleetwood Mac‘s ‘You Can Go Your Own Way’. Let’s hope they are not the next act to leave the show. America has shown absolutely no love for groups and Paula’s team keeps taking a hammering week after week.

L.A. said: This is the first time I see you have fun, does it measure up to your competitors, was it amazing, was it great, I’m not sure.
Nicole said: You rock with the country, you did your thing but I want to see you let go even more.
Simon said: Tonight was a complete mess overall, I really hope America sticks with you but those stupid dances made it gimicky.
Paul said: These girls have earned their place, they did a good job.

9. 14 Year old Drew sang a version of U2‘s ‘With Or Without You’. This one is a real talent, and very very young. Let’s see what the judges thought. Clearly Simon is a big fan.

L.A. said: You have a very original voice, I love you but I am pushing you for now cause you can do the distance.
Nicole said: I love that song but I was waiting for the tempo to pick up, waiting for more energy, you could have done better, I am frustrated.
Paula said: You are in a good place, you have a big fan base.
Simon said: Take no notice to the three witches, it is about being unique and doing something that has not been done before.

10. Last but not least we had Marcus Canty.

Simon said: You said you were gong to be a good boy, you were looking up ten girls skirts, I don’t think the song suited you, it was like you were pretending to be someone you are not.
L.A. said: You rocked.
Nicole said: You took on the queen of rock and you lit that stage on fire, it was crazy, it was raw, it was you.
Paula said: You are the entertainer of this competition, I am exhausted from watching you.

Josh Krajcik told to stop drinking and smoking

During practice last week Josh Krajcik had issues with his voice giving out. After a doctor checked him out, he blamed the problem on his drinking and smoking and warned him to stop doing so. Josh is currently in the Top 10 is risking his chance to win. Nicole Scherzinger, his mentor, also warned him and told him if he doesn’t stop, he might be eliminated.

X Factor USA Show Highlights & Videos from 11/11 – Second Results Show

Last night the top 11 performed. There were some great performances and some not so great ones. Last week the bottom two were the groups Intensity and Stereo Hoggz. Will that be a a sign of things to come? read on for more.

As usual we have guest performances and today we had Willow Smith taking the stage to perform “Fireball” and “Price Tag” star Jessie J will performed “Domino”. Here is a quick recap of the top 11 and the songs they performed:

Stacy Francis – Whitney Houston’s Queen of the Night
Marcus Canty – Rose Royce’s I’m Going Down
Drew Ryniewicz – Coldplay’s Fix You
LeRoy Bell – U2′s I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For
Lakoda Rayne – Keith Urban’s I Wanna Love Somebody Like You
Astro – Eminem’s Lose Yourself
Melanie Amaro – Michael Jackson’s Man In The Mirror
The Stereo Hogzz – Christina Aguilera’s Ain’t No Other Man
Josh Krajcik – Joe Cocker’s With A Little Help From My Friends
Chris Rene – Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise
Rachel Crow – Etta James’ I’d Rather Go Blind

Now here are the contestants who have been declared safe:
The Boys: Astro, Marcus Canty, Chris Rene
The Groups:
Over 30′s: Stacy Francis, LeRoy Bell, Josh Krajcik
The Girls: Melanie Amaro, Rachel Crow, Drew

Looks like last week was a sign of things to come. The bottom two this week are Lakoda Rayne and The Stereo Hogzz. Which is a shame considering that the Stereo Hoggz do have a lot of potential and have put across some great performances. Although I was not a big fan of this weeks. Lakoda Rayne on the other hand have improved since last week, making this one a tough call.

The judges voted and L.A. Reid is sending The Stereo Hoggz home. Nicole is sending The Stereo Hoggz home. Paula is next and she refuses to give her vote. Simon is next, but Paula finally gets up the nerve and is sending Lakoda Rayne home. Simon is the last vote and The Stereo Hoggz are his choice to send them home.

Looks like America does not like Groups. Next week Lakoda Rayne better watch out.

Radiohead and Metallica Vinyl Rule!

Article submitted by 80s Music Forum.

Fans of a pure music sound have been rediscovering the joys of vinyl record listening. That might seem like a lot of trouble in this age of digital downloads and compact discs but for true devotes of rock and roll, you just can’t beat vinyl. Into this arena you’ll find collectors who have their favorites. Among the stand outs in the rock genre would have to be the varied collection of Radiohead vinyl and Metallica vinyl. Both of these bands got their start in the early 80s and gathered a huge following right out of the gate. Today, their music is reaching a whole new generation of rock and roll fans. You don’t have to know the story of these bands to appreciate their songs, but a couple of behind the music factoids never hurt anyone!

Metallica is the older of the two bands having been kick started by in 1981 in Los Angeles, California. This happened when drummer Lars Ulrich posted an ad in a local newspaper looking for a guitar player. James Hetfield responded to that add and they’ve been making Metallica vinyl ever since. Alongside James and Lars, the current Metallica line-up includes Kirk Hammett on lead guitar and Robert Trujillo on bass.

The first batch of Metallica vinyl to be released included kind of fast tempo, aggressive rock made popular by other bands of the era such as Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax. By the time Metallica released their third album Master of Puppets, their place in the lexicon of rock and roll music was firmly established. Their fifth Metallica vinyl, The Black Album¸ was sprung as a number one on the Billboard 200 in its debut.

The band also led the charge against Napster, the free music sharing website which started in 2000. As a result of their efforts, Napster was forced to become a pay-to-use site and led the way for iTunes. Clearly, Lars and the others really wanted their music experience to be all about Metallica vinyl.

While Metallica was already making waves in the music industry, Radiohead was just getting started. It was in 1985 in Abingdon, Oxfordshire England where Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway came together to form Radiohead. It took them another 6 years of knocking around before they released the first Radiohead vinyl single Creep in 1992. Although not a big hit then, by the time their first album Pablo Honey came out a year later, Creep starting creeping up the charts. Folks in the UK were snapping up Radiohead vinyl but it wasn’t really until the band released OK Computer did they start to gain international fame. Several more unique Radiohead vinyl records were release in the ensuing years leading to an impression 30 million albums being sold worldwide. They also hold the distinct honor of being placed on Rolling Stone’s list of “The Greatest Artists of All Time.”

Get to know LaKoda Rayne (Lakota Rain Bio)

LaKoda Rayne is a group of 4 females put together by X Factor judges when each of these contestants independandly did not make the top 32. The judges thought it would be a good idea to put them in a group.  They consider themselves a Country/Pop group. They consist of:

	Dani Knights, 22, From Cape Town Paige Elizabeth, 18, From Baltimore Hayley Orrantia, 17, From Texas Cari Fletcher, 17, From New Jersey

In the Top 32 round, LaKoda Rayne sang “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga and for judges Paula Abdul and co-judge Pharrell and made it to top 16. They sang “Come on Eileen” in the first Live show round and have made it to the Top 12. The judges loved them. LA Reid said “For me it is easy, if the four of you walked to my office and did what you just did, you would be signed to a worldwide recording contract.”

What does their name mean?
According to one of the members of the group, “Lakoda” means Friendship with allies and “Rayne” means Blossoms from Above.

Below is a video of them, perfroming “Come on Eileen”.

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