Videos

Online Radio Resolves Access-Problems For Genre Music

A simple glance at the online search results when researching great songs in 90s music quickly reveals all the musical gems from that decade. Ranging from Nirvana and Pearl Jam to Salt-N-Pepa to later 90s legends like the Backstreet Boys, listening to 90s music conjures of imagery and a nostalgic feeling for all of those born before the era. But listening to these songs can be a struggle; one would have to pay for each song individually on iTunes, dig up and dust off old compact discs and find a CD player, or search for each song by its video on a website such as YouTube.

Similarly, fans of Christian music face challenges when trying to listen to classics from their genre as well as when trying to find new, contemporary Christian music tracks. Play on mainstream radio broadcasts is often limited in many parts of the country, or a Christian music fan may even face a fuzzy, static sound when trying to access a Christian radio station from long-range from a traditional antenna radio.

While the classical form of radio is still so popular for listening to the top hits from today as well as from years-gone-by, a person who wants to listen to a particular type of music (from a specific genre, time frame, etc.) is at a disadvantage. However, now with the invention of online radio that can be accessed from the computer or from smart phone applications, a listener can find, for free, the exact type of music he or she wants to enjoy.

X Factor USA Show Highlights & Videos from 12/22 – The Winner!

Its been a long road and tonight, during and after some stunning guest performances, including the return of former contestants, we find out who won the first season of X Factor USA. Last night the contestants performed for Americas votes, doing duets with some musical legends and then solo. Now we find out who will win the $5 million dollar recording contract. Will it Simon’s favorite Melanie Amaro? or will the unique styles of Josh or Chris make it through.

In a throwback to the rest of the season, the top twelve are back on stage singing Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory” Excellent group performance. It is great to them all back on stage, Astro, Marcus et all. Now the finalists will sing solo again one last time.

Melanie sings “All I want for christmas is you”, Chris sings one of my favorites “Have yourself a merry little christmas” and Josh rounds it out with “Please Come Home For Christmas”. All in all the judges had positive comments for all. Simon still thinks Melanie should win (though he should stop saying it), while they call Chris original and they loved Josh’s version of the song.

Now we get to find out who comes in third place. The judges are all on stage with their finalist. And the third place goes to Chris Rene.

After some performances by the guest stars, Melanie and Josh sing David Bowie’s “Heroes” together. One last performance before the winner is crowned.

Drumroll as the two finalists along with LA and Simon await the decision.

The winner of the first season of X Factor USA is… Melanie Amaro!

Looks like Simon called it right, from the start.

X Factor USA Show Highlights & Videos from 12/21 – The Finals!

At long last we are finally at the finals of Season One of the X Factor USA. It has been a long and tiring road. We have seen some greats perform and fall along the way to reveal our final three. Tonight’s performances are going to be key and we have been promised some great entertainment tonight. We finally get to put the rumors of Nicole and Steve Jones leaving the show and focus on the performers. It will definitely be a battle Royale.

1. Josh Krajcik sang “Uninvited” with Alanis Morissette. That’s right, just after he sang the first verse she steps out after his announcement and starts singing. It is a great song, though it was fairly clear that it suited her voice far more than it suited his. Still a great finals worthy performance.

L.A. said: That was so real, so natural, you seem right at home, that was great.
Paula said: I couldn’t think of a better way to start off tonight, you were singing with rock royalty and you held your own.
Simon said: we have to judge this, I thought that you were a little bit intimidated in the beginning, but you came through – an 8/10.
Nicole said: Intimated or call it what ever you want, he is a great artist, he is giving and wonderful.

2. Chris Rene sang “Complicated” with Avril Lavigne. So it looks like each artist will get a duet performance starting up. Great choice of song, he did start off a little wobbly but he really did kick ass in the end. Even Avrile was impressed. This is definitely going to be a tough vote.

Nicole said: It was a little shaky in the take off, but you came out on top, your energy and light around you is infectious.
Paula said: This is about energy and connecting with the audience, you deserve to be here, best of luck.
Simon said: When you kicked in, when you introduced the rap, your total joy and confidence, that could be a record.
L.A. said: You looked really at home with Avril, two stars who complimented each other.

3. Melanie Amaro sang “I Believe I Can Fly” with R. Kelly. Wow now we have R Kelly on stage for one of the most amazing song of all times. This girl can really sing and is a real contender to win, though she comes too close to the mold of song greats like Mariah et all. Simon is right, it didnt feel like a performance at a talent competition.

L.A. said: That is one of the most important songs written in the past 50 years, you were overshadowed by R. Kelly, I expect more from you.
Nicole said: I think she did the best that she could (L.A. interrupts, “we can’t make excuses”), she soared on it.
Paula said: The conviction that you have has made us believe in you.
Simon said: I wouldn’t listen too much to Grumpy and Dumpy there, that was an incredible duet, you didn’t look like someone in a talent competition, I feel very good for you right now.

The three finalists then sang “They Don’t Care About Us” by Michael Jackson, featuring a performance by Cirque du Soleil. It was a nice interlude from the top three battling it. Now we have the final single performances. I was actually hoping for more Duets but its time the contestants show us their individual best.

4. Josh Krajcik sang “At Last” by Etta James.

L.A said: You are such a rock star, you made it your own with your guitar.
Paula said: You are one of the most authentic and real people I have ever met, you owned that stage.
Simon said: This is what we call the $5 million dollar song, you took a risk, this is going to be a very, very close call tonight.
Nicole said: You have proven just by being you it is possible, I am honoured to be a part of this journey with you, music loves you.

5. Chris Rene sang “Young Homie”. This was his first audition song if you remember. I liked it then and like it now.

Nicole said: We all have a purpose in life and you are serving your purpose right now with that song.
Paula said: You are magic, you are a singer, songwriter and performer.
Simon said: That was your $5 million dollar song, I remember when I first met you and asked you to look me in the eye and you stuck to your deal, you are a man of your word, a true gentleman and a real nice guy.
L.A. said: You poured all of yourself into that song, I’m proud of you. (the audience was going insane throughout)

6. Melanie Amaro singing “Listen”. This is one of Beyonce’s songs and a classic. Amazing performance.

L.A. said: That was not a $5 million dollar performance, that was a $50 million dollar performance.
Nicole said: You are the first person I felt connected with and that is what music is all about.
Paula said: It was stellar performance.
Simon said: I am so proud of you for what you did right there, after this you are never going to get teased again and you should be the winner.

Who do you think will win? Find out tomorrow in our recap.

X Factor USA Show Highlights & Videos from 12/7 – Top Five Perform

Last week on X Factor USA, America (and the judges) sent home Astro and Drew. While I expected Drew to go home sooner rather than later, Astro was a complete shock. Given what happened last week, I expect Astro fans to vote just to keep him in the competition. Unfortunately for him that didn’t really pan out. Tonight we have the top five performing two tracks each. The first of which will be a dance track. Given the way last week went, it seems the artist playing the popularity card can definitely make it through to the top 3 at least. Here are the top five who will be performing tonight:

Chris Rene, Rachel Crow, Josh Krajcik, Melanie Amaro and Marcus Canty

First up are the dance songs, then we follow that with their life saving songs. Here are the performances in order of appearance and the judges comments:

1. Melanie Amaro sang Adele’s Someone Like You.

L.A. said: That was really good, the only thing that bothered me about it is that it was really good.
Nicole: It was a big risk taking on this song and you looked like a rock star dive.
Paula: You looked stunning and happy, the song was too short.
Simon said: That wasn’t karaoke, you got confidence, you sound like a dive, you would have a hit record with that version.

2. Marcus Canty sang Chaka Khan’s Ain’t Nobody Love me Better.

Nicole said: You took us to church and the dance club at the same time, great song, you have earned your spot to be here, God has a plan for you.
Paula said: You like fantastic and it’s an even playing field.
Simon said: I shouldn’t be happy with you, but I have to be fair and judge you within the competition and I have to say, that was a very good performance. You came back strong and proved a point.
L.A. said: If you love Marcus the way I do tonight, then vote, vote, vote.

3. Rachel Crow sang Bruno Mars’ Nothing On You

L.A. said: I loved it, who were you singing to? Rachel says Paula and Nicole.
Nicole said: I’m just waiting for the Rachel Crow doll to come out with her own bathroom
Paula said: You are just fearless, your best performance yet and I am so proud of you, I love you.
Simon said: I’m waiting for the Nicole doll to come out, the voodoo doll. Someone told me that you did stand up comedy, it makes you a triple threat, that was a great choice of song.

4. Josh Krajcik sang Rihanna’s We Found Love.
Really? It is a great track, but it takes someone with a voice like Rihanna’s to make it work. Not impressed.

L.A. said: We know you could sing, it the recording world I could never see you doing that song, so I don/’t buy it.
Paula said: I couldn’t disagree with you more, Josh can do any song and change it up, I though you nailed it.
Simon said: I agree with L.A., you have a great voice, but that song was inappropriate, you were surrounded by a ridiculous dance routine.
Nicole said: I’m so happy now, because you showed how versatile he was, he made the song his own, brilliant.

5. Chris Rene sang T.I.’s Live My Life.

Nicole said: Go ahead and live your life, we’re living it right there with you. I love that you wrote the versus, it sounded like you wrote the hook as well.
Paula said: It was fun and the crowd love it.
Simon said: I saw the look on your face last week, you didn’t think you were going to make it through. As an overall recording artist, you were great.
L.A. said: All I know is this, we are entering the semi finals, you made this song your own by writing your own lyrics, you made it your own.

6. Melanie Amaro sang Whitney Houston’s When You Believe.

L.A. said: It was amazing, but safe. Nicole said: You gave me goosebumps all over, you believe every word you sang, I’m in awe of you.
Paula said: When I close my eyes, I hear Britney and Mariah, less is more.
Simon said: It was incredible and Clive Davis is in the house tonight, the guy who signed Whitney Houston who sang that song, you need to vote.

7. Marcus Canty singing Leon Russell’s A Song For You.

Nicole said: Thank you for remind us why we love you, you remind me of a young Al Green.
Paula said: Your eyes do not lie, you are a storyteller.
Simon said: I thought is was good, but I’m not jumping out of my chair because I already heard that version, but you are likeable, it was boring.
L.A. said: Muhammad Ali got knocked down twice and so did you, I am proud of you, I have your back, my man.

8. Rachel Crow singing Music in Me.

L.A. said: I loved that you picked that song for yourself, I hear rumours that Hollywood is circling you.
Nicole said: You are like an old soul in a 13 year old.
Paula said: You are amazing and magical.
Simon said: I like the fact that you choose your own song this week, I agree with Paula, you are like an old soul, oops, like Nicole.

9. Josh Krajcik singing The Beatles’ Something.

L.A. said: Thank God you had a second song tonight, it was really good but slightly karaoke.
Paula said: Adjectives don’t describe your brilliance anymore.
Simon said: It was a massive improvement, you looked a little insane half way through, do not allow the choreography around you, you don’t need any props.
Nicole said: Josh is like the male, Adele, it’s Karjcik Magic.

10. Chris Rene singing an original song that he wrote Where Do We Go From Here.

Nicole said: Where do we go from here? Sky is the limit with you, it was amazing.
Paula said: This is what I have been waiting for, you showed your originally.
Simon said: At this stage in the show, you decide to sing your own song and that was a stroke of genius.
L.A. said: I’m so proud of you, the night I met you, you did an original song, you have come back to where you started and cannot be more proud.

X Factor USA Show Highlights from 12/1 – The Top Five Revealed

Last night the top seven contestants performed songs from the Michael Jackson (and Jackson 5) catalogs. Michael Jackson has some stunning songs in his catalog and it was strange to see some of the song choices, but barring a few, all the performances were great. To top it off, we even had some Michael’s brothers, his mother and his three children watching the performances. Here is a quick recap of what the top seven performed:

Josh Krajcik – Dirty Diana
Rachel Crow – Can You Feel It
Marcus Canty – Pretty Young Thing
Melanie Amaro – Earth Song
Chris Rene – I’ll Be There
Astro – Black or white
Drew Ryniewicz – Billy Jean

Just like last week, tonight will be a double elimination, taking us to the top five. Recently, we have seen that it is not always the best performances that generate votes. For example in the initial weeks, each of groups were eliminated one by one, even though groups like 4shore were definitely not the worst acts week after week.

So the first to go will be the person with the lowest votes. The contenstants who are safe are:

Chris, Melanie, Rachel, Josh

Wow, that leaves Astro as the act with the lowest votes. He is arguably the biggest talent and he has been eliminated.

Marcus Canty and Drew have the next two lowest votes and have to sing for their lives. The judges vote and with the exception of Simon everyone else votes Drew off the show. Astro and Drew have been eliminated.

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 & 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 & 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.

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

Here we are at the performance of the top 11. This week, we will finally find out who will make the top 10 of the first season of X Factor. Just like last week, there will be two shows, the performance and results show. The performances are getting more and more polished as the contestants adjust to the demands of the show and the judges start to get a better idea of what sort of artists the performers want to be.

Here are the judges comments on each contestant in the order they performed:

1. Stacy Francis sang “Queen of the Night” by Whitney from “The Bodyguard.”. An absolute classic.
Simon said: You look cute but I would have you wearing that somewhere else. The problem is that you have to convince America that you are a $5 million dollar recording contract, I liked you last week, nut tonight I didnt like it.
Nicole said: You look gorgeous, you are a queen within and you empower women.
L.A. said: I really don’t like this song, but you did better than I thought you would.
Paula said: You are a diva, every time you sing you are singing for your life and I have to agree, I never really liked this song but you delivered it in a big way

2. Marcus Canty sang the Car Wash classic “I’m Going Down”
Simon said: That was 1000% better than last week, thank god you threw that jacket off half way through.
L.A. said: You look great, you sound great, you have better taste than some people at the end of this desk (Simon). I have a crystal ball with an artist’s picture in it, and it’s you.
Nicole said: Two words, ma gic. You taste, you mean and you enjoy every word, you are classic, a superstar. Paul said: Everything about you head to toe, reads STAR, I am proud of you.

3. Drew sang a version Coldplay’s “Fix You” from the movie “You Me and Dupre.”
Paula said: You give an honest performance every week, but I don’t like what you are wearing and don’t take fashion advice from Simon any more.
Simon said: I love working with you, you designed your outfit and you take risks.
L.A. said: That was really good, you were good for the past three weeks and they all sound they same, you need to sing something different.
Nicole said: You are simply brilliant beyond your years, you are a slice of heaven.

4. Leroy Bell sang U2′s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”. Now that is a classic.
Simon said: I am used to working with older people, you are 60 and sounded like a 20 year old, it was classy, your best performance yet.
Nicole said: I felt like we were at a rock concert, but a church at the same time.
L.A. said: I was bored, but this week it was good.
Paul said: I was waiting for this performance, it was great, America has found what they are looking for in you.

5. Lakota Rayne sang “I Wanna Love Somebody Like You” from the movie “How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days.”
Simon said: After the absolute horror show last week, you are the group I always hoped and prayed you would be.
Paula said: I am so proud of you, I love you girls and I can see you all over Pepsi.
L.A. said: You took my advice and you have become my favorite girl group.
Nicole said: I grew up in Kentucky and do you know how popular I would be if I took you home with me. I loved that you indivually shined tonight.

6. Astro sang a remix of “Lose Yourself” by Eminem, in his own usual style. What a performance.
Simon said: This is so irritating, you are the cat who has the cream. I believe every star has to have a work ethic and you have that. Astro, you have the X Factor.
L.A. said: I could not be more proud of you, you have the audacity to rewrite Eminem’s lyrics.
Nicole said: I’m just in awe of you right now, this is what separates the good from the great, how you write your lyrics, you are a champion.
Paula said: That level of focus you have puts you in a league all of your own.

7. Melanie Amaro sang Michael Jackson’s “Make That Change”
Paula said: Music heals the world and your voice does that.
Simon said: To use a British expression, “you were bloody fantastic”, for me it was your best performance so far, you did amazing.
L.A. said: That was really good, you are a really great singer but I did not find it inventive and the range in choice.
Nicole said: It was a brilliant song choice, I love it with her voice that is a vessel of the light.

8. The Stereo Hogzz sang “Ain’t No Other Man”. Not their best performance in my opinion.
L.A. said: Last week was a tough week for you and this is your recovery week, but I didn’t know this song. Nicole said: All I got to say is, bananas. That was my favorite performance from you yet.
Simon said: This has nothing to do with bananas, your choreography is amazing but you are not performing a record you would make, the problem I have is that you have to become less cabaret.
Paula said: These guys are working so hard, you are a great group.

9. Josh Krajcik sang Joe Cocker’s “With A Little Help From My Friends”
Simon said: I love the song choice but you were like Dracula up there, you need to get rid of the gimmicks. Nicole said: Simon, don’t hate, just congratulate.
L.A. said: Strong voice, well done.
Paula said: Your voice is comforting, you are amazing.

10. Chris Rene sang Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise”.
Simon said: Welcome back Chris Rene, I think you are a potential real star.
L.A. said: I am really proud of you, it was a long way home but we are there now.
Nicole said: You are such a gift.
Paula said: You were real, you were honest, you were truthful.

11. Rachel Crow sang “I’d Rather Go Blind”. Good performance but I haven’t heard the song before.
Nicole said: I am so happy that you listened to me and choose a great song for her.
Paula said: You were amazing, the best performance.
L.A. said: I wasn’t sure that you were a contender, but tonight you proved that you are.
Simon said: I trust Rachel and I adore her, you reminded me of a mini Beyoncé, you are back in the game young lady.

Tomorrow we will see which 10 made it through.

Leroy Bell caught Lip Syncing on X Factor USA

On last week’s results show, 59-year-old contestant Leroy Bell was caught lip syncing on the group song, when he started singing later than his part started. The song performed was David Gueta/Usher’s “Without You.” Many negative comments could be found over on twitter and internet regarding this obvious lip syncing mess up. After all this is supposed to be a singing contest, so many where surprised to see lip syncing.

After the incident FOX released a statement confirming the lip syncing.
“All survival songs are performed live, with just a backing track. For the group ensemble performance, the vocals are pre-recorded to allow acts to concentrate on preparing for their own live competitive performances on Wednesdays — this is also no different to what other competition shows do for ensemble performances.”

Below, you can see a clip of the video. Watch closely at minute 0:49.

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