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'The X Factor' Recap: Rockin' and Reelin'

Most of the top 10 acts underwhelm on rock-themed night

By MSN TV Nov 16, 2011 11:01PM

'The X Factor'/FOX

By Jilliane Johnson

BuddyTV

 

The top 10 put the pedal to the metal on the "X Factor" stage Wednesday night. Blow out your hair. Slap on that funky makeup. And pour yourselves into those leather pants. It's rock night!

 

Last Night on TV: Watch recaps | Photos: See performance pics

 

LeRoy Bell -- "We've Got Tonight" by Bob Seger

While LeRoy is a great performer and has a great sense of style for an older cat, he's "still not working it like a rock star," as L.A. states. There isn't enough connection and feeling in this one. Nothing about it is memorable, so either Nicole needs to step up her game or he needs to start making the calls.

 

More: 'The X Factor' on BuddyTV | Bing: More about 'The X Factor'

Rachel Crow -- "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones

Why is it that everyone takes a shot at this song? The Stones have tons of other ones. Anyways, Rachel is cute, but have you ever seen those movies where someone is trying to catch a train after it leaves the station? Well, I believe Rachel is attempting to catch the "X Factor" train. I'm not convinced that she knows where she's going, yet the arena loves the performance.

 

Also: Audience Q&A with the 'X Factor' judges


Chris Rene -- "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley

It is rock night, correct? Nothing about this is rock 'n' roll. While it's not in theme, the performance is fun and entertaining. However, Chris can do so much better than this one. There's a huge ruckus over whether the song is in the requested genre, but all in all the performance could have been much better.

Stacy Francis -- "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" by Meatloaf

Holy flat notes, Batman! Yes, Stacy sings this song. She sings it really loud and off-key, but she sings it. Paula agrees it's her least favorite of Stacy's performances. The fact that Nicole calls this "glam rock" is ridiculous. Nowhere in the world should Stacy Francis be categorized with David Bowie.

Melanie Amaro -- "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M.

All right, this isn't an up-tempo rock song by any means, yet it is a rock song all the same. Melanie kills the vocals, as always, but it's the same performance that we always see from her. Where's the edge? Somebody's got to step up. She won't be able to ride on just that voice throughout the competition.

Josh Krajcik -- "The Pretender" by Foo Fighters

This is what we should have been hearing all night long! Awesome raspy vocals, strobe lights and Nicole's head-banging make for a rockin' performance. Hands down the best one on this night. "Bloody fantastic," Simon comments. I have to ask, though: Why doesn't Nicole give her other contestants songs like this one?

Astro -- "I'll Be Missing You" by Puff Daddy (a.k.a. Diddy), Faith Evans, 112 and Sting

Astro does it again. He adds his own lyrics and pays homage to hip-hop and fallen musical legends such as Tupac Shakur and Heavy D. Is it rock and roll? Perhaps yes, because of Sting's influence. Aside from that, it's a great performance that reaches out to the audience. Astro's winning this competition could mean huge changes for rap and hip-hop, and he could very well take this.

Lakoda Rayne -- "Your Love/Go Your Own Way" by the Outfield and Fleetwood Mac

Well, this is fun. It's definitely better than what we have seen so far, but is it great? So, Paula is trying to mold a new Dixie Chicks? After this comment, that third seat might be vacant next week. These girls still need to work on vocals, but they look cute.

Drew Ryniewicz -- "With or Without You" by U2

Like L.A. and Nicole, I am waiting for the drums to kick in. Drew needs to try something more upbeat. It is the same performance every single week. Beautiful song, pretty nice vocals, but no one wants to be put to sleep, Drew. Just saying.

Marcus Canty -- "Piece of My Heart" by Janis Joplin

I don't know how to comment, because Marcus states that he wants to hold true to his morals. Did anyone else catch him mopping up the floor with his back while sliding through the dancers' legs? I don't mind some provocative performances at all. Dirty it up! Yet, that stands out more than anything else.

My favorite of the night has to be Josh Krajcik. He rocks the house! Although let's not forget that he's in his element. Who are your favorites? Who should be kicked to the curb this week?

"The X Factor" airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.

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51Comments
jason
Nov 17, 2011 8:26AM
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I think what everyone is forgetting is this is not a singing competition.  It is about who has the '"X" factor.  The judges say it all the time, its about who can sell records.  In my opinion that boils down to Melanie(my favorite by far) and Astro.  and as a fan of the way hip hop used to be Astro could sell millions right now.  the stuff that comes out of this kids mouth are second to only a few rappers out there right now.  I would buy his album today if it dropped.  Mark my words, when all is said and done the only person from this competition we will still be hearing about is him.
STILT82
Nov 17, 2011 8:26AM
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Everyone keeps saying Josh was the best we could barely hear Josh last night the music was the highlight not him I was feeling the MUSIC not his vocals just because he gripped the Mic and had a lil raspiness in his voice didnt make it the BEST it just gave a lil raunch for rock n roll thats all he is good but not GREAT last night.   Melanie vocally is the BEST by a MILE handsdown, and when you record and album in the studio and it plays on itunes, or the radio, or where ever all we hear is voice and thats all that matters.  She is the best on the show, Drew is cool, kind of getting tired of the fauseto yodle type vocals songs though.   NOW ASTRO HE WRITE HIS OWN VERY VERY VERY CLEVER LYRICS THIS IS NOT A "SINGING SHOW" IF SOMEWHERE AUDITIONED AND WAS A GREAT DANCER THEY WOULD BE UP HERE AS WELL SO STOP SAYING ALL HE DOES IS RAP. THATS EXACTLY WHAT ALL THE SUCCESSFUL RAPPERS THAT ARE MULTI MILLIONAIRES DO.  MELANIE AND ASTRO ARE THE TWO I HOPE TO SEE AT THE END FOLLOWED BY JOSH, MARCUS (BECAUSE HE IS THE BEST VOCALIST AND PERFORMER COMBINED). now back to lower case RYAN is ridiculous really people it is corny and he is completely out of his league in all ways compared to everyone else, vocals are not there at ALLLL!!! performance is corny and he just squeezes his eyes shut and tries to belt out good vocals but it doesnt happen.  AND LA REID get on my damn nerves I like RAndy Jackson WAYYYYY better than him. Nicole be looking like could you shut up and stop touching me and interupting me, you big headed black man lmao.  Simon always makes sense in his comments and bye bye to paula

nongay
Nov 17, 2011 8:16AM
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If Josh and LeRoy get voted off, then that will end my viewing  of this show. I knew Astro would continue with talking or rapping. Why is he the only one that can change the words to a song??? I thought this was a singing contest. I have a good feeling he will end up in the top 3 at the end, but I will not be watch by that time. 

MOUNTAIN CHIC
Nov 17, 2011 8:11AM
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ok Stacy was horrible, she looked like she was going to kill someone when they didn't praise her, like on the verge of a totally mental breakdown with that stone cold look she had. Seriously looked like her head was just going to explode on stage Disappointed       Josh is really good but don't think he has the look in today's market. He would have been popular back in the John Mellancamp days in the 80's but not sure about today. My fav singer though, then Melanie, then Leroy. The rest I can't stand...esp that little mini LA, Astro. He is a tiny version of LA's arrogance.

The host really needs to go...He is so bland, kinda snippy, no sense of humor and WAY to serious, Like RELAX dude Sarcastic

Will Yum
Nov 17, 2011 8:04AM
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No question...Josh and Melanie are the ones to beat.  If this is a singing contest, then Astro needs to sing, not orate cleverly with music behind him.
L.A. is a hypocrite and a whiner. He says other musicians give the same old routine week after week when his boys, well, they give the same old routine week after week. What an idiot.
Drifter 57
Nov 17, 2011 8:04AM
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Thought it was a singing contest............ How can you "sing" rock while rapping? Oh, let the backup singers sing while you rap... Got it. Josh won last night, hands down. The judges are like a bunch of children bickering over who has the best cookie. I'm going to watch (Josh?) win this thing and not watch it next year.
Muzical2
Nov 17, 2011 7:58AM
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I am so disappointed in myself for ever even getting sucked in to the X Factor!!  The show started out with promise, but last night completely sucked.  Rock night??  I heard 1 rock song out of 10 and to be honest it was not a good performance.  I have liked Josh up until now, but he didn't even come close to Dave Grohl singing The Pretender.  Josh was short of breath and he could not come close to bringing the energy for a rock show.  I also agree with others that Drew has an amazing voice and she's super cute--but a one trick pony.  Every  time she sings a song I am waiting for it to kick in.  I am starting to think she has no legs because she never dances or moves!!  Is she having fun out there??  If I had to pick a winner today it would be Marcus or Melanie.  I think Astro has an outside shot also--it's not a singing contest it's the X Factor and although I hate to say it, Astro qualifies!!
John N.IL
Nov 17, 2011 7:53AM
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Their is something about X Factor for me that does not impress me. Maybe its just the lacking of public voting in the beginning or the judges sparing off against each other because they have their own groups of performers. Or maybe its just getting old to see what amounts to another talent show on TV. You have to wonder if any of the older artists have a chance in the real world of selling music, the groups have really just faded away and the rap kid is just getting annoying. How much of a audience does a rapper really have? In the end the question is who is really marketable in today's music industry? My biggest  example is Lee Dewyze ho won Idol but does not provide the music that sells today. You can be a really good singer but your genre of music might not be popular. 
XF1
Nov 17, 2011 7:51AM
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I have to agree with most of the comments on this board, it was a Rock Night and only Josh rocked the place. L.A. you may be rich but you make Simon look like a school boy with you're harsh jealous comments ... it's ugly... no respect ... for your thoughts and you have a lot of nerve telling the others to change it up, I would like to see a Country Night Hell its way more main stream in America than Rap is.  What the hell would Astro Rap Turf and Chris pull off then??????,  Jonny Cash Rap?? Astro Rap Turf this is all he ever does... same old RAP Crap ONE Dimension...........​​..song???
He can't sing... Oo that's what the X means he doesnt have tooooooooooo.....
melcarl
Nov 17, 2011 7:49AM
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Josh by a mile last night ! Really enjoyed Leroy and I like Chris too. My biggest issue with the show right now is the judges. The constant bickering and oneupmanship is boring, annoying and just plain stupid. This is supposed to be about the contestants not about the judges and their big fat egos.
addyyy
Nov 17, 2011 7:34AM
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Here is the deal...LA is extremely arrogant and is not objective at all, Nicole is very cute but hasn't picked very good songs for her people.  Paula had the hardest group to work with and I think she did a great job with what she had to work with.  Simon hasn't lived up to his hype as far as song choice or commentary goes.  

LeRoy  needs to sing Freedom the way Richie Havens did it....believe me it will work

Rachel  well I just cant take her seriously she is cute and all but not a front line star she doesn't deserve the prize

Chris    LA just doesn't know what he is doing talk about every song being the same with him  he is def getting tired quick

Stacy    she is becoming very annoying and screaming way to much  she isn't going to last long

Melanie   what a beautiful voice she has. I would have liked to here her take a little bit of a chance and sing something like White Rabbit or another Slick song something along those lines. she would have blown them away

Josh   totally and by far the best of the event so far...song choice was ok   this guy is the real deal

Astro      very boring and basic...cant understand him and please with all the praise he gets for writing lyrics. anybody can write better lyrics than this boy can and LA once again picks another loud and boring song for him to sing..he is better off in a teenage talent show

Lakoda Rayne   Paula didn't have much to work with but she is doing what she can I thought maybe a Heart song would have been better for them

Drew    by far the most unique and beautiful voice in the contest..did not like Simons choice of songs at all..she could have done a Pretenders song or so many others that fit her style   she is adorable however

Marcus     average at best nothing new or different from him these entertainers are a dime a dozen and it just proves that LA is truly clueless and wish they had Randy Jackson....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ff920
Nov 17, 2011 7:20AM
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Josh is always good. Melanie is my favorite. Astro is talented in what he does but he cannot sing. Why are they pampering him so? I'm about done with this show. Started out great but it's quite obvious it's a comparison of judges not singing acts.
BEINGREEL
Nov 17, 2011 7:19AM
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I've said this before, 'bring back Cheryl Cole'. Nicole is a pretty lady, but she makes me cringe. The Welshman is not far behind her. Josh looked like he did a good job, but the sound wasn't right, I couldn't really hear him. Melanie was good, but if she is going to sing a ballad, give her a big one, so she can blow us all away. The rest were pretty sad.

 

vinny63
Nov 17, 2011 7:19AM
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Have to agree withe most people on this board.........IT was ROCK night and only JOSH rocked the place.............L.​A. has got some NERVE telling these people to change it up............Do his BOYS ever change it up?????? ASTRO especially all he ever does is RAP..............was​ that a rock song I think not.................​..SHOW is going downhill fast!!!!!!
hoffdinah
Nov 17, 2011 7:17AM
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Josh had the best performance of the night considering it was ROCK night!  I love Melanie too...but not the song choice for her.  I agree with others that Rachel is cute but I think more for Nickelodeon than a five million dollar record deal!

Stacy needs to leave....never was sure why she was kept in the first place.  I like Marcus a lot....he delivers each week!

Drew was a one song hit.....but that song needs to change!  Astro......I mean really....can anyone even understand what he is saying/singing.  I don't think he is talented....I think he is obnoxious!

I like Chris and his story and I hope he does well after the show...but he will not be the winner.  Lakoda Rayne has done well for what they were stuck with....being a group!

I like LeRoy but don't see him going too far because of the age of the voters.

I really feel that Jazzlynn would have rocked the place.  Too bad she was cut!

Trinigyul28
Nov 17, 2011 7:06AM
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I agree with the writer, it is apparent to me that Nicole does not think that Leroy and Stacy can win the show so she is giving the songs to send them home. Stacy was off last night. Josh was given the perfect song and it is not fair. Leroy did sing rock and while i felt he sounded great, the judges are too prejudiced about his "age". My take:

Leroy - great slow rock performance, that was true to the song. Leroy should've been challenged by Nicole, he would've sounded great on "Is this love by Whitesnake" or even "When it's love - Van Halen" 


Rachel - good but the song is too mature for her (we all know what "satisfaction" Mick was singing about, not material for a little kid - Shame on you Simon)


Chris - umm Bob Marley is not Rock but Chris sounded good. In all fairness it is LA's fault for not sticking to the theme


Stacy - Nicole pretty much sent her home with this. A mentor is to guide not leave destroy your artist. Nicole is a bad mentor. Stacy should've gotten "Alone by Heart"


Melanie - Great vocals but a little boring. The song is powerful and the message is one of hope so she needed to be more emotionally connected


Josh - song choice was perfect and delivery was top notch. We all know who Nicole is focusing her mentoring on. Would've like to hear him sing "Hero by Nickelback"


Astro - rap is his genre and he stayed through. I am not a rap fan but you have to admit, the boy is way talented and even better than people 2x his age


LaKoda Rain - ???? why are they still here. Paula this is why you only have one group remaining. This was a bad choice for them. They should've gotten a song like We Built this City or All I wanna do is make love to you.


Drew - how can you make a U2 song boring? Give it to Drew. She has a clear tone and her voice is like Skyler Grey. Bad choice by Simon, the song should've been upbeat, is she afraid to belt out?


Marcus - great show closer but he would've sounded better singing a Hootie and the Blowfish song.


MADDDOGG
Nov 17, 2011 6:32AM
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The show keeps getting worse. Sucked this week just like the last show. L A needs to leave and take the two rappers with him. Aside from  Melanie and Josh, the show has absolutely no depth. Turning into a total waste of air time.Thumbs downSad
bobcatdad47
Nov 17, 2011 6:31AM
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Josh had the best performance last night, but is he bankable?  Anyone know what Taylor Hicks is doing these days?  Same type of voice.  If you took away all of the props, back up singers and lasers, the only singer that can really hold their own is Melanie.  Simon has not done her any favors with his song choices.  She is by far the best singer (this is a singing contest) and would have similar success as Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood.  I've watched these types of shows for years and when someone attempts to sing Celine, Mariah, or Whitney, they usually don't have the chops, but Melanie has what it takes to make it.  She needs to be getting better mentoring.
kin6
Nov 17, 2011 6:28AM
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what is it with LA and Astro. why does everyone else have to sing songs the judges pick for them,always making them "try"something out of thier comfort zone. But astro refuses to do any but "his" own songs. Why does he get to stay with his stlye of  music? Sorry but i never considered Rap music anyway! Can he even carrying a tune? Talk about the samething every week!!!

lol888
Nov 17, 2011 5:59AM
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I absolutely love Josh! He was fantastic! I love Melanie and Leroy too! 

I fast forward the others especially Stacy and Drew!  Nicole's head banging was ridiculous!!!

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