2/29/12: AMERICAN IDOL RECAP; JESSICA SANCHEZ BEST OF THE NIGHT

AMERICAN IDOL presented the top 12 girls tonight and while I’m all for “Girl Power”, most of them were definitely beat out by the guys.  While the talent is obviously amazing this year, that also adds to a higher level of expectations.  The show started a bit flat but it took one singer to catch my attention, but not in a good way.   

Tonight I was a little distracted working while trying catch the second round.  But I actually stopped to get fully engaged when Haley Johnsen hit the stage. However, it was not for good reason; when she began to sing she completely massacred the hit song “Sweet Dreams”, originally performed by the Eurythmics.  Unfortunately for Haley, she got it totally wrong, and it sounded awful.

The good news is, she was followed by the 16-year-old, 6 foot beauty, Shannon Magrane.  Her confidence and perfection was heard as she belted out a song about candles.  While it was not a familiar tune to me, it sure sounded incredible.

After she sang, luckily it seemed to bring the show to life.  Jessica Sanchez then stepped out and gave the best overall performance of the night.  Although her vocal cords were still sore, she overcame her illness and delivered. She received a well-deserved standing ovation from the judges after singing her heart out.  Jessica is the one to watch, and should give the guys a run for their money.

Sklyar Laine and Elise Teston also gave solid performances.  But in the end, the guys seemed to slightly edge out the girls during the early stage of the competition.  Let’s hope the girls step up their game and “rule it” during round two. 

Who do you think is going home first?  It’s too early for me to tell, but I am fairly confident Jessica Sanchez or Deandre Brakensick won’t be leaving anytime soon.

On another note, I’m really beginning to miss Simon Cowell.  He kept it real, and it’s getting annoying hearing them praise pretty much everyone.  If the judges want to prepare them for the “real world” of the music industry, they will need to offer better critiques.  I’m just saying…

MICHAEL JORDAN LISTS HIS CHICAGO MANSION FOR $29 MILLION…SAY WHAT!

 

(VIDEO) 10/13/11: THE X-FACTOR USA RECAP; CONTESTANTS VISIT JUDGES HOMES, MARIAH CAREY NO SHOW

It’s a good thing there is no baseball tonight and The X-Factor is back!  Tonight the contestants were lucky enough to travel to the judges lavish homes to begin their mentorship program.  This must have added to their stress level, but had to be truly exciting.

But can we just stop for a moment to say WOW, were their homes spectacular or what?  Viewing luxury homes will definitely inspire them to see what they can acheive if they win the competition.  The best spot was for the girls who had the opportunity to visit France and have Simon mentor them.

They were surprised and pleased to hear guest judges would be on hand to help in the process.  Rihanna headed to L.A. Reid’s home to help the guys, Pharrell helped Paula Abdul mentor the groups and the sexy Enrique Iglesias jumped on board with Nicole Scherzinger to work with the 30+ singers.  Poor Simon, his guest judge Mariah Carey was a “no show” due to a flight delay, which was a disappointment for the girls.  But Simon likes to be the center or attention, so he seemed fine sitting back watching them sing through his cool dark shades.

The ability to be intimately mentored by judges offers them a better chance of performing at a higher level right out the gate.  It should make for an exciting show down the road. This is what sets X-Factor apart from American Idol and seems like a better way to help new singers break out into the music industry.  If I could sing (and no I can’t), this would definitely be my pick for a competition to enter.

So on the negative points, Dexter singing “Crazy” was fitting for how he looked, it was an awful song choice for him.  While it was good to see him get a second chance, this probably was not the show for him.  The other disappointment, which was not a surprise, was Simone Battle.  Although she is attractive her “fierceness” is not backed up with her singing abilities.  It’s unfortunate someone better lost their spot to her, she needs to go home.

Many of the others were good, but nerves may have gotten the best of them.  While it must be uncomfortable to sing in front of very few people, this was a huge opportunity and some may have blown it. There were no true stand-outs with the exception of Stacy Francis singing the Prince favorite ”Purple Rain“, boy can she blow!  It’s such a shame she was held back in her youth, where she would have had a better chance to succeed.  She is someone to remember, when you are missing your opportunities.  And Poor Phillip Lomax having to sing a Rihanna song in front of her…how scary.  But he did a really good job and held his own.

The X-Factor is addictive, can’t wait for Sunday night but let’s hope there is NO baseball.  We cannot take another cancellation of this amazing show.

And on a side note, Simon you could have called me to help…seriously, I’ve been asking.  Next time, feel free to look me up!

ROSIE O’DONNELL BUYS CHICAGO MANSION

 

(VIDEO) 9/29/11: X-FACTOR USA – BRIAN BRADLEY TELLS SIMON “STOP LOOKIN AT MY MOM”!

Tonight the X-FACTOR had an opening shocker when a 14-year-old gave Simon Cowell a bit of lip. Brian Bradley jumped on Simon out of nowhere, leaving the judges with mouths wide open.  Well, it was a part of his act and had the audience also stunned until he hit the beat.  Pretty clever move, it definitely got their attention.

Turns out, it was all a part of his act and with a song like “Stop Lookin at My Mom”, it was fitting. The kid has attitude, stage presence and lyrics to back it up. Good for him for putting Simon in his place…or so it seemed.

Bradley was one of the best rappers in his age group to-date and I expect him to go far on the rap scene.  However, I’m not yet sure if he can sing other than rap, so X-Factor may just have been a platform to get him in the door.  Like he said “you gotta know people who know people to make it in the music industry.”  Well, now he knows them!

DREW ROCKS JUSTIN BIEBER…WATCH VIDEO HERE.

 

(VIDEO) 9/28/11: DREW RYNIEWICZ X-FACTOR AUDITION ROCKS BIEBER SONG “BABY”

SORRY JUSTIN…BUT I REALLY LIKE HER VERSION BETTER! VOTE IN COMMENTS SECTION…BIEBER OR DREW?  WHO IS BETTER?

DREW – FOOTAGE BEFORE X-FACTOR

DREW RYNIEWICZ rocked the popular Justin Bieber hit “Baby” tonight on X-Factor.  While at first it was disappointing to hear that was her song selection, after her first note she had me sold.  It was one of the best remakes of the song, and there have been plenty. 

If she continues to make songs “her own” and belts them out with the same passion as tonight, she is definitely a contender for the finals.  This is some of the best talent of any singing competition shows, but with $5 million dollars on the line, it should be.

On a side note, looks like you can’t add Justin Bieber to your title on wordpress…interesting?  Bieber is banned from Twitter and WordPress…poor kid!

Also read: X-FACTOR REVIEWS 9/28/11

X-FACTOR FIRST WEEK’S VIDEO REVIEW-BABY X

 

(VIDEO) 9/28/11: X-FACTOR USA REVIEWS: TALENT SURPRISES CONTINUE IN CHICAGO;JOSH KRAJCIK

JOSH KRAJCIK BEFORE X-FACTOR

X-FACTOR USA is only in its second week, however, the talent continues to impress the fans and judges. This week they showcased the talent in Chicago and then made their way to Seattle and they did not disappoint.  Last week Chris Rene, rocked the stage and instantly became a Youtube sensation, surging to over 2.5 million views. Now it looks like another soon-to-be star will follow his lead.

While several contestants sang extremely well tonight, the stand-out singer was Josh Krajcik.  When his mom paced backstage and was just about to explode with excitement, I questioned his talent.  But the burrito slinger from Columbus, Ohio, bolted out the Etta James classic “At Last”, with one of the most soulful voices to-date.  His singing even surprised Simon Cowell, who thought he’d seen it all.  Josh’s interpretation of the song was one of the best I’ve heard and as we all know, everyone tries to sing it during competition shows.  He is certain to go far on X-Factor and is 150% more talented than our earlier favorite and winner of American Idol, Taylor Hicks.

Another truly gifted singer was the 14-year-old student, Drew Ryniewicz.  But when she first said that Justin Biebers’ “Baby” was her song choice, I cringed.  However, as she blew it out the water, I actually have to agree with the judges, it sounded better than the original version.  She can really sing!

If X-Factor continues to offer a variety of incredible talent and thankfully at all ages, it is sure to be a hit!  Can’t wait to see who takes home the $5 million dollar prize.  Who is your favorite so far?

10/5/11: X-FACTOR RECAP

 

(VIDEO) X-FACTOR FIRST WEEK’S REVIEW; BABY-X

BABY-X gives his two minute review of the first week of X-Factor USA.  First week seems to have this baby jumping for joy!

 

(VIDEO) X-FACTOR CHRIS RENE “YOUNG HOMIE” YOUTUBE VIDEO GOES VIRAL WITH MILLIONS OF VIEWS; A STAR IS BORN

The new show X-Factor may have their first star and the real competition has not even started.  On opening night contestant Chris Rene performed his original song “Young Homie” and it has gone viral on Youtube with over millions views within a week.

When watching his incredible performance it was clear the song was an instant hit, but most would not have expected the video (posted on Youtube) to go viral in less than a week.  The video surged to 500,000 within days and OVER two million within a week (and counting).

Simon Cowell called it when saying, “My favorite part of the show is when I sit in this chair and meet a star for the first time.”  Chris Rene is definitely going to become the next overnight sensation, so Jay-Z and Eminem may want to watch out!

We are all rooting for Chris to stay clean and keep on track, so he can excel in the music industry…you can do it Chris!  And yes, his music is now for sale!

CLICK THE LIKE BUTTON IF YOU AGREE CHRIS IS THE NEXT BIG THING.  UPDATE: LAST CHECKED ON 9/27/11 CHRIS WAS OVER 2.4 MILLION VIEWS!

Update 9/25/11: To-date Chris Rene has more views than any other X-FACTOR USA contestants on Youtube. 

X-FACTOR REVIEWS 9/28/11 -Josh Kajcick Rocks Too! 

X-FACTOR FIRST WEEK’S VIDEO REVIEW-BABY X

“LIL” CHRIS RENE SINGS TOO!

 

(Video) 9/22/11: X-FACTOR GIVES HOMELESS DEXTER SECOND CHANCE; CAITLIN & MELANIE BEST OF THE NIGHT

Tonight was day two of X-Factor and the emotional stories of hopes and dreams fulfilled, keep pouring in.  This time it was Dexter’s turn to receive his second chance and although he almost blew it, he managed to pull it off.

Dexter Haygood told his heart wrenching background of starting his singing career in the 80′s, even releasing an album, to then hitting rock bottom.  Before this opportunity to make a comeback, he could have just given up.  Living from a car and being homeless, after losing his house in a foreclosure, he still found enough courage and enthusiasm to make the audition.  His first song almost hurt his chances, due to his James Brown “cover act” performance, but lucky for him Simon Cowell allowed 15 seconds to redeem himself.  After taking a breath, he reached in deep and belted out a song as though he was truly singing for his life.  In retrospect he really was, because at 49-years-old not too many record labels would be jumping for joy to sign him up.  Good thing Simon saw his passion for music and helped push him through. It was touching to see his emotional response as he received the good news.  

The stand-out singers for the night were two extremely talented women.  Melanie Amaro, an 18-year-old college student had a mesmerizing voice.  When she sang the Beyoncé ballet “Listen”, it was as though the song was written for her.  Caitlin Koch, a 21-year-old Rugby Coach, took the popular Motown hit “Stop In The Name of Love” and completely made it her own.  She turned it into a totally different song and it sounded even better than the original.  Her soulful voice brought tears to Nicole’s eyes and absolutely made chills run through your body.  They were definitely both the best singers of the night.  And to go one step further, Caitlin was the best talent so far.

X-Factor is still working its magic.  Yes, it is similar to American Idol, but if they keep bringing the stories of hopes and dreams fulfilled, it will continue to reach more viewers.  After learning details of the contestants struggles, the audience is certain to vote more than on American Idol to make sure they receive the $5 Million dollar prize.  The huge stakes will clearly make watching until the final show, a must!

Is it just me, or does anyone else still have the song “Young Homie” stuck in their heads.  I still cannot believe the sheer talent of Chris Rene.  Looks like you can now by his original song…they move fast!

 

X-FACTOR RECEIVES HALF THE RATINGS OF AMERICAN IDOL PREMIERE; BUT LET’S BE FAIR

It was just announced that the season premiere of the much-anticipated X-Factor, received half the ratings of the premiere of American Idol.

This is probably not good news for Executive Producer and judge Simon Cowell.  But to be fair, when Idol debuted years ago, reality singing shows were virtually non-existent.  So even if X-Factor had just a percentage of the Idol ratings, seems like that is still considered great news for FOX.  

Although the hit show “Modern Family” had over 14-million viewers, X-Factor sill pulled in over 12-million viewers, so Simon can hold his head high.  

In my opinion, X-Factor is very similar to American Idol.  But I am glad it is on and believe it lived up to my expectations.  I loved it!  What about you?  Do you think X-Factor is better than American Idol?

READ FULL DETAILS ON RATINGS HERE

 

(VIDEO) 9/21/11: X-FACTOR U.S.A. BEGINS TONIGHT…EXCITING NEWS!

The very anticipated X -FACTOR U.S.A begins tonight on Fox and to tell the truth, I’m excited!  Simon Cowell has a lot to prove (but surely does not need the money), since he has boasted this will be “better than American Idol.”

With networks filled with reality shows and singing competitions you would think there is not enough room for more.  But it looks like he may have another hit on his hands according to the trailers.  Let’s just hope the dream team of judges; Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger, L.A. Reid, and master mind Simon Cowell do not disappoint! 

Well, with a 5 million dollar prize that should guarantee high ratings.   Everyone will definitely want to see who wins this competition, because they will have to have an incredible voice to walk away with that much cash.

Make sure to check back in and post your feedback…it would be great to see if you believe it’s a hit!  I just LOVE Simon Cowell.  Good luck!  We are rooting for you…

9/21/11: X-FACTOR REVIEWS