With families across the land celebrating Thanksgiving Day, it was only appropriate for the X Factor’s Top 10 to get sentimental. Each act dedicated their performance to the person they were most thankful for. How hilarious would’ve it been if one of them had picked Simon Cowell? Major suck up points.

You know what I’m thankful for? The fact we weren’t subjected to Kim Kardashian until tonight. That woman gives me major gas. Middle sis was in the audience to support Khloe, along with her BF Kanye West, half-sisters Kendall and Kylie and her two moms Kris and Bruce Jenner ;)

Given the sentimental nature of the show, all the remaining acts chose slow-tempo songs. Each performance was preceded by a video package explaining who the song was dedicated to and why. Naturally, there was a little side competition to see who had the most touching backstory. I just hope voters aren’t completely basing their votes on who made them cry. That said, I couldn’t help but be moved during a couple of the sob stories- most notably Paige Thomas and CeCe Frey. Check out all the performances below, along with my predictions on who I think is heading home.

X Factor Season 2 Top 10 Performance Videos

Tate Stevens

Song: “I’m Already There” by Lonestar

I have to admit, Tate is winning me over as each week goes by. Do I think he’s the perfect person to win the X Factor? No. But I can see him being signed and doing well on country radio. PS. How adorable were his parents? Don’t they seem like the nicest people ever?

Diamond White

Song: “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion

Since the live shows, I think this is her shining moment. Great song choice and it didn’t come off too school talent show. Diamond is going to be a star regardless of the show. She could be the new Brandy. Remember when Brandy came out with “I Wanna Be Down“? Such a wicked track.

Emblem3

Song: “Secrets” by OneRepublic

Like Britney & Demi, I appreciated the nice change of pace. Glad that Drew Chadwick (tank top boy) and Keaton Stromberg (the other brother) got solos this week. Wesley definitely has the best voice, but the other two were solid. If this doesn’t bring them up in the rankings, nothing will. Their package really showed a more sentimental side. I really hope Emblem3 are here for the long haul. I’m a fan and not ashamed to admit it.

Arin Ray

Song: “Hero” by Enrique Iglesias

As bad as this was, it could’ve been worse had he tackled Mariah Carey’s “Hero”. Perhaps if Jennifer Love Hewitt appeared on stage, it could’ve distracted from this disaster. Remember Hewitt as Enrique’s love interest in the music video? The only thing I liked about this performance was the leather jacket. How hot was that? Is it me, or is Arin developing a bit of an attitude? He’s definitely a goner this week.

CeCe Frey

Song: “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler

Given that her performance last week skyrocketed her out of the bottom, it’s not shocking Demi and her chose another ballad. With no ‘pimp’ spot this week and all the other girls faring better with their dedications, I see CeCe landing in the bottom three. I said I wouldn’t let the backstories affect me, but hers about her sister really moved me. It really humanized CeCe. On a superficial note, Frey looked gorgeous in that dress. A much better look than her earlier Ke$ha-like outfits.

Fifth Harmony

Song: “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders

Next to judges’ homes, I thought this was their best outing. They harmonized well and each killed it on their respective solo parts. As the weeks go on, Normani is emerging as a favorite. It used to be all about Camilla, but Normani is winning me over. I hope they move up in the rankings with this performance. They CANNOT go home. Please America.

Beatrice Miller

Song: “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol

Stylistically speaking, this was her best outfit. I was diggin’ the colored streaks in her hair, which really looked good when the J. Lo fan machine was turned on. By far, Beatrice’s best vocal of the competition. Fingers crossed it’s enough to save her. Side note, I was totally loving that one of her sisters was wailing in their mom’s arms while the other was having the time of her life. LOL. Someone was happy to be on TV.

Vino Alan

Song: “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood

UGH. Regular readers know I’m not a fan of Vino. So when I heard he picked this song, my cynical side immediately thought it was an attempt for viewer votes. No disrespect to the troops, but this performance was obvious pandering. I know he’s not going anywhere, but I pray that he’s not the top vote-getter. Please, please, please.

Paige Thomas

Song: “Everytime” by Britney Spears

Paige looked stunning. Like, absolutely STUNNING. Was it the best vocal? No? But you know what… I thought she sang it better than Britney. Speaking of which, Spears did not look impressed at all during the performance. I know it’s not all about the dedications, but Paige’s mother figure is an angel. I always have such admiration for those families who take in kids who would otherwise have no one.

Carly Rose Sonenclar

Song: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland

Hands down, the best vocal performance of the night. Clearly, Carly Rose has been singing this song for years. My only complaint is that I wished it had stayed a cappella throughout. The musical arrangement got too loud at certain points. As technically proficient as she is, there’s just something about Carly Rose that’s a bit robotic. I can’t believe Simon hasn’t called her out on it yet. Back in American Idol, that was his go-to criticism for precocious teens.

Elimination Predictions

No doubt about it. Arin Ray is a goner. Picking the two who’ll have to perform their survival songs is a bit trickier. It’s down between CeCe, Paige and Beatrice. I think Miller will be safe, making it another showdown between Frey and Thomas, with Frey staying. The judges seem to really love her.

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The X Factor Season 2 Gallery

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