Filed under: Donovan, TV Shows
Author: Donovan
Date: Nov 15, 2012
Between you and me, I don’t know why I’m still watching The X Factor, let alone recapping it. When you compare the talent to The Voice, the FOX reality show is a joke. Even the worst of the remaining singers on the NBC show would kick most of the asses vying for Simon Cowell’s $5 million prize. That said, this week collectively was better than last week, but that’s not saying much.
While the X Factor Top 12 may be talented, they’re certainly not aided by the shoddy sound system. For some reason the producers just can’t find a balance between the singers’ mics and background music. At least to me, it sounds off. Also, is there a way to drown out the crowd cheers during the performances? For some reason, on the X Factor, the crowd annoys me unlike any other singing competition. I swear if Fifth Harmony wasn’t in the competition, I think I might have to break up with the show. Here’s hoping the girl group makes it far. Check out this week’s performances below. PS. It was Diva week. Scary, right?
Song: “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner
Who knew Jennel was a trained dancer? Never would’ve guessed it given her propensity for stripper moves. This week was pretty good and I liked her outfit, but I’m getting a little bored with her. I just get the feeling the producers have given up on her too. She had such potential. Side note, who else feels the need to shimmy whenever you hear this Tina Turner track?
Song: “From This Moment On” by Shania Twain
One of the better performances of the night by far. Personally, I would’ve preferred “Any Man of Mine” or “Man! I Feel Like A Woman” ;) Who else gets a feeling the judges are holding back criticism for fear or a backlash from Tate’s fans? No one wants to piss off that powerful voting block. After all, they did propel him as the top vote-getter last week.
Song: “Halo” by Beyoncé
Much, much, much better than last week’s Whitney abomination. Sorry, Diamond fans, but last week was no good, no matter what you say. This week, however was a massive improvement. The lower register was a bit rough, but she really soared midway through the track. She’s so darn adorable. White is going to be a stunner and force to be reckon with when she’s 16 or 18-years-old.
Song: “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
Love this song and love her, but I found that YOLO beanie beyond distracting. Here’s another suggestion to the inept show stylist. Just because the song title is “Time After Time” that doesn’t mean you have to weigh down the poor girl’s arm with several watches. So stupid. Side note, as if the lesbian parents weren’t adorable enough, tonight’s reveal of her two Asian sisters was beyond cute. This is The New Normal.
Song: “We Will Rock You”/”E.T.” by Freddie Mercury & Katy Perry
Why does Simon feel the need to always give a mash-up to LYRIC 145? For once, I agree with Britney, they are a hip-hop group and should be singing hip-hop tracks. Some old school Queen Latifah, Lil Kim, Foxy Brown would’ve been appreciated. Even Nicki Minaj and Azealia Banks would’ve worked for Diva week.
Song: “Crazy for You” by Madonna
Bonus points for this early Madonna ballad. Brings back some good memories. Started off well, but then Arin blew it. It was a tad out of tune and just didn’t fit him. I hope he doesn’t go, I’m loving the budding romance between him and Fifth Harmony’s Normani. Totes adorbs.
Song: “Last Dance” by Donna Summer
Great song choice and loved the lipstick. It was by far her best performance, but that’s not saying much. Cute girl and nice personality, but she would never make it near the Top 12 on American Idol or get any of the judges on The Voice to turn around during the blinds.
Song: “Hero” by Mariah Carey
Here’s a point to ponder. Why does a girl group with five vocalists need background singers? Seems redundant, don’t you think? Minus a mic gaffe by Dinah and a few off-key moments by the other girls, it was one of the highlights for me this week. Based on performances we’ve seen, if these girls don’t make the finals it’ll be a travesty.
Song: “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
Yes, Carly Rose has a great voice and didn’t embarrass herself on this Titanic classic, but I just don’t get the overwhelming love for her. Numerous of my friends went cray cray over this performance on Facebook. Some declared she had the competition in the bag, while others claimed it was almost on par with Celine’s version. Sacrilegious people, sacrilegious. The producers surely do love her. She had the most flattering camera angles of the night. The sweeping shots capturing the chandeliers were gorgeous.
Song: “Let’s Stay Together” by Tina Turner
Another solid vocal performance by Vino. Minus the cute son, I just find him sooooo unlikeable (to me). Given his age and the magnitude of this opportunity, he comes off cocky and a tad ungrateful. It’s a shame because I think his voice is to die for. Too bad Arin Ray and him didn’t have a Freaky Friday experience. Ray’s looks with this voice would be KILLAH.
Song: “No One” by Alicia Keys
Did anyone else think Emblem3 came off more humble this week? I guess placing in the middle of the pack with last week’s votes will do that. Admittedly, I’m a fan of theirs, especially the brothers, but I thought they killed it this week. Before the performance went to their usual ska comfort zone, I thought the beginning a capella part was fantastic. It’ll be interesting to see where they land this week with votes.
Song: “All By Myself” by Céline Dion
Props to the producers for giving CeCe a fighting chance. Usually having the pimp spot garners you safety for next week. That said, you also have to perform really well. She looked gorgeous tonight, but I thought she tried too hard and pushed her vocals too much. With exception to that long big money note, it was so wrong. Personally, I thought she should’ve sang “It’s All Coming Back” instead, since her backdrop emulated that Celine music video.
I think CeCe is dunzo. She’ll be the first elimination. Joining her in the bottom three will be LYRIC 145 and Arin Ray. Since Britney has four acts still, I see the judges saving LYRIC 145. Which two acts do you think will be leaving? Who was the best for you tonight? Sound off below.
To check out all high-res pics from this season, head over to our X Factor Season 2 gallery.
Mark O.
November 15th, 2012 at 8:06 am
Did anyone noticed the whistle note by Ally around the 3:00 mark?
Mardie
November 15th, 2012 at 8:33 am
I miss my cousin, Dinah. I wish her the best!!!
Tyson
November 15th, 2012 at 11:22 am
What is it with all the judge fighting that goes on? It seems like they spent more time during Cece’s performance to make short snappy comments at each other, rather then to actually critique and help make her a better performer.
prettyliesuglytruth
November 15th, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Carly’s song choice could’ve gone so wrong but it was a refreshing take on a song that has been beat to death. Flawless! Fifth Harmony was also amazing. Ally’s whistle note, wow. A real homage to Mariah. Jennel still has promise. She has a gorgeous voice, I’m rooting for her. Cece’s got to go, sorry. Still don’t get Emblem3, bleh.
Doug
November 15th, 2012 at 1:21 pm
I really thought u were smarter than to think so one-dimentionally. I think theres a reason no one from the Voice makes it after the show. Its not just about having a good voice. Yes, vocally the voice’s contestants as a whole are stronger than xfactor but some of the xfactor contestants would KILL the voice as far as performing on stage. The voice’s whole audition process is ridiculous. Lets let ppl thru solely based on their voice. We cant see what they look like or how they look on stage. It takes more than a voice and thats been proven. The Xfactor contestants have the whole package. Your statement really pissed me off. Sry end rant.
Tyrone
November 15th, 2012 at 1:29 pm
If u hate the show then why doesnt someone else do the articles?
Samantha
November 15th, 2012 at 1:58 pm
Im disappointed to hear you write off the show bc you think the voice’s contestants are better singers! Wth is that!? Its called The Voice so dont u think its a given theyre gonna have incredible voices!? But i mean look at Madonna, britney, katy perry, rihanna, Kesha… Theyre huge stars and theyve never been known for their voices.
Tommy D
November 15th, 2012 at 2:54 pm
@Tyson – The Judges fighting is like a requirement. It’s SO stupid and it cheapens the show.
I still think Jennel has the most potential POST X factor to have a career. Fifth Harmony are just 5 solo singers taking terns. They aren’t a girl group, they aren’t working together to create harmonies.
Carly was good, Diamond was good, Tate was fine. The rest I dont care about.