The X Factor Boot Camp phase began on Wednesday as the judges prepared to cut the field of 120 singers in half by the end of the episode.
Although there were plenty of stand out auditions on The X Factor, nerves and incorrect song choices were two of the biggest reasons why 60 contestants were sent home, including a few early favorites.
It was a “sing for your life” round on Wednesday night’s X Factor as the singers tried to book one of 24 spots at the Judge’s Homes to be mentored by Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, Britney Spears and Demi Lovato.
The contestants arrived in Miami at the luxurious Mondrian Hotel to give each a chance to experience the high life of the music business.
Once everyone settled into the sun of in Miami, however, the judges wasted no time at Boot Camp.
First up was Diamond White, who took a huge risk with Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing”. The gamble paid off and the judges were blown away. Afterward, the other singers looked worried. No one wanted to follow such an amazing performance.
From there, the army of X Factor singers marched on stage one by one as the rest of the field watched from the sidelines. It was Boot Camp time for such singers as Austin Corini, David Correy, Lyric Da Queen (who was ah-mazing!), Carly Rose Sonenclar, and Jason Brock.
When it came time for Jessica Espinoza, who had a great first audition, she shivered with nerves in front of the judges and was all over the place with her rendition of “When You Believe”, the famous Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston duet. After such an emotional set-up, not to mention a cringe-worthy performance, viewers knew it it was the end of the road for Jessica.
Prior to taking the stage, the adorable Jennel Garcia made quick friends with fellow singer Jillian Jensen. When it came time to prove her vocal worth, Jennel belted out Gavin DeGraw’s “Sweeter” for one of the sexiest performances of the night. Fire alarms aside, Jennel gave it her all to advance into the second phase of Boot Camp.
As the singers continued to make their way onstage, The X Factor took a turn for the worse. What are two cardinal rules in a singing competition? Don’t lose your cool or forget the lyrics.
Tarah Simon (and her weird vocal prep) was one of the day’s biggest disappointments. Her performance of Queen’s “Somebody to Love” was just too much yet somehow she made it through. Next time, hopefully Tarah will wear some pants.
To wind down the first Boot Camp performances, Cece Frey and Paige Thomas both took on the tall order of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”. As expected, neither singer was as spectacular as Whitney or even last year’s winner, Melanie Amaro. The edge went to CeCe. It’s true that she can sing, but her diva-like behavior may come back to haunt her.
After the long parade of singers, it was finally on to the first round of boot camp cuts. To make it easier, the judges split the contestants into three groups.
Out of the first group, early favorites Josh Cuthbert, Diamond White, Jennel Garcia, Paige Thomas, Carly Rose Sonenclar all made it through into day two of Boot Camp.
For the second group, which had Jessica Espinoza, Rizzloe Jones, Trevor Moran, and Jake Garza, who couldn’t even perform effectively because he was so nervous. L.A. Reid delivered the bad news that everyone in group two was going home. It was hard to watch but they all tanked their auditions.
The final group had Cece Frey and 17-year old Willie Jones. Although The X Factor cranked up the suspense, it was clear both were through to the next round.
What did you think of the first Boot Camp on The X Factor?