The Top 8 singers take on classic #1 hits on The X Factor – Photo: FOX
The X Factor returned to the Fox airwaves on Wednesday night as the Top 8 singers performed #1 chart topping hits ahead of the next round of eliminations.
Although it was all about the Top 8 and #1 hits on Wednesday, Will.i.am and Britney Spears debuted their new video for “Scream and Shout” before the judges got back to business and Demi Lovato got “Rickrolled” X Factor style on national television.
Diamond White kicked off the night with Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” in front of back-up dancers and a larger production. The upbeat Whitney hit was a nice change of pace for Diamond who won over fans with ballads the last two weeks. Although Demi wanted more from the performance, Simon felt that there was nothing else the 13-year old could have done to show her range. It was another solid outing for Diamond White.
Vino Alan took on The Righteous Brothers classic “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” in what turned out to be the night’s most awkward performance. Last minute changes made by mentor L.A. Reid weakened the song’s arrangement and likely cost Vino his Top 3 ranking. Despite a strong vocal performance, Vino could be trouble for the first time.
Paige Thomas “Rickrolled” Demo Lovato by singing the Rick Astley hit “Never Gonna Give You Up” against the advice of her mentor. With back-up dancers in tow, Paige channeled her inner pop-star to regain the confidence from her first audition. It was THE performance Paige needed to move up in the rankings.
Fifth Harmony gave an emotional performance of Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” after a difficult week for Ally Brooks whose grandfather passed away. The girls raised their vocal game, found the necessary emotional connection to the lyrics, and nailed the song. Although they didn’t quite work the stage or crowd the way the could have, the girls were spot on the money when it came to vocal harmony.
Carly Rose Sonenclar took on the original version of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” to give fans another great performance. Although “Rolling in the Deep” wasn’t the best we’ve heard from the young singer, especially on the heels of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” it definitely wasn’t the worst. Like L.A. Reid said, however, even Carly’s second best is better than everyone’s best.
Tate Stevens hit The X Factor stage for a spirited performance of Keith Urban’s “I Want to Love Somebody Like You.” Although Simon didn’t love Tate’s country style dance moves, the performance was fun, catchy, and just what Stevens needed to reclaim first place in the rankings.
Cece Frey came out swinging on Patti Labelle’s “Lady Marmalade.” The Cece Frey formula has been hard to decipher all season, and last night’s performance was no different. Dressed like a giant cupcake, Frey’s stage production was more like Willy Wonka than The X Factor. Although CeCe gave a strong vocal performance, Simon told her she’d better pack a suitcase. Ouch!
Emblem3 closed the show with The Monkees favorite “I’m a Believer.” Despite the odd song choice, the trio proved they can rock a crowd with any tune. But the judges were split of the group’s routine. Both L.A. and Simon loved it while Britney and Demi were “meh” over the song. Were the Monkees too much for Emblem3? Good but not great. We doubt they’ll move into the Top 3.
Who got your vote on last night’s X Factor?