'X Factor' Recap - Top 13 Part II

I worked on my college TV news show for a few years and ran graphics for a dozen or so shows. So I emphasize with the X Factor graphics guy for what was, undoubtedly, a very tense post-show meeting. If you haven’t already heard, the graphics department messed up on Wednesday and rendered the whole night of voting unusable. It was unlucky for the graphics guy and unlucky (you’d think) for the contestants but it was actually very lucky for us viewers as the second night of performances (all culled from the contestants “Save Me” songs) was probably the best night of singing so far this season.

Part of this has to do with the fact that, because the show was largely put together in 24 hours, the producers didn’t have time to muck every song up with back-up dancers and hideous sets. With the contestants just standing still and singing, we really got to see and judge exactly how far they’ve come. And without the burden of a theme, each singer had free reign to be themselves.

Josh Levi: * * * *
“Stay” was a perfect song choice for Josh as it showed off his R&B runs and actually let him connect to the audience. For once, I actually got Josh’s appeal. Nice job.

Rachel Potter: * * * * ½
First of all, X Factor, you really messed up another graphic less than 20 minutes into a show based fully around screwed up graphics? What’s going on in that control room? Anyway, Rachel’s take on “Anyway” by Martina McBride started a tad low and rocky but it was smooth sailing once she hit the chorus. If you’ve kept up with my recaps, you know I have a bit of a musical crush on Rachel, so I’m gonna stop before I have to come up with new synonyms for her talent.

Carlos Guevara: * *
Poor Carlos. I really want to like him but, unlike some of the others of the night, he couldn’t really redeem himself. I didn’t know Carlos’ song, “Cannonball,” and had a hard time tracking it down since I could really understand only the title word. It was a fine track, but Carlos’ delivery was muddled, muddy and dull.

Restless Road: * * *
I should start off by saying that “Don’t You Wanna Stay” was probably Restless Road’s best performance to date. Perhaps without the distracting choreography and set pieces they could concentrate on actually singing. That being said, my feelings on RR (well documented here and here) haven’t really changed. And is it a bad sign that they drowned out their vocals in the second half with an overbearing chorus?

Ellona Santiago: * * * * ½
Before we get to Ellona, I have to wonder out loud why we don’t have time for any comments from the judges but do have time for a 2 minute long Covergirl ad. Sort of like Josh, Ellona finally connected emotionally to the audience while singing “Titanium.” I wish it had been transposed a half step higher, especially for the first verse, but the rest was gangbusters. It was her best vocal and best performance by a long mile.

Jeff Gutt: * * *
I’m not sure why I keep getting this poser vibe from Jeff. He seems like a nice enough guy, humble and sweet, and he has real rock sensibility. But, for some reason, his Phil Collins tune just felt a bit too overwrought and karaoke-ish. Perhaps he just needs to connect more personally with his song choice or find more contemporary tunes, but I still see potential in Jeff that hasn’t come to fruition.

Alex & Sierra: * * * * ½
I loved just about everything in this performance except for the girls that screamed after every musical phrase. Their take on Ed Sheeran’s “Give Me Love” proved two things: Sierra is actually quite a good solo singer, good enough, in fact, for a career sans Alex. Also, it showed me that A&S do have some marketable potential. Might I suggest ”Paperweight” for next week?

Khaya Cohen: * * * * *
Duffy’s “Distant Dreamer” was the perfect song for Khaya. It showed off her bluesy vibe but made it contemporary and showed her versatility. I just love her. For anyone, she’s amazing, but for a teenager? I’m sort of blown away. This was, by far, her best performance and, dare I say it, the best vocal of the season so far.

Carlito Olivero: * * ½
“If You’re Not The One” by Daniel Bedingfield is the kind of music I’d expect Carlito to make, if only with a Latino twist. But I was kinda bored with the whole thing. His vocals were fine, if we discount that pretty bad falsetto note, but nothing to faun over either.

Lillie McCloud: * * * *
What else to say about Lillie? She’s a star and a diva. And she picked a great song, “Who Wants To Live Forever” by Queen (perhaps a subtle jab at her “dated” comments?). I felt like it just got going when it ended, but maybe that’s a crotchety way of saying I wanted to hear more.

Sweet Suspense: * * *
I give SS credit for trying something a bit more heartfelt, but “That Should Be Me” left me cold. Summer is clearly the best singer here, and while she’s on lead it’s pretty good, but overall it was pretty weak.

Rion Page: * * *
A countrified take on “Born This Way” was a wise move for Rion. I’m not sure why the first half of the song was overly breathy and strained on the higher notes. But I was happy Rion went for the big belt in the second half, although even that felt strained. Maybe her voice is just tired. But even with a mediocre vocal, Rion still has so much charisma and charm, you just want to watch her.

Tim Olstad: * * ½
I almost refuse to comment anyone who will choose to sing “I Believe I Can Fly.” Some of the runs were good, some were messy and – you know what, he’s singing “I Believe I Can Fly?” Therefore I can’t take him seriously. That’s all, folks.

Image Courtesy of Fox