2. Just how many auto-tune machines did they burn out trying to get that song processed?
3. Buy.A.Gaydar. and stop trying to molest anyone that sets it off.
Ag Potion Number Nine
So everyone performs, will we get the over the top production values of the UK version? How will they settle the CBS studio bathroom wars with DWTS (does this mean X factor uses the same stage as Idol as they are also across the hall from DWTS).Can we get a Brit-off between Simon and Len Live on two networks as a cross over?
Keep all info on the shows here until the West Coast witnesses who melts down first, the ones sent home without a public vote, or the judges.
My fairly safe predictions for the night:Paula will not eliminate one of the artificial groups.
Performance doesn't matter. The other judges are keeping their favorites: actual evidence to the contrary will be dismissed on autopilot.
We'd have a lot of fuming viewers at the end of this marathon if we had any viewers who cared at all.
The Worsters are gonna be pissed.
I think the Bad Pun and Bad Drag Queen name groups are probably safe as well. They've put way too much manufacturing into them, and they likely fit in the targeted demographic profile.I agree that they will care more about their favs than who really brings it.
As for viewers/worsters it is kind of a toss up. There are enough worster candidates that a few will go through which will peeve the "this is a singing competition" crowd, but not enough will get through for the worsters.
However, Jedward got a lot of preferential treatment based on what they said, so I think they will keep at least some performers for the sheer WTFitude they can bring. It does do the ratings good.
It just feels like there's no point to watching this when performance doesn't matter and we don't get any kind of say in the results. It's basically the world's longest extra audition episode.
17 acts remain.The competition goes live, 5 acts must be eliminated, and the judges decide who of their category goes home.
Introing who has which group and who is in the group.
It's Time
To Face
The Music
Normally, I would call this pure corn. But in honor of the approaching holiday, I'll just call it pure candy corn.This show has a host?
I think this is the first time they've called him Steve Jones on the air.Dramatic operatic entrance for the judges.
They need to get their judge to put them through. Compete for a 5 million dollar recording contract and Pepsi commercial.
Simon doesn't want to get rid of anyone, but it has to happen.
First to sing live is the Boys, then LA will put three through. Sending one act home tonight if you haven't figured that out already.
Because he's been auditioning under his real name the whole time and that.must.stop.Gets some dancers. Rapping to Jump Jump.
Nicole. No better way to kick off the live performance, jumping out of my skin, should be easy for LA.Paula, what you will be doing the rest of your life, welcome to the business, makes a nepotism joke.
Simon. Most obnoxious contestant, came on 14 years old live and killed it. LA if this kid doesn't make it through you are insane.
You are the next generation.LA. You made it tough on the other categories.
Standard (and accurate) comment: I wanted to stick my fingers in my ears. And then I did. (For the record: it didn't help.)Dark comment: The more I watch him, the more I understand why rappers are the artists most likely to get shot. Not that I want to see the kid hurt, but if a really close shockwave made him stop...
Multi-judge commentary! Simon going for early sabotage!
Now says 6 months clean and sober.Love Don't Live Here Anymore. On stage alone.
Seems his voice is thinner and strained a bit to sing this song. Some note had good tone, but not nearly enough.Nicole. Are you enjoying this. This is your moment. Strong performance, don't know if I would have picked that song for you. You did your thing on it.
Paula. When you open your mouth to sing genuine truthfulness, spiritual connection deliver every single time.
Simon. Not the best singer, one of the best recording artists. you did something with this that was unusual, pushed you, your nerves came through. Gotta see you on the show.
LA. We like the unpredictable, you did a great job.
spiritual connection'You know the difference between you and me? You stopped taking drugs.'
I don't believe Autotune isn't being used here.I'm not sure this isn't a lip-synch to a prerecorded performance. (This is not a slam on Chris: there was just something very odd about the timing on words versus shots of his mouth.)
And I really can't believe no one's thrown anything through the giant screens yet.
That was painful. More painful then the numerous times I listened to that song and sobbed my little teenage heart out. (Im 40 now so its all good)
I'm A Believer.Gets some dancers and up on a plexiglass riser above the stage.
Can't sing for them worth a nickel...
Nicole. Wish you had some personality and charm. kidding.Paula. Tough job having women hang on you and you did it fine. You know how to connect with an audience.
Simon. Day one you stood out for me. Like a Racing driver and LA put you into a tractor. Song was too cheap and too caberet. LA you 100% failed.
LA. You stepped out of your comfort zone you find yourself. Pay that no mind, your fine.
Steve says the Reid and Simon rivalry begins.
Spotlight on a dark stage to start.Do You Really Want To Hurt Me
After the first bit goes uptempo (didn't recognize it slow) and gets dancers that stay in the back rather than being up on him.That was odd.
Nicole. You just make it look too easy. You were born to be on that stage.
Paula. Like watching a bettering on stage, connecting and staring at us. You own that stage.
Simon. Right at the end of making a decision. Understood there was $5 million and Pepsi, and a brilliant choice in song by LA. Don't want to be doing what you will have to do.
LA. You stepped up to the plate once again. Huge fan of yours. You stepped up and made me proud.
While that song title is just begging for snark, the fact is that I felt he had the best performance in the group with arguably the worst choice.And with that said: watch him go home. It should be Astro, but Reid has dollar signs in his eyes...
Paula. is. stoned.
Bring back the boys on stage.Only three of the four can go through.
First Boy through is...Astro
Second Boy through is...MarcusChris vs Phillip
This is really hard, Chris Rene you are through.
"First boy through is -- Astro!"*trap door opens*
"And also the last."
Given Reid's Crush That Dare Not Speak Its Contract Skimming on the rapper, the result was about as good as it could have been. But still -- skewed.
YikesGroups up next.
You got me, no idea.Try a little tenderness??
A mash up of styles there.LA. That was really good. Come a long way. Put in the work, Paula you did a great job with this one, it was really good.
Nicole. That was fool proof, solid, current and classic at the same time.
Simon. Mouth won't say it. Paula you did a really good job. I love this. Nothing in the charts like you. Great mix, choreography was great.
Paula. You trusted me, Love you.
A mash up of styles there.I think you meant to say 'Large Hadron Collider'. Complete with resulting micro-collapse point of svck.
They trusted Paula. There are stupider moves, but most people don't live long enough to report them.
*snort*
I think the stage lights were trying to keep us from having to watch the act. Sadly, no such favor was performed on the audio. (And I still got to see the supposed group playing Ring Around The Rosie -- Live!) And then we got the judges' commentary, which translated to 'Agenda. Agenda. Agenda' and mostly wasn't even that subtle.If you were a member of 4Shore, how many murders would you be fantasizing right now?
Will be able to vote for your favorite acts on twitter, but next week, not now.Paula trying to get them to engage with the audience.
Playing guitar and mandolin?. Rich Girl.
And A Mash up of that with Faith.Dancers sit on the floor for most of that for no apparent reason, now stand around them clapping.
LA. This one you were good. This was outside of Paula's comfort zone. Different for her. She disagrees. I don't know if I was blown away, but it was good.
Nicole. If I was a teenager I'd have you all over my walls.
Simon. I think you have progressed. Remind people it is a $5 million contract. Choreography throw away.
Paula. I think you came a long way. I think you nailed it. Unique sound and I am proud of you.
So after I throw their heart back on the floor, do I get to step on it?Ridiculously short exert, even given the time constraints from endless judge blabbing. I think they've being set up as the victims of the week to preserve the Frankensteins. Not that this performance didn't earn it (to date) -- but it feels as if they were coached to svck.
'Next week, we ignore your opinion. This week, you don't even get to have one!'
On a jungle gym.The Clapping Song mashed up with Footloose.
That one girl shouldn't get any more solos.
(possibly more than one).LA. Really impressive, for a group that was put together, gelled and entertaining.
Nicole. I hope you all are enjoying this. My little pumpkins.
Simon. The equivalent of a music miracle. Loved the two songs, footloose is current. I would look at you and say I have the new young Glee in front of me. I think there is a fan base.
Paula (Elona the girl in the red jacket Simon mentions). I'm very proud of you.
...what?That's it. Get Paula's cup away from Nicole, now.
Everybody cut them loose!
Yep, they really need to make sure they don't mix up the cups.
Kind of a mess in rehearsals.Staring on stools.
Come on Eileen.
Extra people on the edges for no reason.LA. If the four of you walked into my office you would be signed. I love everything about you.
Nicole. You make girl groups look good. Look like a family together.
Simon. Most of the best pop groups, someone put talented people together. I agree with LA, a gap in the market for a group like you. I can see you have geled. Paula you have done an incredible job on these groups. It is really annoying.
Paula. Learned a lot about you. You had a lot to prove tonight.
The sound of the lights going down was more rehearsed than anything they came up with. (And I'm learning to hate that sound.)Also, I would like to break the stage into sixty-four million and fifteen pieces.
Worked with 22 out of the 33 in this competition. Not everyone can win that prize. Let's do it. Steve stop asking me how I am going to do it.Welcome Back the Groups.
The first group that is through to the final 12 is. Stereo Hogzz.
The second group going through is Lakoda Rain.
InTENsity vs Brewer Boys.
You have been put through the paces with me. A lot growing as artists. I believe in both of you.
The third group is Intensity.
So unlike Idol they aren't going to see if they can break the record for going over?
I think it's more that Simon will be the only one allowed to ramble on.For Paula, they can just wire the seat. Or for preference, her jaw.
Called it.And if there were three Frankensteins, no one else would have gotten through.
Extra safe predictions: no one calls Fakethis on her crap and she's put through to the voting rounds. FOX will ignore this for as long as it takes -- unless they decide admission will get them the ratings they've been begging for. She'd better hope the numbers don't sink...
Nicole is distracted by Simon and doesn't get the cue to announce who is next.Nicole scared as he has lyric issues.
Womanizer? I Kissed A Girl?
Jesus couldn't save that.Nationwide jaw muscle failure.
Every Messiah and Godling ever created couldn't have saved that.
Technically, Thor could have put a hammer through him and saved the rest of us.
With the Matrix Back up dancers?Nicole seems to have liked this. What the heck?
LA. I think you found Dexter. Really proud of you. I have to say I don't know what Nicole was thinking to give you those songs.
Paula. I know you like to kiss girls. She kissed a girl and I liked it?
Simon. It felt so wrong, this combination the weirdest milkshake in the world, but I kind of liked it. I like you. You are interesting and unpredictable.
Nicole. So proud of you. You remembered the lyrics and just a rock star up there. The deX factor.
I think you found DexterI think Reid found LSD.
Now 60 years old.Nobody Knows--Pink
Nicole likes to make the boys shop in the girls section doesn't she.He didn't get much in the way of special effects.
LA. I would have given you a better song. There is nothing missing, don't know why you aren't a star.
Paula. You know how much I love you. Your voice is velvet. Your voice is pure magic tonight.
Simon. One of the best voices in this competition. There is a lack of confidence and awkwardness. I wish I was mentoring you. Thinks Nicole hasn't connected with him.
Nicole says she did put the time in. She was so proud of him. Grown so much.
It's never too late.Until Nicole idiotically bumps him out to keep Fakethis.
Fighting for her life, just a stay at home Mom, you know.One More Try
*click*
Gets Choir backup on the song.LA. This time you got it right Nicole. Really proud of you. You aren't crying so don't start.
Paula. You came out looking like a star. Told a beautiful story. Punch line at the end. Brilliant delivery.
Simon. You know how much I like you. I didn't like what you were wearing, or the song, you are not that kind of singer. You are a church singer. Would have done something that was the kind of record you should be making. This needs a massive shift in the right direction.
Nicole. This moment it all gave you wings. You look gorgeous sound gorgeous.
Simon what do you mean it gave her wings.
Nicole she soared tonight.
Stacey wants to be a pop star.
Steven cuts them off.
Vom. It.
Nicole misses her cue again. They really need to keep her out of Paula's cup.Forever Young.
Here's what I got from that:'Fo'ey yang -- fo'ey yang...'
Apparently everyone gets access to Paula's cup. Except me. And I'm starting to need it.
Dirge version.Is that a couple dancing way in the back behind him, much faster than he's singing.
LA. Josh you ahve one of my favorite voices. I love your energy everything about you.
Paula. It has been a pleasure getting to know you. Love your voice, love you to pieces.
Simon. You are the artist I fear, have it all going on. Brilliant choice of song, understated. You are the real deal. Best performance.
Nicole wants props as is is all about here. Your voice ripped into the air I am so proud of you, and did she say he didn't do anything she told him to I didn't quite get that.
She is going to wing it. Asks how much Simon is annoying her.Welcome back the over 30s.
The first person going through to the final twelve is...Ms. Stacy Francis.
The second act through. Josh.
Dexter vs Leroy Bell.
Such a hard decision. My category is special. Steve tries to speed her up.
Third through is Leroy Bell.
Poor Dexter.
Cast To Lose.First time I've ever felt even remotely sorry -- for Nicole. There was a moment when she looked as if she desperately wanted to explain to him just how he'd been used and why. Not necessarily apologize at all -- just make him understand why, in her eyes, it had to be done.
Just because it's a prank that ruins your life doesn't mean you shouldn't laugh about it -- right?
This is where the talent starts says Simon.Just Be Good To me
That was truly unfortunate. In every way.
I don't think Simon knows what that word means.That felt like she choked.
LA. Have to explain this. Everything but the choice in contestant. Don't Get it. Must be really rich 5 million doesn't mean much to you. I love you it is him I worry about.
Nicole. That wasn't predictable at all. Chilly in here. Looked like a Dive Star I am proud of you.
Paula. Looked the part, which there weren't as many dancers.
Simon. I think all this is intended to upset you. You are a pop star, right you came on with dancers Maybe you are out of touch LA.
How many backup dancers does it take to create a sight/sound wall?...clearly not enough.
Why have them introduce them when Steve does that before they throw to commercial?13 years old and in 9th grade.
Where Did Our Love Go/Baby Baby
Simon didn't look pleased.Almost sounds like the sound people are screwing with the girls mic as it seems the same thing is off with hers as with Simone's.
Sounds better on the Baby Baby parts of the song.
LA. I love you girl. You could have a career in music or much bigger, you'd make a terrific actress.
Nicole, you are my little miss sunshine. Not sure why your mentor chose that song, would have shown you what you are capable of.
Paula. you can run for president. You are the most likeable. Also thinks needed a song with more range.
Simon. Audience will disagree with Squiggly and Diddly here. I needed to show you are a Retro artist and a Pop artist.
Meet the one Wardrobe hates.I have no doubt that she's through tonight. I just find it mildly ironic that after years of Simon telling contestants they picked exactly the wrong song to try and save themselves, the rest of the panel is making a point of telling him he's making the wrong choices to showcase everyone else. Hello, karma...
14 years old.Simon says if she screws up she is out.
What A Feeling.
LAST EDITED ON 10-25-11 AT 10:12 PM (EST)Starts way slowed down so you can hear every crack and wobble in her voice.
Dove Fountains in the background.
LA. You have an amazing voice, the whole package. What Pains me is I have to give Simon a compliment. That was so good. You're a star good.
Nicole. It was really good Simon. So ethereal. My little folk princess. I would go to your concert. Took my breath away.
Paula. Showed your vulnerability way beyond your years.
Simon. This is why I wanted to be back on American TV to find someone like you. I like all of my girls. And I'm going to have a horrible decision to make.
You will believe a note can weight ten thousand pounds.That song came close to crushing her. The arrangement was the vise. And the rest of the panel praised it because Simon does have the seats wired and he just showed them the button. Ultra-showdown of a song that didn't need it and came across as a near-suicidal irony -- except that this would have been an assisted death.
No idea who Simon's putting through right now.
Dedicated to Cruella and Deville. says Simon.Sweet Dreams
Gets Vocals in the Backing Track, Very Odd Gothy Dancers and Staging.Tiah looks pissed at the end of that.
LA. Great Production, everything but the kitchen sink, you are one of his favorites.
Nicole. Pouting. If that was a sweet dream I'd hate to see what a scary one was like. Looked fierce, you were committed.
Paula. I give you credit, you have this fierce drive about you. You will have to work on your pitch.
Simon. You two are so predictable you will never like her. Worked her nuts off and you are like two spiteful little cats. I thought you did great.
Dear Tiah,You are currently being abused. Not as badly as the song is, but -- abused. Run away now.
We now have a new form of contestant disposal. Simon did not throw her under the bus. This arrangement is a catapult into rotating helicopter blades. One fine red mist later, down to four...
That? Was a horror show. One fatality.
So the theory is that if Astro can get through without singing, so can she?
Were any of those notes on key? It was just awful. And Simone Battle's performance was too. I had to post about them- makes you think they were also cast to lose.
that was the Marilyn Manson versionat least she was gracious at end and not a DAW pimper like Simone
LAST EDITED ON 10-27-11 AT 11:36 PM (EST)Did anyone notice Sonya Tayeh and Allison from SYTYCD during the rehearsal footage for this performance? You can definitely see her twistedness in the choreography. I think Allison was part of the pair dancing behind Josh Burrito Maker, too. Pretty sad when I get more excited about spotting them, then I did about any of the singing.
Edited: to remove siggie because I've never posted in a show forum with a lot of posts before and forgot you were supposed to leave the siggie at home.
thanks for heads up..I'll look for SYTYCD alum
She once was cut and now is back.I Have Nothing, simple production on this.
Simon tries to make the audience louder.LA. We really did save the best for last. Predictable, but doesn't matter you nailed it.
Nicole. I just connect with you every time. So Special.
Paula. So grateful that he believed in you and brought you back.
Simon. Thank you three for giving me this opportunity. Now have to make the hardest decision I've ever made.
What, keep girls to peeve off the other judges???
Well, she deserved to be here, yelling and all. And I think she'll stay -- this feels like Simone and Tiah going out. But...
I'm a bit surprised both of them went, just to peeve off the other people, but he probably reads the polls and went with that.
LAST EDITED ON 10-25-11 AT 10:32 PM (EST)Has 4 he wants to go through. OMG a top 13???? Or will the make him stick with it this time.
Who is the first girl going to the final 12. Start with the easiest. Future recording star...Drew.
Who is the second girl...I like to listen to the audience, go with my gut. America wants Rachel Crow
Simone, Tiah and Melanie at risk.
Simon one name.
Made a decision. Crowd Chanting Melanie. May come as a surprise. I am going to put through the finals, she could win this competiton, Melanie Amaro.
And Simone manages to plug her video before they rush to finish the show.
I'm hot tonight!I'm hot every night: I'm just not generally this good at picks.
Are we done? Is this the final group? Any more games to play other than the standard ones where no vote is ever counted? Good. Then maybe we can get on with it.
LAST EDITED ON 10-26-11 AT 12:01 PM (EST)So, this was "cut bait" night? We're going to lure you with these weird gimmick people and then before you can vote for them, cut them so that none of them actually make it through. Okay.
What was with all of the bizarre song choices? Why oh why, if you're going to cut the bait gimmicks anyway, make them sing awful songs? Dexter's songs? Philip's? Tiah's? Geez. Even the "Chad the Douchebag" brothers got hosed (where is mrc, is he watching this? I need to borrow his sig.) I didn't even like Philip, but dressing him like a crooner and then giving him a "I'm a Believer" with crazy back-up dancers was just doom. And Philip knew it.
The back-up dancers were obnoxious. I think I liked Josh because his gig lacked the upstaging back-up dancer posse. (I know, he had the dancers way in the back, but really, who noticed them?)
There was a kind of sweet, sad poetry in Tiah. "Sweet Dreams" in that creepy minor key, with creepy dancers, with the scary outfit. . . pretty much sums up her X-Factor experience, doesn't it? Yes, Tiah, some of them want to use you, some of them want to abuse you... but they're letting you live the dream, right? I feel sorry for her. Hold your head up, Tiah. Keep your head up.
I love Steve Jones, the Scottish Time Hammer. The first time he sharply cut Paula's blathering I said, "not smooth, not-Seacrest" but as the night went on and he kept cutting people off to keep with the clock I started laughing. I kept waiting for him to simply yell, "SILENCE!"
Stacey = blah. Glad LA Reid told her not to cry.
Please tell me why this show is so different from American Idol?
I personally like it better than Idol because I think the judges are 100 times better. They will actually judge and not just say to everyone every week(you were just amazing)The main reason though for me is any age limit from 12 up and groups being included as well.
They didn't, though. They told all of the contestants that they were great (except for Tiah) and instead the judges argued and sniped at each other over styling and song choice. That's fine, but it's not exactly criticism of the artist, constructive or otherwise.
Yeah you're right, they only criticized a few last night but I think that will change when voting starts. Tiah and Simone because they all knew neither should have been there. A couple others too but not a lot yet.What I don't like is the judges favoritism to there group. I hope now that we are down to 12 that they all endorse and criticize who deserves it. I mean what is Simon going to do if one of his 3 girls don't win it? He will have to endorse the winner as he pays 5 million and need them to be a star.
I know they are mentoring each in there group but they all need to not just give there's a pass if they weren't great.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ayzIELTsO04Watch in silence. Comment in screaming.
1. I thought the flag hooker shoes were a treasonous offense, until I saw the shorts.2. Just how many auto-tune machines did they burn out trying to get that song processed?
3. Buy.A.Gaydar. and stop trying to molest anyone that sets it off.
Ag Potion Number Nine
I think I'm going to throw up!! She pimped that last night, I assume she knew she was history.
She was so bad, I turned off the sound on that last night!