Keep all discussion of the fresh new horrors unleashed upon us by the top 7 and their mentors on this thread until the West Coast (or their cats) come back out from under the bed when it is all over.

• RE: X-Factor USA Top 7 Performance ECST,Estee, 07:53 PM, 11-30-11
  • RE: X-Factor USA Top 7 Performance ECST,Snidget, 09:09 PM, 11-30-11
• Time To Face The Music,Snidget, 09:02 PM, 11-30-11
  • RE: Time To Face The Music,Estee, 09:06 PM, 11-30-11
• Cosmic nose!,Estee, 09:03 PM, 11-30-11
• Judge Ego Stroking Session.,Snidget, 09:04 PM, 11-30-11
  • RE: Judge Ego Stroking Session.,Estee, 09:09 PM, 11-30-11
• And we are dragging the family into this,Snidget, 09:06 PM, 11-30-11
  • RE: And we are dragging the family into this,Estee, 09:08 PM, 11-30-11
    • RE: And we are dragging the family into this,Snidget, 09:10 PM, 11-30-11
      • Stop calling that kid Blanket!,moonbaby, 09:19 PM, 11-30-11
        • RE: Stop calling that kid Blanket!,Snidget, 09:22 PM, 11-30-11
          • Maybe it says Woobie,moonbaby, 09:30 PM, 11-30-11
            • RE: Maybe it says Woobie,Estee, 09:48 PM, 11-30-11
            • RE: Maybe it says Woobie,frodis, 11:01 PM, 11-30-11
              • RE: Maybe it says Woobie,Tummy, 10:19 AM, 12-01-11
• Josh Krajcik,Snidget, 09:13 PM, 11-30-11
  • RE: Josh Krajcik,Snidget, 09:17 PM, 11-30-11
    • Simon is hilarious,moonbaby, 09:20 PM, 11-30-11
    • WGWG,Estee, 09:20 PM, 11-30-11
• Astro's dilemna.,Estee, 09:22 PM, 11-30-11
• Astro aka Brian,Snidget, 09:25 PM, 11-30-11
  • RE: Astro aka Brian,Snidget, 09:29 PM, 11-30-11
    • RE: Astro aka Brian,Estee, 09:32 PM, 11-30-11
  • ABC,moonbaby, 09:32 PM, 11-30-11
    • *counts Astro's votes*,Estee, 09:34 PM, 11-30-11
• Overload.,Estee, 09:36 PM, 11-30-11
• Drew,Snidget, 09:37 PM, 11-30-11
  • *yawn*,moonbaby, 09:39 PM, 11-30-11
    • RE: *yawn*,Estee, 09:46 PM, 11-30-11
  • RE: Drew,Snidget, 09:42 PM, 11-30-11
  • Ibid. (For details, see prior performances.),Estee, 09:42 PM, 11-30-11
    • RE: Ibid. (For details, see prior performances.),Tummy, 10:29 AM, 12-01-11
• Rachel Crow,Snidget, 09:50 PM, 11-30-11
  • RE: Rachel Crow,Snidget, 09:53 PM, 11-30-11
  • Nope,moonbaby, 09:55 PM, 11-30-11
  • Short answer?,Estee, 09:55 PM, 11-30-11
• Marcus Canty,Snidget, 10:00 PM, 11-30-11
  • RE: Marcus Canty,Estee, 10:03 PM, 11-30-11
  • RE: Marcus Canty,Snidget, 10:04 PM, 11-30-11
    • He's so cute,moonbaby, 10:08 PM, 11-30-11
    • RE: Marcus Canty,Estee, 10:13 PM, 11-30-11
• Y'know...,Estee, 10:08 PM, 11-30-11
• Chris Rene,Snidget, 10:11 PM, 11-30-11
  • RE: Chris Rene,Estee, 10:14 PM, 11-30-11
  • RE: Chris Rene,Snidget, 10:15 PM, 11-30-11
    • Melanie Amaro,Snidget, 10:22 PM, 11-30-11
    • RE: Chris Rene,JessicaRN, 01:48 AM, 12-01-11
  • oh no,moonbaby, 10:15 PM, 11-30-11
• Melanie Amaro,Snidget, 10:24 PM, 11-30-11
  • RE: Melanie Amaro,Snidget, 10:26 PM, 11-30-11
    • RE: Melanie Amaro,Estee, 10:29 PM, 11-30-11
  • Let the doctor go.,Estee, 10:27 PM, 11-30-11
  • Well,moonbaby, 10:28 PM, 11-30-11
• Not voting,moonbaby, 10:29 PM, 11-30-11
  • Who is?,Estee, 10:32 PM, 11-30-11
• Max's weekly dilemma.,Max Headroom, 09:58 AM, 12-01-11
  • RE: Max's weekly dilemma.,Snidget, 10:14 AM, 12-01-11
  • RE: Max's weekly dilemma.,agman, 06:36 PM, 12-01-11
• RE: X-Factor USA Top 7 Performance ECST,agman, 02:46 PM, 12-01-11
• This is not a photochop.,Estee, 02:53 PM, 12-01-11
  • RE: This is not a photochop.,agman, 06:23 PM, 12-01-11

We're approaching the point where the cats will become the majority of the audience: the ratings dipped below ten million. Which brings up the question of whether all these double-eliminations were previously scheduled, a desperate attempt to add drama, or the network trying to get this turkey off the air. Before, you could say 'It's a failure compared to what Simon predicted, but it still pulls better numbers than most of what could replace it.' But with every point dropped, it becomes harder to say that with a straight face... and FOX regrets the renewal that much more.

A different night every week probably didn't help last week, and a popular finally on top of that. We will see if they get any bounce back when there isn't as much else on.

Michael Jackson Night.

Kill.Me.Now.

Will we never let the dead rest in peace.

But if we killed you, who would take care of the cat?

I am hoping against all odds for some of the more obscure parts of the catalog. In particular, I don't want anyone looking in the mirror. We did that joke for most of the last AI season and all we learned was that America was racist against the species known as the Lusk. I don't think this show can add anything to that.

Y'see, if you weren't watching, you're never going to get that.

LAST EDITED ON 11-30-11 AT 09:04 PM (EST)

But remember, it's about the talent, not the judging panel.

And no I can't type that with a straight face no matter how many times they say that in interviews.

And they don't send the judges home when their group implodes.

Paula claimed she's the only impartial judge on the panel.

So 'impartial' is now code for 'stoned'.

LAST EDITED ON 11-30-11 AT 09:07 PM (EST)

Tito, Jackie and Marlon,

That's it? I would think they'd be able to get a lot more of the clan out for this.

Ah his Mom and his three kids. but in the audience, not getting time on stage.

You just know Timekeeper had no idea who any of these people were two hours before the show. And will continue to have no idea five minutes after the closing credits.

So did they have to see him read their names off the teleprompter or do you think they just yelled them in his ear?

No wonder he looks prepetually pissed off.

Does anyone even know what it says on his birth certificate.

It might say Blanket.

and Blanket is more formal.

If he generates static electricity, we could call him Blanka.

Oh moonie, this made me laugh out loud.

According to Jones - lol is "lots of laughs" some I'm glad you spelled out "laugh out loud".

He is so old he wore out the vinyl on the record player.
He is busting out the guitar. Got a guitar for Christmas when he was 12.
Not his comfort zone, tough week for him. Way to build the expectations up.

Dirty Diana

So the guitar is just there to have his back?
Oh there he is going to play it for the big finish.

LA That was cool man. First time really step out of your comfort zone. You landed on your feet my man.

Paula. Some of the best performances come from the uncomfortable, show stopping, oh good we can quit now.

Simon. As a spectacle it was great. You were over-produced, lost in the choreography, this is what Nicole wants to be. Weakest performance so far.

Nicole. Unlike how you mentor your contestants, we like to take risks and I am so proud of him.

considering the league of dancers he has used in his mega productions.

As if he hadn't already won.

For the first two-thirds of the song, I was trying to decide if there was something wrong with the audio or just with his voice. His performance wasn't even being swallowed by the background music, the stage, or any other element: the sound was just -- dimmed. It picked back up a little for the final segment, but for the most part, it felt as if he was just an unusually low-key part of the special effects.

He must at least pretend to do tribute to an artist who never really rapped while being completely unable (by personal definition) to perform anything from anyone's catalog, including this one.

There's fake it until you make it. And then there's just rhyming for two minutes and hoping those autovote programs can go all night.

Can we set them on fire at their Pepsi Commercial shoot? Please.

What Would Michael Rap?

Black or White? I think.

What does he have wrapped around his hand.
Gosh the kids look so happy to be there.

Nicole, Bad as in B AA D bad. Don't know if this is my favorite performance. I liked the lyrics you wrote, first time had fun on stage.

Paula. Inspirational, and people say you are the future but you are our past and future and there is no better compliment.

Simon. Completely disagree with Nicole. That is what someone your age should be doing. Making it younger and for this generation. Liked the new hook. You deserve to be here.

Can you hear the agenda?

LA. I hope the family is proud of you like I am. Couldn't be happier.

LAST EDITED ON 11-30-11 AT 09:32 PM (EST)

D'you think this is Simon's old 'I love you now, so no one has to feel voting is necessary' trick?

I'm trying to decide which is more inappropriate: Nicole's comment about MJ running through their veins, any performance of Black or White taken to this degree, or me thinking Michael Jackson would have loved Astro. Of course he would. The kid looks like he's about nine.

One -- two -- three...

Three.

"Are you happy with the spectacle that is X-Factor?"

*vomit*

What would Michael Dirge?

I'm cringing already. And who do they have the gun to the head to get the "it's great" from Katherine and the kids.

Simon says no gimmicks, and there is a twist, so slowed down we can't stand it??

Billie Jean Dirge.

same dirge, different day.

But we did learn that Drew is capable of getting someone pregnant. Or at least Billie Jean believes she is. Actually, neither of them may be the brightest bulb in the chandelier...

LA. So, I'm a really naughty boo, you made it your own, it pains me to say this, I liked it.

Nicole. I'm on? I like you. fish face, the whole chair thing I don't understand that.I'm sorry you sounded beautiful, and I think you are just playing it safe. You showed range this week, had passion, I wanted you to get up out of the dang chair.

Paula. This was your best vocal performance. However, Simon you chose to have nothing visual and he's all about visual. Have a little more fun. Do you ever want to do something up tempo.

Simon. Too much dancing is why your acts are out. Nicole you are talking nonsense (Paula sassing back as well as Nicole). By doing it simply and singing beautifully and that is what you did.

Aw, time keeper cuts it off before we get to the hair pulling.

If that song had been any slower, Billie Jean's pregnancy would have gone backwards.

How can MLOTP possibly survive this week? She's proven that A. she's only capable of one thing and B. she can't even do that right. Are there so that many monks ducking out of mourning chants to dial in their votes that the Order Of The Perpetually Depressed can push her into the top five? I've felt all along that she was the girl Simon was willing to sacrifice: if he dictated this arrangement, he personally brought the knife down.

I sat in a room full of older teen girls last night and every single one of them voted multiple times for Drew. Drew only. I personally think she has a wonderful quality to her voice. Yes, I would like to see something different, but I'm tired of them harping on her to do something different when Astro comes out week after week and does the same thing.

I think she's consistently placing in the top and Simon's deal is "if it isn't broken".

To please Paula we have some dancers this time around.

Can You Feel It?

No, I'm not feeling this at all. Pretty sad when a 12 year old girl's voice is way too deep to do MJ justice.

LA. This is probably the only time I've watched you and didn't believe you were having a great time. Didn't translate. I love you, but it wasn't the best.

She says she did the best she could.

Nicole. Pumpkin did a really good job, didn't feel the connection between you and the world created around you. Normally you shine.

Paula. I absolutely adore you, you know that. I don't feel this song gave you justice, you transcend generations, get back to you want to do.

Simon. It's just anti-simon night. You always put on a show. you look like a pop-star. They don't vote the public does.

And she's begging for votes. Please, please.

but I can smell it.

Just plain awful.

No. This was her weakest performance. She was running at about 40% of her usual energy level and the lack showed all the way through. There was more dedication from the backup chorus singers than she ever showed. She'll survive this week, and we might not get this kind of failure again -- but something happened, and I have no idea what it was.

Can they remind us any more that he was in the bottom two last week?

Pretty Young Thing

I'm not sure having Michael Jackson as his backup dancers was the best idea.

B2 last week and B2 this week. There is a way to excuse this, but the GOP committee is busy with The Pizza.

Backflip

Judges flipping out.
MJ kids couldn't look more bored.

Nicole. Let me tell you. I love you PYT. I hope America recognizes you for the talent you are.

Paula. What a beautiful homage, the look on your face, the perspiration. The whole package.

Simon. Agree with Paula but the vocals weren't very good. Backflip the best part. Paula and Nicole talking over Simon.

LA. Inventive arrangement, that flip, I hope it flips you into some votes.

but...not impressed.

Beautiful perspiration?

MJ is running through his veins and Marcus is sweating him out?

...if this was an Idol night, I'd already be beating my head against something moderately soft while moaning about how we'd once again been gifted with a theme where everything and everyone svcked, no one deserved to win, Nigel deserved to be kicked in the head by every failed SYTYCD contestant ever, and there was nothing for it but to look forward to a show with a little more singing talent. Like Big Brother. And tonight?

I don't care. I'm not enjoying this by any means, but when it comes to end-of-reality-civilization, I don't care. This could go off the air tomorrow and I'd have a hard time working up a yawn. It's a stinkfest? So? Was I supposed to be surprised?

Sad.

New Pepsi Challenge. Final five sing two songs, America gets to choose. YIKES!!!

His Grandfather wrote Rockin' Robin.

I'll be there

i'll be asleep
i'm falling asleep
one more of these stanzas and
i'll be
zzzzzzz

His grandfather gave us 'Caw! Caw!'

Thank the Gawds for the mute button. I could not make it through this.

But now the giant pulsing fake speakers are trying to get me through the TV screen. Oh no.

Nicole. What is so amazing about MJ is you always feel his spirit, I felt your spirit tonight it was so beautiful, the clean cut look, you sounded the best you ever sang.

Paula. You look the best you ever looked, you manifest with abundance in the heart department. You write songs for yourself, I can't wait until you have an album out.

Simon. Manifest in the heart department? I think you would have a really tough week. Smart to do the Fugee's take on it. Felt it at the end. Need a lot of support from your home town.

LA. Performance speaks for itself.

LAST EDITED ON 11-30-11 AT 10:24 PM (EST)

oops wrong location see below.

When did he start looking like Scotty McCreary?

LAST EDITED ON 11-30-11 AT 10:17 PM (EST)

it wasn't as bad as that other time with the singing high notes but it was not good.

Who's left? Is this over yet?

Right Location, lots of discussion about her sudden accent.
I blame the flashing light induced seizure.

Earth Song.

LA. We were at a Melanie concert. You were amazing and maybe the best of the night. Nothing to do with Simon.

Nicole. One of the best performances on this entire show. If that doesn't save a small country somewhere I don't know what will.

Paula. You nailed it

Simon. I could not be more proud. Thanks to the family for coming out.

If that doesn't save a small country somewhere I don't know what will.

Last season on Idol, I basically commented that the praise had gone so far over the top that the only place left to violate was 'That song personally saved me because you are Jesus'.

Nicole just went there.

And now Steven and Jennifer will have to top her.

The jury got it wrong. MJ had a psychic dream of this night and that killed him.

Best performance of the seven here, but gawds, that's not saying much.

that was screamish but she was the best of this dismal night.

because I love a surprise.

Goodnight!

LAST EDITED ON 11-30-11 AT 10:33 PM (EST)

We still haven't heard a vote total out of Timekeeper, and while it's possible he just can't count that high, I'm fairly sure he can repeat a number he doesn't understand. The worsters may get Astro through this week just because there may not be that many voters left.

Should I watch these performances off the TiVo or just wait for the results?

The only reason to watch the TIVO version is to see the cuts to MJ's kids for the contrast between them and what the audience noise is doing.

If you see enough sullen teens/tweens IRL you may not need to see anymore.

Normally I'd say just wait for the results, but after seeing the Jackson kids' reaction to the contestants, I want to watch just to review the train wreck!

Say bye bye to Astro and I'll be happy.

Captured frame of the Jackson progeny reacting to last night's 'spectacle'.

Most honest reaction in the entire audience.

A bit underwhelmed I would say!