X Factor Top 17 – Photo Gallery, Press Release Social Media Links

By On 10/19/2011 · 44 Comments · In X Factor

THE X FACTOR:TOP 17. Rachel Crow Age: 13. Hometown: Longmont, CO/Mead, CO. Currently Resides: Burbank, CA. CR: Nino Munoz / FOX

Check out a photo gallery of your X Factor Top 17. 

Vote for your favorite HERE.

According to the Press Release, Judges Will Make Cuts Next Week

The “Judges’ Homes” round of The X Factor came to an exciting and dramatic conclusion tonight when the judges revealed the 17 acts that will continue in the competition. In a surprise announcement, Simon Cowell revealed that he had made a mistake in the eliminations and brought back Melanie Amaro, who now will compete as one of the remaining 17 acts.

In a special extended LIVE two-and-a-half hour episode on Tuesday, Oct. 25 (8:00-10:30 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), The X Factor ramps up to an explosive new level as the remaining acts take the stage for their last shot at becoming one of the Top Finalists. The acts are currently training with the top choreographers and vocal producers in the music industry and working with America’s leading style teams, in preparation for their most crucial performance yet. Don’t miss this explosive episode when the judges must decide who will become one of The X Factor finalists.

On Wednesday, Nov. 2 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), The X Factor enters a new phase of the competition, in which the Top Finalists from all categories compete against each other for the first time. The finalists will perform not only for the praise of Simon, Paula, L.A. and Nicole, but for America’s votes as well, when the voting lines open immediately after the show.

Information about the remaining 17 acts is below. Please also visit www.thexfactorusa.com/contestants for interviews, photos and additional information.

THE REMAINING 17 ACTS ARE:

The Girls whom Simon Cowell is mentoring:

Melanie Amaro Age: 19
Hometown: Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Currently Resides: Coral Springs, FL/Sunrise, FL
Keep up with Melanie at: (@ItsMelanieAmaro) www.facebook.com/pages/Melanie-Amaro/117865004985741

“It was really big, as well as shocking, because the many years I’ve watched Simon, he has never done something like that. I feel very honored that he came to my home to ask me to come back on the show. The whole process is just mind boggling. It’s so amazing.” –  Melanie Amaro

Simone Battle Age: 22
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Currently Resides: Los Angeles, CA

Keep up with Simone at: www.twitter.com/simonebattle (@simonebattle) www.facebook.com/simonebattleonfb

“I am blown away by how much talent there is in the girls’ category. At this point, it’s not about impressing the judges, it’s about impressing the world and everyone who is watching.” – Simone Battle

Rachel Crow Age: 13

Hometown: Longmont, CO/Mead, CO
Currently Resides: Burbank, CA
Keep up with Rachel at: www.twitter.com/IamRachelCrow (@IamRachelCrow)
www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-Crow

“This whole experience has been a dream come true and I can’t believe I made it this far because I went into the competition with no expectations. I can’t believe this is happening to me. I think what I am really trying to work on is finding out who I am as a singer. I am trying to find my style and my edge.” – Rachel Crow

Drew Ryniewicz Age: 14
Hometown: Chino Valley, AZ
Currently Resides: Chino Valley, AZ

Keep up with Drew at: www.twitter.com/drewryniewicz (@drewryniewicz) www.facebook.com/pages/Drew-Ryniewicz/251573518221876

“The girls in my category are nothing but amazing, every single one. From the start I have loved them all. We are almost like a big family. I mean, we are competing, but we spend so much time with each other and it is nice to be around so many people you can relate to.” – Drew Ryniewicz

Tiah Tolliver Age: 20
Hometown: Chula Vista, CA
Currently Resides: Bremerton, WA

Keep up with Tiah at: www.twitter.com/TiahTolliver(@TiahTolliver) www.facebook.com/pages/Tiah-Tolliver/204902059581635

“I am extremely happy to have him [Simon Cowell] as my mentor because he fought for me. I feel like he is going to lead me in the right direction and I sincerely believe him when he tells me stuff.” – Tiah Tolliver

The Boys whom L.A. Reid is mentoring:

Astro Age: 15
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Currently Resides: Brooklyn, NY

Keep up with Astro at: www.twitter.com/Astronomicalkid (@Astronomicalkid) www.facebook.com/theastronomicalkid

“So far The X Factor experience has been amazing and pretty fun. It definitely makes me feel like a star. Coming here and being the only MC in this competition, I believe in myself and that is going to bring me through.” – Astro

Marcus Canty Age: 20
Hometown: Bowie, MD
Currently Resides: Bowie, MD

Keep up with Marcus at: www.twitter.com/IamMarcusCanty(@iammarcuscanty) www.facebook.com/officialmarcuscanty

“I think this experience has nurtured me and made me realize that life is too short and to live through the moment. These are once-in-a-lifetime experiences you can’t get back. I am going to keep having fun and bringing who I am.” – Marcus Canty

Phillip Lomax Age: 22
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Currently Resides: Seattle, WA

Keep up with Phillip at: www.twitter.com/@philliplomax (@philliplomax)
www.facebook.com/PhillipLomaxMusic

“The X Factor experience has been incredible. The thing that has resonated the most with me is that it is important to find my own voice and to be true within my music. I don’t want to be anyone but me.” – Phillip Lomax

Chris Rene Age: 28
Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA
Currently Resides: Santa Cruz, CA

Keep up with Chris at: www.twitter.com/MrChrisRene (@mrchrisrene) www.facebook.com/ChrisReneMusic831

“The advice I have been getting is to stay original, stay yourself and do my thing and also go out of the box and do things that are difficult. The way I prepare is to stay in the moment, relax and practice as much as I can. Staying in the here-and-now is what is best for me.” – Chris Rene

The Over 30s whom Nicole Scherzinger is mentoring:
LeRoy Bell Age: 60
Hometown: Tacoma, WA
Currently Resides: Edmonds, WA/Seattle, WA

Keep up with LeRoy at: www.twitter.com/LeRoyBell (@LeRoyBell) www.facebook.com/LeRoyBellMusic

“The experience has been wild and exciting, at the same time a little bit scary…One of the things I’ve learned is you can teach an old dog new tricks. I can still learn something. The show has taught me that I am more flexible than I thought I was.” – LeRoy Bell

Stacy Francis Age: 42
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Currently Resides: Los Angeles, CA

Keep up with Stacy at: www.twitter.com/StacyFrancis (@StacyFrancis) www.facebook.com/officialStacyFrancis

“Being a part of the show so far has been an emotional rollercoaster. Every feeling I could feel, I have felt during this journey…I am happy and so excited. The momentum is just incredible. It’s like I’m a 10-year-old and it’s Christmas and I’m so excited.” – Stacy Francis

Dexter Haygood Age: 49
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Currently Resides: Chicago, IL
Keep up with Dexter at: www.twitter.com/DexterHaygood (@dexterhaygood)
www.facebook.com/officialDexterHaygood

“It is going to be exciting; I’m gonna set the place on fire, but not literally. There is nothing like The X Factor. I have never experienced anything like this.” – Dexter Haygood

Josh Krajcik Age: 30
Hometown: Wooster, OH
Currently Resides: Columbus, OH

Keep up with Josh at: www.twitter.com/JoshKrajcik (@JoshKrajcik) www.facebook.com/joshkrajcikmusic

“The X Factor experience has been really great. It has been a serious challenge and any time you challenge yourself it is a good thing. The experience on The X Factor has given me a lot of insight into who I am and a lot of things that I didn’t know.” – Josh Krajcik

The Groups that Paula Abdul is mentoring:

The Brewer Boys

Justin Brewer Age: 17 Hometown: Temecula, CA
Nathan Brewer Age: 14 Hometown: Temecula, CA

Keep up with the Brewer Boys at: www.twitter.com/theBrewerBoys (@theBrewerBoys)
http://www.facebook.com/thebrewerboysmusic

“We never really thought about going this far. It has been pretty shocking. This has been an incredible experience. I’ve learned a lot about the industry. I love it.” – Nathan Brewer

InTENsity

Nick Dean Age: 15 Hometown: Rochester, NY
Francesca Duncan Age: 17 Hometown: Orange Co., NY Resides: Brockport, NY
John Lindahl Age: 15 Hometown: Travuco Canyon, CA
Emily Michalak Age: 13 Hometown: Pine Brook, NJ
Austin Percario Age: 15 Hometown: Warren, NJ
Arin Ray Age: 16 Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Lauren Ashley Redmond Age: 17 Hometown: Houston, TX Resides: DeSoto, TX
Ellona Santiago Age: 15 Hometown: San Lorenzo, CA
Ma’at Bingham Shango Age: 12 Hometown: Houston, TX
Emily Wilson Age: 15 Hometown: Warren, NJ

Keep up with InTENsity at: www.twitter.com/its_inTENsity (@its_inTENsity)
www.facebook.com/itsInTENsity

“Being in a group is amazing. When you are a solo artist, you only have yourself to rely on. But when you are in a group you have however many other people who have your back. So it is better to be in a group of ten, plus it is more fun and we have more people to hang out with and it’s just not as stressful.” – John Lindahl

Lakoda Rayne

Cari Fletcher Age: 17 Hometown: Wall Township, NJ
Dani Knights Age: 22 Hometown: Santa Clarita, CA
Paige Ogle Age: 18 Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Hayley Orrantia Age: 17 Hometown: Highland Village, TX

Keep up with Lakoda Rayne at: www.twitter.com/Lakoda_Rayne (@LakodaRayne)
www.facebook.com/lakodarayne

“Starting out as four solo artists, it was a shocker that we were going to be in the group category together but it has been an incredible experience. They’ve taken four strong solo artists and made this super group.” – Hayley Orrantia

The Stereo Hogzz

Kregg Gibson (aka KG) Age: 25 Hometown: Houston, TX
Jonathan Glenn (aka Jon Glenn) Age: 25 Hometown: Houston, TX
George Jenkins III (aka Trae Badd) Age: 25 Hometown: Houston, TX
Leeland Stephenson (aka Trace Kennedy) Age: 24 Hometown: Houston, TX
Justin Williams (aka Just’n) Age: 25 Hometown: Houston, TX

Keep up with Stereo Hogzz at: www.twitter.com/theStereoHogzz (@thestereohogzz) www.facebook.com/thestereohogzz

 
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
Reddit Facebook Twitter Delicious Mixx StumbleUpon Digg
  • bjames

    Whoa. These are awesome!

    Especially loving that photo of Rachel.

  • monleo1705

    Wow… This what I call a makeover! All of them look fantastic!!!

    If Melanie can lose just a bit of weight, she actually looks slightly like Leona.

    Rachel looks adorable, Drew looks gorgeous.

    Simone and Tiah actually look v fierce. And Lakoda Raine has some gorgeous girls in there.

    And Chris looking cool and fine as usual. And Leroy too, and Stacy is actually quite pretty. DAMN!!

  • Buffynut

    Wow, Melanie looks gorgeous!
    LOL! They put 2 of Lomax and forgot Brian Bradley or should I call him Astro!

  • BAPC

    These are great but why is Philip Lomax there twice?

  • Esqt

    The looks they gave them fit their style or personality perfectly. What an amazing job, X-Factor!

  • monleo1705

    Buffynut says:
    10/19/2011 at 2:15 am
    Wow, Melanie looks gorgeous!
    LOL! They put 2 of Lomax and forgot Brian Bradley or should I call him Astro

    OMG LMAO!! They DID totally forget Brian! Hahaha, i guess they thought his ego is inflated enough to fill a frame and people won’t have a problem NOT remembering him!

  • zaclona

    What the… Seeing all of the peeps for the first time now. A nice bunch of pics, but how in the world is Mr. Bell 60? Does he really look like that or are these pictures massively photoshopped? He looks 40 at most and that without having anything done…. what’s his secret?

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    I don’t think all the photos are available yet, so there will probably be some of Astro/Brian available at the promo site by tomorrow.

  • emmuzka

    Those are AMAZING publicity photos, considerign that they are the first ones. Especially Rachel, she gives a serious Jenelle Monae vibe there!

    The only wtf is Drew, they made her look so much older than what she is! (Looks kinda like Brooke White, though.)

    My faves: singing-vise: Rachel, Melanie, Drew. Lo, a girl could win! Really!

  • Kylee

    The only wtf is Drew, they made her look so much older than what she is! (Looks kinda like Brooke White, though.)

    I was just about to say the same thing!

  • sue

    I think Drew looks great, oh heck all of them look great! I love a good makeover. Ahhh the magic of extensions…:)

  • snapcracklypop

    They all look great in these photos. Love Rachel’s <3 Oh, and…LeRoy is looking pretty hot, lol. Melanie looks great! And she has an amazing voice, and does it effortlessly. Drew looks good. Well, I know a lot of these looked airbrushed, but more artistic and appealing than Idol photos.

  • fuzzywuzzy

    The stylists on X-Factor are top notch. Great publicity photos.

    It’s interesting to see that the contestant’s images are being formed with these pics. So the first live show will probably show the results of each judge’s “mentoring” of the contestants. I’m wondering how much time has elapsed between the eliminations shown tonight and the live show tonight? How much time have the contestants had to prepare?

    ETA:

    In a special extended LIVE two-and-a-half hour episode on Tuesday, Oct. 25 (8:00-10:30 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), The X Factor ramps up to an explosive new level as the remaining acts take the stage for their last shot at becoming one of the Top Finalists.

    Oh, I see that the first live show is next Tuesday and it’s the final cut by the judges before public voting starts. How many finalists are there and are there an equal number of finalists from each group?

  • chessguy99

    The cuts were expected, just that how many is in question now that there are 17. I guessing Simon will have to make two cuts next Tuesday. One will be Simone or Tiah, as they are to similar for both to go to public vote. The other is up in the air, perhaps one of the young teen girls; Rachel or Drew. Despite all the on-air pimping Rachel has gotten, Drew seems to be Simon’s focus in the various interviews he has given the past couple weeks. Simon also may only cut one, which would give us double cuts the first two weeks of public voting, instead of just the first week.

  • Kirsten

    The stylists on X-Factor are top notch. Great publicity photos.

    Awesome publicity photos. The X-Factor definitely has better stylists than American Idol (who I sometimes think border on cruelty). Fantastic job on helping these artists define who they are with their styles. It does look like they got a pretty decently sized budget.

    Leroy is 60? Seriously? Seriously? Woah.

  • justshootme

    It is going to be exciting; I’m gonna set the place on fire, but not literally.

    Lol. Thanks for clarifying Dexter. I just really hope the guy is in on the joke. If not, he’s gonna be really uncomfortable for me to watch.

    Also, Leroy is the hottest of all the male contestants. By a lot. Nicole better not fuck him up.

  • Jae

    what great photos! And I don’t think I realised that we still didn’t get to vote yet. I guess because at this stage on Idol the audience is voting. I’m ready to make my on choices with these guys. :) I will say this: I think with the exception of a couple, the xfactor has found a very marketable, as in CHR marketable, group. I will bet you that no matter who wins, a ton of these guys will get picked up for artist development. Drew, Rachael, and Astro obviously have talent and charisma but they are so young, it won’t matter if they lose. They will get manangement contracts and in a few years be ready for a possible rollout. I think Chris Rene is picked up no matter what. Same potentially for Marcus and Maybe a couple of the groups( Brewer Boys) if they do well live. Not sure about the over 30s. I don’t think any of them have a style that works well on todays radio but we will see.

    I wonder will some of the people I liked from Judges Home’s rounds who didn’t make it will get to try out for idol. Like Jazzlyn. I think Idol might be a good format for her. It lets you work up to the big stage and gradually gain confidence.

  • stardust462

    Josh’s twitter has been confirmed as @joshkrajcik and Drew is @drewryniewicz.

  • LadyBeBop

    justshootme says:
    10/19/2011 at 8:20 am

    Also, Leroy is the hottest of all the male contestants. By a lot. Nicole better not fuck him up.

    Major word. For once, I’m able to swoon over a contestant and not think I’m robbing the cradle.

  • Trina

    Leroy is the coolest 60 year old!

  • fuzzywuzzy

    I have a feeling that Simon will sign and promote Simone and Tiah no matter where they end up.

  • upsidedawn

    Leroy is the coolest 60 year old!

    And the hottest. :-)

  • tinawina

    Oh my goodness, these pictures are FANTASTIC. Great job, X Factor!

    Leroy is fffiiinneeee. He might become the first singing contest dude I legit drool over since Brandon in season 6 if I can get over the whole old-enough-to-be-my-dad thing. Yes lawd.

  • flyaway

    Leroy is the coolest 60 year old!

    And the hottest.

    Oooh, yeah! Think we’ve got a good chance of seeing more of him (YES!) since he makes Nicole swoon (the only criticism she could come up with was he seemed nervous?) and it will make for good TV to have a 60 year old competing against a couple of 14 year olds (guessing Brian and Drew will be put thru).

    Kinda sad for Josh since he also has a super voice and is the only other Over worth keeping.

  • MayMirabella

    Finally a hot guy contestant around my age,,,some middle aged eye candy in Leroy..Cool !!

    LOL!!

  • justshootme

    Yup… and finally a contestant that (theoretically at least) wouldn’t be skeeved out at the thought of a middle-aged female finding him attractive. If it turns out he’s living with some hot 20 year old please don’t tell me, lol.

  • harvestmoon

    Not only are there no “country” artists, but I just noticed that none of the solo contestants hail from the south (I don’t think Coral Springs is considered to be part of the traditional south), and only a couple (Josh and Dexter) hail from the midwest. Kind of strange considering that all the past Idol winners except for Jordin came from those areas of the country. I think those areas are also responsible for the majority of the votes cast on AI. (Someone feel free to correct me if I’m wrong about that.) It’s probably all part of Simon’s Master Plan To Have An Anti-Idol Winner.

  • justshootme

    Why do people keep saying there are no country artists? I thought Lacoda Rayne was country/pop. Also Brewer Boys seemed kinda neocountry/folkie. I guess you mean hard core Scottie kinda country?

  • adolf_hipster

    Rachel is so adorable. Gah i love her.

  • jinxx315

    Wow. Some amazing pics. Melanie has STAR written all over her. She almost reminds me of a young Mariah Carey. Dexter even looks good! Like a black version of Stephen Tyler. :)

  • Buffynut

    jinxx, I also see Mariah and JLo in Melanie’s look. She looks fabulous! I think they have to cut it down to 10 next Tuesday. Don’t only 10 go to the voting rounds? It will be a crazy show, for sure!

    ETA: LeRoy has said his age in every single show. Why are you all so surprised all of a sudden?

  • https://twitter.com/MatejaPraznik Mateja

    jinxx, I also see Mariah and JLo in Melanie’s look. She looks fabulous! I think they have to cut it down to 10 next Tuesday. Don’t only 10 go to the voting rounds? It will be a crazy show, for sure!

    Most likely 12. There will be no voting. I think each judge will have to eliminate one act from their category, Simon probably 2.

  • Buffynut

    So, more and more pics are popping up and still none of Brian. Do you think maybe LA Reid gave him a spanking and sent him home?!

  • Fullmoon

    Fantastic pictures. Everyone looks great. How adorable is Rachel and Leroy is one Fiiine 60yr old. Melanie is looking great and I may change my mind about her pop star potential. I still think Simon wants Tiah and Simone. My money is on Simone. She is more his type.

  • Hercules67

    I don’t think Philip makes it past this round…. Poor Philip, I like him.

    As for Tiah, if she survives…. Gah!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Buffynut

    Lyndsey Parker just posted the press photos they got sent and the one for Brian is an old photo of him on stage. I wonder if there is a problem with him?

  • upsidedawn

    ETA: LeRoy has said his age in every single show. Why are you all so surprised all of a sudden?

    For me, basically just expressing my appreciation in written words after having just thought about it before this! And every time I see the guy, I get impressed all over again. ;-)

  • Kylee

    I thought Lacoda Rayne was country/pop. Also Brewer Boys seemed kinda neocountry/folkie.

    I think Lacoda Rayne only became country when they formed a group-I don’t think they were when they were solo singers. I couldn’t really hear a country twang either. I think their backing track was country, but that’s it. The Brewer boys aren’t country.

  • Reflections On Life

    i like melanie’s roll-with-the-punches personality. she poses (in these photos) like she’s ready for this. go mel!

    leroy of course looks fantastic for 60, but it’s his cool-as-a-cucumber personality that shines through. the looks + the personality = redd hott!

    what a great set of photos overall!

  • http://www.last.fm/user/RemusL/ RemusL

    IMO Simon didn’t make any mistake regarding Melanie Amaro. That whole drama was planned from the getgo. If he did screw up, it’s with Tia Tolliver who he insists on advancing to the voting rounds. Melanie is arguably the best in the girls’ category and Simon somehow has an error of judgment and eliminates her in favour of BOTH Tia and Simone? Is he really that stupid? Do they think we the viewers are dumb enough to buy that cock and bull story?

  • Tera2

    They look good in those photos. Phillip looked like he slimmed down a bit and looking sharp and suave. He and Leroy are attractive and that helps. They made Melanie look more like she could be a star (she will need a nose job though and loose some pounds) “InTENsity” kids all look adorable and ready to be in teen magazines. They tried to make Josh look less disheveled. Drew sometimes look like Mariah Carey to me. Simone Battle and Lakoda Rayne already look like stars who dont need makeovers. Nice pics.

  • Tera2

    Hercules67 says:
    10/19/2011 at 3:53 pm

    I don’t think Philip makes it past this round…. Poor Philip, I like him.

    Why do you assume Phillip will go next? You think he won’t get votes or LA Reid will cut him? I don’t know the format of X-factor. I thought next round we the viewers start voting? Or the judges are gonna be the one to cut them again? If the viewers are voting then don’t assume Phillip will go next round (I don’t think LA will cut him next either.) I’m not even a jazz fan and I really like Phillip Lomax. He has a good voice and vibe similar to Michael Buble. Michael Buible is the most marketable cross over type of jazz that even I can appreciate. And Buble doesn’t seem to have competition in radio friendly pop-jazz style. They can make Phillip Lomax like Buble. LA Reid chose him over Brennin and Tim Cifer cause he knows he has potential. He has the looks, voice and stage presence. He just needs to sing pop-jazz Buble style, and he will get the votes and surprise everyone. Don’t just go by the poll here when all of America will have a say and they haven’t gotten to live shows yet.

  • BonnieDee

    I like Rachel Crow, Josh Krajcik, and Drew (I can’t spell her last name).

  • Anonymous

    Tiah is looking all kinds of FAB!!! the girl was born to do this.

    love me some Lakoda Rayne as well, I think they have the potential to be big in the industry! country/pop is a huge genre these days.