The X-Factor 3- Top 8 Perform, Live Blog and Discussion

Join me tonight. Because for some reason, they decided Big Band Week would be a good idea. And yes, this show has not been cancelled. The song spoilers leave me wondering… why are the Over 25’s the only ones doing Big Band?

Michael Buble performs at the top of the show. He performs You Make Me Feel So Young.

1) Rion Paige- Swingin’
Rion is dedicating her song to her mom. Rion has choreography tonight. I think she started off the song a little flat to be honest. Her mic volume is also a little quiet for some reason. In parts, she’s outplayed by the band. I do think it was important for her to do uptempo at some point, and I appreciate it. This isn’t a good vocal though, and in the world of downloads, I don’t think this will get a lot. She was so good last week, this is a step back. That little yodel near the end? Weak. She closed it with a belted note that was literally the best note in the entire song (and the loudest). I do think she has more stage presence than I thought she’d have in this, I just wasn’t crazy about the vocal. Kelly says she put her diva hat on. Paulina loves that Rion gives more and more. Simon asks her if she chose it, and Rion says she begged for it. Simon says it was the perfect song for her, and calls her cute as a cupcake. Demi thinks it was her best performance (really? last week was pretty great).

My Grade: B- (Edited from a C+)

To vote for Rion Paige:
You can vote online at THEXFACTORUSA.COM until 10AM PT THURSDAY, and you can vote up to 50 TIMES.
You can also use the X-Factor USA app (voting is counted alongside the online voting)
You can text 11 to 21523
You can call 1-855-THE XF 11 (lines open only for two hours)
You can also vote using Shazam!

2) Restless Road- Life Is A Highway
They love kids and puppies! They give thanks to Uncle Bill, who died in an airshow. Simon acknowledges that it is big band week, but he chose a country song. LOL. Can everyone just opt out of the theme every week? Cause that would be awesome. Big Ears sounds bizarre during his solo. What’s up with the sound techs this week? Everyone sounds muted underneath the band. Did they not have a tech rehearsal? When the song picks up and they come off the steps, it actually sounds pretty good. Finally these boys are singing an appropriate song. I still think they all three are weak soloists. I think One Direction works because those boys can actually sing. These three are just so-so singers. This is definitely their best performance to date. Kelly says they worked really hard this week, and they were more cohesive. Demi says they look like stars, and it is her favorite performance. Paulina loves them. Simon says they chose the song. But… earlier… he said he chose it. So confused.

My Grade: B

To vote for Restless Road:
You can vote online at THEXFACTORUSA.COM until 10AM PT THURSDAY, and you can vote up to 50 TIMES.
You can also use the X-Factor USA app (voting is counted alongside the online voting)
You can text 10 to 21523
You can call 1-855-THE XF 10 (lines open only for two hours)
You can also vote using SHAZAM!

3) Jeff Gutt- Feeling Good
Jeff is frustrated that it hasn’t worked out for him yet. He’s dedicating this to his dad, which means X-Factor has surprised him with a visit from his dad, which I don’t think Jeff knew about because he falls apart immediately. It was nice to see that Jeff has other family members (other than his son). Jeff performs near the top of the show again this week, when he should have been flipped toward the end. He’s also doing the overdone Feeling Good. Honestly, I don’t like his rock growl on this song, and I’m kinda bored to tears. Jeff still delivers the best (most on pitch) vocal of the night so far. I’m just not a fan of the song choice, at all. I think I’m in the minority, cause the audience response was ridiculous. Demi says he killed it. Paulina loved the masculinity. Simon thought it was fantastic. This is the happiest judging panel all season. Simon loves his dad, and thinks Jeff deserves a break. He says it is Jeff’s best performance. Kelly wants to download it. Jeff acknowledges how many other artists have their own versions of that song.

My Grade: B-

To vote for Jeff Gutt:
You can vote online at THEXFACTORUSA.COM until 10AM PT THURSDAY, and you can vote up to 50 TIMES.
You can also use the X-Factor USA app (voting is counted alongside the online voting)
You can text 5 to 21523
You can call 1-855-THE XF 05 (lines open only for two hours)
You can also vote using SHAZAM!

Honestly, am I the only one who thinks that eliminating TWO people on Thanksgiving is a bit harsh? I would have eliminated 2 the first week, and then only sent home one this week instead.

4) Josh Levi- Treasure
Josh loves his grandma. He’s doing this for her. Josh is surprised by his Grandma. Josh is ready to work harder than he ever has. I’m not a huge fan of this arrangement, but I think Josh is doing great with what he’s been given. He’s got tons of charisma, and each week I buy him more and more as a potential recording artist. He’s everything that Marcus Canty wanted to be, but just wasn’t. Josh works the audience like a pro. Cool finish to the song. Not my favorite Josh Levi performance, but one of the stronger performances of the night. Kelly says that Josh let us into his world this week. Kelly says he has so much charisma. Josh says it was because of his grandma being here. Demi thinks that Josh putting the hat on that random girl was adorable. Simon’s slight criticism is that the choreography dated him a bit. Paulina says he’s fantastic.

My Grade: B+

To vote for Josh:
You can vote online at THEXFACTORUSA.COM until 10AM PT THURSDAY, and you can vote up to 50 TIMES.
You can also use the X-Factor USA app (voting is counted alongside the online voting)
You can text 6 to 21523
You can call 1-855-THE XF 06 (lines open only for two hours)
You can also vote using Shazam!

I’m still waiting to be blown away. I’ve edited my grade for Rion, because I think the mic issues were messing with my ability to hear the song. I went back and heard it, turning my TV waaaaaaaay up. It was a bit better than I thought. I still think she had too many pitch issues to ignore.

I do read the comments as we go along. I ranked Restless Road higher than Jeff because I didn’t like Feeling Good as a song for Jeff. I didn’t think his voice was right for the song, and it bored me. Restless Road sang an appropriate song for once. So I didn’t hate it.

5) Carlito Olivero-La Copa De La Vida/Maria
He’s dedicating this performance to his family this week. He’s hoping to pull himself out of the bottom this week. I think honestly that this was the best performance of the night, and a real game changer for Carlito. He actually seemed like a legit act this week. He should do more of this, because I think he might have actually saved himself this week. Kelly said it seemed like he was actually having fun. Demi says it was amazing, and her favorite performance of his. Demi says he has a real place in the market, and says he was a star then. Simon says he showed who he should be, and looked really comfortable. Simon says Carlito came back fighting. I agree. Paulina loves him. He gives a shoutout to Tim. He deserves to stay.

My Grade: A

To vote for Carlito:
You can vote online at THEXFACTORUSA.COM until 10AM PT THURSDAY, and you can vote up to 50 TIMES.
You can also use the X-Factor USA app (voting is counted alongside the online voting)
You can text 2 to 21523
You can call 1-855-THE XF 02 (lines open only for two hours)
You can also vote using SHAZAM.

Massive filler about getting ready for the show.

6) Alex and Sierra- I Knew You Were Trouble
Alex is thankful for Sierra. Falling Slowly plays in the background. I hope they sing that at some point. Sierra dedicates this to Alex. Will Alex propose in the finale? Alex has lost his guitar this week. They are out of their element this week. For the first time, this doesn’t sound like a song that would be on their album. That being said, I think it’s a cool arrangement, and definitely one of the stronger performances of the night. Sierra has a long solo verse this week to showcase her vocals. I’m a little worried that this is so different that their fans might not feel compelled to vote this week. I hope they do, because even though it’s not 100% pure Alex and Sierra, I really liked it. Kelly calls Sierra a 10. She wasn’t crazy about the version, but thought they sounded great together. She loved Sierra’s charisma this week. Demi says that Alex and Sierra made her like the arrangement, even though it’s so different. Paulina loves how they love each other. Simon says Sierra delivered a great vocal.

My Grade: A- (yes, I liked Carlito more)

To vote for Alex and Sierra:
You can vote online at THEXFACTORUSA.COM until 10AM PT THURSDAY, and you can vote up to 50 TIMES.
You can also use the X-Factor USA app (voting is counted alongside the online voting)
You can text 1 to 21523
You can call 1-855-THE XF 01 (lines open only for two hours)
You can also vote using SHAZAM!

7) Lillie McCloud- Summertime
Lillie dedicates her song to her fiance Terry. She’s been in abusive relationships before, and loves that Terry supports her. We’ve heard this song a lot of times before. It’s a pretty solid choice for her. This version is a little jazzier than the original that GEORGE GERSHWIN wrote for Porgy and Bess. I like it, even if it seems a little dated. Lillie reminds people that she is the best singer in the competition, and looks great doing it. I don’t think this is quite the breakthrough that last week was, but it’s a great follow-up. You can’t always top yourself, and sometimes it just has to be about keeping that momentum going. Demi says Lillie’s been hiding her range, and she’s blown away. Paulina says Lillie always delivers. Simon says Lucky Terry. Simon loved the last note, but wanted Lillie to get off that elevated stage and let go. He wanted it more raw. Lillie talks back to Simon, who keeps telling her she’s too Broadway and moving too much. Mario hurries Lillie along (we have 30 minutes and one performer, you can calm down Mario). Kelly tells Simon to shut up. Mario seems to hint that everyone is singing again tonight.

My Grade: A-

To vote for Lillie:
You can vote online at THEXFACTORUSA.COM until 10AM PT THURSDAY, and you can vote up to 50 TIMES.
You can also use the X-Factor USA app (voting is counted alongside the online voting)
You can text 8 to 21523
You can call 1-855-THE XF 08 (lines open only for two hours)
You can also vote using SHAZAM.

Everyone will perform in a final face off, after Ellona.

8) Ellona Santiago- Mama Knows Best
Ellona dedicates the song to her sister. Her sister has stage 4 cancer. Wow. Ellona’s sister surprises her in the middle of her practicing. I was moved most by this package. Cancer is serious, and stage 4 is serious. I feel for Ellona. Within the first few notes, I can tell that the puppet is gone. The confidence… the vocals… I can’t even. #fierce. Ellona is back! This was incredible. My favorite performance of hers all season, and one of my favorites of anyone this season. Standing O from all 4 judges. Kelly says that was her best performance. Paulina loves that she’s in command. She calls her a superstar. Simon calls it a game changer. Simon tells her to lose the dancers, and just do a solo. Simon says she’s an incredible singer. Simon thinks she can win. Simon also sends his love to Ellona’s sister. Demi is proud of her, and her story touched everyone. Demi also thinks Ellona can win. If she keeps performing like that, then hell yeah.

My Grade: A+

To vote for Ellona Santiago:
You can vote online at THEXFACTORUSA.COM until 10AM PT THURSDAY, and you can vote up to 50 TIMES.
You can also use the X-Factor USA app (voting is counted alongside the online voting)
You can text 4 to 21523
You can call 1-855-THE XF 04 (lines open only for two hours)
You can also vote using SHAZAM!

The Final Face Off: Cry Me A River
Michael Buble mentored this group performance. He seems really hands on. “Well, prove it, Beeyotch.” Quote of the night from Michael Buble. Jeff opens the song, followed by Carlito. Both are OK. Rion follows up, and I actually like her little solo line better than her performance earlier tonight. Restless Road sounds out of place. Ellona and Lillie kill their lines. Josh is drowned out by screams, but has a solid run. Alex and Sierra were alright. As far as group performances go, this was way better than almost everything I’ve ever heard on Idol.

Mario asks the judges who stood out:

Kelly liked Ellona, Lillie, Josh, and Alex and Sierra, but not Restless Road.
Demi liked Ellona, Josh, and Carlito. She didn’t like Lillie.
Paulina liked Josh, Carlito, and Ellona. She didn’t like Jeff.
Simon says you can’t judge people on three lines, and says that Ellona has had an outstanding night.

My Grade: B+

My Grades for Solo Performances:
Ellona Santiago- A+
Carlito Olivero- A
Lillie McCloud- A-
Alex and Sierra- A-
Josh Levi- B+
Restless Road- B
Rion Paige- B-
Jeff Gutt- B-

In Danger: Lillie McCloud (talking back to the judges never pans out), Restless Road (their time is almost up) , Rion Paige (mic issues, performed first, and it wasn’t her best). I think Jeff’s package helped humanize him more this week, I think he could be in the bottom, but I think the other three are more in danger. At worst, Jeff might have to sing for his life. I doubt he’s in 8th place. I think one of the other 3 will be in 8th.

About SirMac 241 Articles
Contributor to mjsbigblog.com. EIC of macthemovieguy.com, Contributor at houseofgeekery.com. Holds a BA in Film from the University of Central Florida.