Tonight on The X Factor we say goodbye to a lot more acts and emotions are running wild. Judges cry, contestants cry, the crew may as well cry! We have a lot of business to cover, so let’s get on with it, shall we?

Last night we saw eight groups perform selected songs. Some were alright, some were a little more than alright and some were down-right bad. How will they shape up tonight?

They Saved the Not So Great for Last

Group 9 – “What’s Going On?” by Marvin Gaye
Okay, wait. What’s actually going on? Things started off weird with 12 year old Ma’at Bingham Shango, and then stayed weird with Gina Rene. I figured Marcus Canty would pep it up some. His moves were smooth, but I believe he forgot some words, and so did Chris Rene. What happened guys?

Group 10 – “I Won’t Let Go” by Rascal Flatts
The only group so far to start off with one person on stage, Group 10 obviously thought out of the box. Only Tim Cifers delivers a memorable performance, this time around.

Group 11 – “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol
The performance was like a lazy attempt at moaning until things picked up with Christa Collins. She definitely saves it from being a complete failure.

I Want a Recount!

In a quick elimination round we lose a very upset Tatiana “Reina” Williams. She was the one that out-rapped Brian Bradley last night, remember?

Solo Performances … Finally!

The remaining contestants are to choose a song that best represents them out of 35 selections. This will be interesting! Here are just a few of the acts we were dying to see again.

Rachel Crow is first again. Her song choice is “a surprise!” (Cue giggles). She’s chosen “If I Were a Boy” by Beyonce. I don’t understand how a 13 year old knows what it’s like to be “a better man,” but she sounds so good that I’ll go with it. Then for the first time this season, Nicole Scherzinger cries!

Josh Krajcik wants you to remember this performance “forever.” He takes on “Up to the Mountain,” which Kelly Clarkson of American Idol fame covered. Funny coincidence, I think. The performance is definitely memorable. Is it one to be remembered forever, per say? Well, if it is, then it will be just because he made that statement just moments before.

You Can’t Take That One Back!

Simone Battle left the red hot pants at home, but she picked up the ruby slippers instead. Singing “Your Song” by Elton John, Simone jazzes it up, giving it a funky flare. It started off promising, but she forgot the words. “Despite what just happened, I can bring it,” she claims. I’m sorry, honey, but no.

Let’s Pick Up the Pace, People!

The Stereo Hogzz walks out on stage, looking very GQ. They’re smooth as silk voices and on-point dance moves match the visual nicely. They get the first standing ovation of the night from the live audience.

Stacy Francis drops a bomb on the judges and the audience. She explains that the day she arrived in Los Angeles, her father passed away. And now she begins singing “Summertime.” Besides just a few flat notes, I believe she triumphs over her last performance by a long shot. Let’s all be thankful that Steve Jones is there to open his arms to her as if he were the proud husband! Awkward…

And the Final 32 Are!

Girls
Caitlyn Koch
Tora Woloshin
Simone Battle
Drew Ryniewicz
Rachel Crow
Jazzlyn Little
Melanie Amato
Tiah Tolliver

Boys
Brennin Hunt
Brian Bradley
Skyelor Anderson
Nick Voss
Tim Cifers
Phillip Lomax
Marcus Canty
Chris Rene

Groups
The Stereo Hogzz
2Squar’d
4Shore
The Brewer Boys
Illusion / Confusion
and The Anser

Over 30s
Elaine Gibbs
Tiger Budbill
Leroy Bell
James Kenney
Josh Krajcik
Christa Collins
Dexter Haywood
Stacy Francis

Surprise! Don’t Go Home Yet!

14 contestants from the Girls and Boys categories are called back to the stage. From these 14, two groups are made. Welcome back Ma’at Bingham Shango and Cari Fletcher!

Mentor Matchups!

Now it’s time for the judge’s reasons for showing off their luxurious Los Angeles homes!

A mysterious man behind blinds in an all white suit calls each judge and assigns them their categories. I’m only a tad jealous that Simon was vacationing in the south of France on a beautiful yacht. Rub it in our faces why don’t you! Here is the breakdown.

Nicole Scherzinger – Over 30s
L.A. Reid – Boys
Paula Abdul – Groups
Simon Cowell – Girls

Next week on The X Factor, the acts visit their assigned judges’ homes and the numbers drop from 32 to 16! What do you think of the final selections?

Jilliane Johnson
Contributing Writer

(Images courtesy of FOX)

Jilliane Johnson

Contributing Writer, BuddyTV