‘The X Factor’ recap: Amid scheduling chaos, a few reveals
It wasn’t easy to tune in to “The X Factor” on the East Coast on Wednesday night, thanks to the scheduling chaos caused by the National League Championship Series rain delay, but those who managed to do so learned the names of at least a few of the singers who made the cut for the live shows (which, yes, will be hosted by Khloe Kardashian and Mario Lopez). We also saw four singers (so far) sent home -- before FOX abruptly cut out again for other programming.
West Coasters were shown only a rerun of last Wednesday’s show.
FOX has announced that the show will air in full on Tuesday night. But (unless you’re averse to spoilers, in which case you should stop reading now) we don’t have to wait that long to learn which teens made it onto Britney Spears’ team or which Over 25s got the nod from their reluctant captain, L.A. Reid. And before FOX so rudely interrupted her with “The Mindy Project,” Demi Lovato delivered good news to two members of her team of 18- to 24-year-olds, as well.
Here’s what we know from the portion of the show that aired on the East Coast:
The Teens
Judge/mentor: Britney Spears
In: Diamond White, Carly Rose Sonenclar, Arin Ray, Beatrice Miller
Out: Reed Deming, James Tanner
Thoughts: Spears (and guest mentor will.i.am) definitely made the right choices, though of course it’s sad to see these kids disappointed -- and being called “sweetie” by Spears probably didn’t do all that much to soften the blow. I can see Sonenclar going all the way, and White getting pretty far, too. I’m particularly glad Spears didn’t feel compelled to go for an equal number of girls and boys because the three girls who made it definitely outshined all the boys in the running and should represent the teen contingent well in the live shows.
The Over 25s
Judge/mentor: L.A. Reid
In: David Correy, Jason Brock, Tate Stevens and Vino Alan
Out: Daryl Black, Tara Simon
Thoughts: Thank goodness Reid’s ongoing funk about the team he was assigned didn’t cloud his ear for talent. It was particularly exciting to see Alan make it through -- I’m rooting for this gruff, gold-hearted underdog -- and how cute and unexpected was it when he called his mom after he learned he’d been chosen? Brock and Stevens also have fan-favorite potential, and Correy, at only 26, might be the easiest for Reid to shape. It wasn’t pleasant to see Black sent home (I thought he might make it through), but I’m profoundly relieved to see the last of the irritating-bordering-on-delusional Simon. “He just got rid of somebody who could be a Kelly Clarkson or a Carrie Underwood or a Christina Aguilera,” she said. Charming.
The 18- to 24-year-olds
Judge/mentor: Demi Lovato
In: Jennel Garcia, Willie Jones
Fate still hanging in the balance: Jillian Jensen, Cece Frey, Paige Thomas, Nick Youngerman
Thoughts: I’m pleased Garcia and Jones made it into the live-show mix. I’d like to see Jensen and Thomas join them, though I fear Frey may slip in. She bugs me maybe more than Tara Simon does. Those painted-on leopard spots. That crazy-cold-committed look in her eyes.
So that’s it so far. (Viewers in Canada, by the way, saw nearly the entire episode, so if you want even more spoilers, they’re out there.) What do you think of the judges’ choices?
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