The X Factor – Top 12 Finalists Revealed

So – we still aren’t all the way there. Five acts must be eliminated tonight! So the group will go from 17 to 12. The crazy voice-over guy at the beginning freaked me out. He sounded a bit like Michael Buffer (of let’s get ready to rumble fame) but I cannot say for sure that it was him. I am daunted by the whopping 2.5 hour run time for tonight’s show…I hope it is mostly singing and not so much back story. Let’s get into it!

Steve Jones let’s us know that we will know the Final 12 by the end of tonight’s show…I am thankful for that! Simon has to get rid of 2 girls and each of the other judges must get rid of one act a piece. It’s going to be a tough night.

The Boys are up first and then LA will decide which one he wants to send home.

Brian “Astro” Bradley  - Jump (Kriss Kross) – though he makes it his own he uses the basic premise of that 90s smash. The kid lights up on the stage and with major production (lights, dancers, etc.) behind him. He starts the show off strong. All judges give a massive thumbs up for this kid.

Chris Rene - Love Don’t Live Here Anymore (Rose Royce) – he has been six months clean and sober, this show is really giving him a chance to shine. I thought he had a weak start but when he got to the point of the song where he got to free style he was much more comfortable. Not sure if he will be one of the three. If another boy knocks it out of the park – he could be in danger.

Phillip Lomax - I’m A Believer (The Monkees) – the crooner who needs to prove that he can do pop as well. This is a super weird song choice and an even odder performance. It felt so Vegas cabaret that it was almost cringe-worthy. He tried to inject something into the song, but it even seemed that he was less than convinced he was doing the right thing. All judges except for Simon agreed with me.

Marcus Canty - Do You Really Want to Hurt Me (Culture Club) – this is an awesome song choice! He took it to church at the beginning and then brought a swagger that Boy George could never properly serve up. Shocked that this 80s classic translates so well in the new century! He was really great.

I think Phillip is the weak link in this group. With very little feet dragging, the top 3 boys are announced. 1) Astro  2) Marcus Canty and 3) Chris Rene makes it and my prediction holds true. Phillip is going home.

The Groups are up next. Paula is going to have some tough decisions to make. I feel like they are all pretty strong.

Stereo Hogzz - Try A Little Tenderness (Otis Redding) – this is a bold choice. The kept it old school and then brought it to today by kind of rocking the Jay Z/Kanye flip on it. Their choreography was great and they singled out a lead singer which Paula told them was essential. They were really quite good. Simon even have to admit that Paula did a great job with the group and he believes there is a space for them in the current music scene.

The Brewer Boys - Rich Girl/Faith (Hall and Oates/George Michael) – this is a nice song that fits their sort of folksy appeal and then they mash it up with Faith! I love it. They keep their country vibe but it is fun and appropriate for their ages. The crowd really engages in the performance and they bring it. I really enjoyed it.

inTensity - The Clapping Song/Footloose (Shirley Ellis and Kenny Loggins) – the girl that opened the song was super weak, but the group dynamic was fun to watch. My daughter really enjoyed their performance much more than she did the performance of  The Brewer Boys…that could be telling.

Lakoda Rayne - Come on Eileen (Dexy’s Midnight Runners) – not sure if this is going to turn into a mash-up as so many others have tonight. Sounds like they are sticking to the script. They have added some country to it and it is a great track . I would download this song.

I think this is the last time we will be hearing from The Brewer Boys…let’s see what Paula decides. 1) Stereo Hogzz 2) Lakoda Rayne 3) inTensity. Second prediction came true. Bye bye Brewers!!

The Over 30s get their shot next.

Dexter Haygood - Womanizer/I Kissed A Girl (Britney Spears/Katy Perry) – I have to admit that I am not at all of fan of Mr. Haygood and I am not sure what appeal he brings. He does not like to sing the lyrics and he just preens. That being said, Nicole picked a perfect mash-up for him! It was absolutely over the top, just like him. It was oddly entertaining.

Leroy Bell - Nobody Knows (P!nk) – I love this 60-year-old man! I have never heard this song before, but I believe it when Leroy sings it. He is a freaking rock star and I love that competitions like this are around, because we would have never known this man existed if it weren’t for this show.

Stacy Francis - Teacher (George Michael) – first, I need to thank the stylists because they gave my girl a new weave and it looks amazing! The beginning of this song was weak and I was not feeling it, but when the backing choir/vocals came in, she sold it. I didn’t love the song choice, but she did the damn thing. She sounds more and more like Miss Stephanie Mills and that is a wonderful thing. Simon agrees with me saying this was the wrong song. He also criticized her wardrobe, and styling.

Josh Krajcik - Forever Young (Bob Dylan) – this is the current theme song for The Sons of Anarchy and Josh gives me that kind of vibe. He is gritty and pure and loyal, but will cut you if he has to. He sang with little accompaniment – almost acapella and just shut it down. I can’t imagine him being the cut artist.

I’m picking Dexter to get the heave-ho from Nicole’s group. I need to say that Nicole’s bantering with Simon gets on my nerves and it can end at any time. 1) Stacy Francis 2) Josh Krajcik and 3) Leroy Bell. Dexter’s out and I am on fire…3 for 3! Dexter is confused about getting the boot.

Final group of the night is The Girls. Simon chose 5 girls at his house so he will have to eliminate 2 young ladies this evening! Yeesh!

Simone Battle - Just Be Good To Me (SOS Band) – this is an amazing R&B song from the 80s a real favorite of mine. The production seemed to overwhelm her and there was too much “hey”ing and talking unnecessarily. The rap in the middle was good – but it was rushed and muddled, not sure what she was singing. She has an appeal, for sure, but I am not one of those people feeling her. LA does not love her.

Rachel Crow - Where Did Our Love Go/Baby (The Supremes/Justin Bieber) – she was an early favorite of mine and she has really held her own in this competition. Her voice is actually too strong for these songs so she sounded a bit forced. I liked The Supremes parts better than the Bieber bits – but she is super fun and she had a cute style on stage. She could be in danger.

Drew Ryniewicz - What A Feeling (Irene Cara) – it is interesting that there is only a year separating Drew and Rachel, but Drew seems much more mature. She takes this tired old song and brings some new life to it. This is the difference I am speaking about. Though Rachel’s voice is nearly as strong as Drew’s – Simon would never give Rachel a song like this. It was a nice, under-stated performance.

Tiah Tolliver - Sweet Dreams (Are Made of These) - (Eurhythmics) – another girl that got a great weave makeover! Yay! This was a horrible song choice and weird, weird , weird choreography and staging. It did her no favors. Unless Melanie is a total wreck – Tiah and Simone should be going home.

THE X FACTOR: Contestant Melanie Amaro performs in front of the judges on THE X FACTOR airing on Tuesday, Oct. 25 (8:00-10:30pm PM ET/PT) on FOX. CR: Frank Micelotta / FOX.

Melanie Amaro - I Have Nothing (Whitney Houston) – she has a voice to tackle Whitney and I don’t say that lightly. As many of these shows that I watch, too many girls try to sing Whitney when they should run away. She breaks on one note, but carries on confidently and just performs the hell out of the song.

I think Tiah and Simone should get the boot, but I am afraid Simon might sacrifice Rachel for Simone. 1) Drew Ryniewicz 2) Rachel Crow 3) Melanie Amaro. Five for five! Simon did not let me down!

The night was action-packed and they kept it moving. I have to agree with the top 12 finalists. Next week America gets to vote. What do you think?