by Todd Betzold

 

After all the controversy of last week, we have finally made it to the semifinals of The X Factor.

 

Up first is the song that we didn't get to see last week...the Pepsi Challenge song, which was chosen by fan votes. There will be no vote by the judges this week, so the vote of America determines the three who make it to the finals.

 

Marcus Canty is first and he needs to bring it tonight because he can't be saved for a fourth week in a row. I wasn't feeling it from him on this song. It was a slow song and I feel he didn't connect with the song, like he has been the past few weeks...kinda boring to me.

 

Chris Rene is up next, who apparently is well loved by America and I still can't see it. I thought he had fun with this song and it was enjoyable, but I just can't connect with him with his music and wouldn't purchase a CD he would come out with.

 

With Rachel's departure last week, Melanie Amaro is probably my favorite to win. She takes the stage and takes on another Mariah song. I think she is a beautiful singer and has amazing vocals...my only problem is I want something upbeat from her, but America did vote for the song...so, hopefully the next one is more upbeat!

 

Last up with their first song: Josh Krajcik, another one of my favorites. I, also, think he is a great singer and he is fun to watch and brings that rocker-side to the stage. It was a great song and I think he did well.

 

Now it is time for their second song and Marcus is up first. The song was entertaining and upbeat and makes you want to dance, but I don't think his vocals were that strong for him. I wanted to see him move more, not just the dancers moving around him.

 

Time for Chris, again, and we get to see his story about his sobriety (try the sob story for votes). He starts out behind the piano, but then picks it up and works the stage. I have to be honest...I look at Melanie and Josh who always deliver such amazing vocal performances and I can't even compare them to Chris. I don't get the love for him...he better not win.

 

Melanie takes the stage and she just sung her way into the finals, if not to the victory. It was a more upbeat song and I loved it. Amazing vocals and she looked beautiful. She could make a CD I would buy...vote for her!

 

Up last is Josh and we get to see him behind the piano as well and does amazing. Another simple, pure and raw performance from Josh. This is when he is at his best and I loved it. I think he just sang his way into the finals as well, so it is a battle between Marcus and Chris on who will go home (hopefully).

 

Find out who makes it to the finals tomorrow night when The X Factor airs at 8/7c on Fox.

 

(Image courtesy of Fox)

 

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