Tonight we have another performance from the X Factor gang.
There are still enough singers that I won’t share my thoughts on all of them. I
will offer comments on who should be going home and who should not be.
Paige Thomas is a
pretty single mom with a good voice. Not a great voice. Every week there is
controversy with her stage performance, singing and song choice. This week she
received accolades from the judges but still fell short in my view. A factor I
watch for is the strength of each singer’s voice. Strong pop stars almost
always have great voices. Think of Katie Perry, Gwen Stefani, Christina,
Alicia, Madonna and even Lady Gaga. From the American Idol series recall how
strong Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood voice performances were compared to
many others. I don’t think Paige has that voice and unless she finds it soon,
she should be eliminated.
In these singing competitions other factors come into play
like stage presence, charisma and plain old likeability. These factors affect
votes but do not carry the same impact as vocal ability.
Tate Stevens is
likely to win this year. He is the stereotypical great country singer. He also
represents what you hope these competitions are. A chance, and perhaps a last
chance to make it to the big time. Tate Stevens is unlikely to have made it to
the big time without the X Factor. Tate is very likeable. He is a great country
singer and has a compelling personal story. My only reservation with him
winning it all, is how strong some of the other competitors are. This week he
sang an upbeat performance with pacing quite different than earlier
performances. I really loved it. I think I like it better than all previous
performances. Great song and performance. Congrats Tate.
Fifth Harmony is
a group of ladies assembled by Simon Cowell from individual singers that did
not make the top 24. They are attractive and good singers. While they have
given some enjoyable performances, I doubt they will make it to the finals.
However, tonight was a meaningful performance. One of the girls named Ally
learned her grandfather died this week. To come out and give a good performance
was very brave. I truly enjoyed their rendition of “Stronger”.
Carly Rose Sonenclar
is a 13 year old lady performer with the best voice in the competition. I don’t
say that lightly. She is very very good. I am not sure if she has the maturity
to win the competition, but, if she doesn’t become a huge pop star it will be a
loss to the country. This week she performed Rolling in the Deep by Adele. The
first part of the song was arranged with a softer side that did not show off
her voice as much as previous performance. The second half was stronger but I
felt this performance was great but not as great as some of her others. She
should end up in the finals.
As a side remark, competitors in these competitions have to
be careful when they cover a song of a brilliant singer. It is very dangerous
to attempt a song by Whitney, Celine, Adele and other amazing singers when
their voice made the song what it is. Most singers in these competitions should
simply stay clear. Carly is a singer with a voice that should not fear treading
into these waters.
Cece Frye is a
twenty something entertainer from Decatur Illinois (yes my home town but I
promise no home town bias). Ceci’s charisma is one of the more marketable in
the competition. I have said before that Demi Lavato’s mentoring of her has
been unfortunate. Ceci has a good voice but if she has a great voice we haven’t
seen it yet. One thing that has went astray has been her appearance. She would
be much more likable and genuine as the Midwest brunette that she naturally is.
The glam blonde does not work. I also have said I want to see her sing more
upbeat fun pop hits ala Katy Perry or Gwen Stefani. Cece should be one of the
top singers in this competition. Tonight she sang Christina’s Lady Marmelade
from Moulin Rouge. This is the upbeat performance she needs. I am not sure this
is the best song to match her singing ability. Yet, this was her best
performance.
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