The X Factor: Live Show #1

All is right in the world again after some of the contestants I have been whining about for the past week were booted off today in the first of the X Factor's live shows.

A bit of background: last week, I quite frequently voiced my frustration to all who would listen regarding all of Paula's decisions and half of Nicole's. Paula had rejected two groups that I had thought were the strongest despite their corny names--4Shore and The Anser; and Nicole allowed Dexter, a formerly homeless man who shouted more than sang and who mimicked more than performed, as well as LeRoy, a man more admired for how young he looks for sixty rather than his talent, through to the top 16...which later became 17 because Simon made a mistake in leaving the wonderful Melanie Amaro out.

If you're lost already, I suggest you either stop reading or go watch a bit of X Factor so that you get caught up...that is, if this matters to you at all.

I was amped for tonight and nervous about how the eliminations would go. I was also curious to see if Simon would continue to choose his inexplicable favourites Simone Battle and Tiah Tolliver over the more talented and deserving Drew and Melanie.

Each judge/mentor introduced their four contestants (or five for Simon) and when their group finished performing, s/he would immediately announce who was going home. I liked that this wasn't an audience vote show because, quite frankly, Sanjaya should never happen again.

L.A. Reid's boys were up first with Astro, Chris Rene, Phillip Lomax, and Marcus Canty. Marcus was my favourite with his Usher-like vocals and amazing stage presence, while Phillip, with his good looks and charm, disappointed me with a bad song and performance. Astro's confidence put him ahead of his 15 years and Chris Rene could have done much better.
Eliminated: Phillip Lomax
Standout: Marcus Canty
How I feel about it: good, though Phillip was quite easy on the eyes

Then came Paula Abdul's groups, the part I was least looking forward to. The Stereo Hogzz still strike me as a group with one great singer and four backup dancers, The Brewer Boys surprisingly didn't mill, InTENsity had a lot of fun energy and Lakoda Rayne got their act together. By the end of it I was not as angry as I thought I would be.
Eliminated: The Brewer Boys
Standout: n/a (I'm loyal to the wrongfully-eliminated 4Shore)
How I feel about it: pleased; I could not stand The Brewer Boys' hair or excessive use of "Thank you so much"...and why did the younger brother have the lower voice?

Next was Nicole Scherzinger's over 30s group which started with Dexter Haygood who sang a medley of Britney Spears and Katy Perry (WTML?!). During the judges' comments he kept yelling "I like it!" (just like Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl") and I hoped that he would go home. LeRoy Bell sounded like Michael Bolton while Stacy Francis and Josh Krajcik, two of my favourites, had strong performances but forgettable songs.
Eliminated: Dexter Haygood
Standout: I wasn't blown away but it would be a tie between Stacy Francis and Josh Krajcik (I am clearly biased)
How I feel about it: so relieved

Finally it was the most contested category: Simon Cowell's girls. Since he had an extra contestant he had the tough task of eliminating two girls tonight. Simone Battle, who acts more diva than she is, had a strange performance that I have already forgotten. Rachel Crow was her adorable 13 year-old self and sang Justin Bieber's "Baby" with some of her retro flare. Drew sang "What a Feeling" in an intimate and haunting performance; I continue to be so impressed with the tone of her voice because at 14 she has the artistry and voice of a twentysomething. Tiah Tolliver, Simon's favourite for no apparent reason, was dressed like a goth warrior in front of a Halloween-themed background and went off-key much too many times for "Sweet Dreams". The last performer was Melanie Amaro with Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing". She really has an incredible voice but I felt like she lacked connection. I'm hoping she works on that. (Giagi thinks she will win).
Eliminated: Simone Battle and Tiah Tolliver
Standout: Drew
How I feel about it: I love Simon again!

And with that all summarized, I'd like to know what you guys think about The X Factor or my recap in general. I am very opinionated when it comes to these singing shows even though I myself could never get on that stage and do what they do. But I can already say that The X Factor has already proven itself to be miles better than American Idol and I can't wait to see how this concludes! $5 million is on the line!