Gospel Soundcheck

Tonight was the final performance episode of this first season of The X Factor in the US, and what a way to end the competition. The three finalists – Josh Krajcik, Chris Rene, and Melanie Amaro – pulled out all of the stops for their final performances.

First, each performed a duet with a star, Josh with Alanis Morrisette, Chris with Avril Lavigne, and Melanie with R Kelly. While they were all good, only Melanie really looked at home singing with a star. (Although LA Reid, in typical fashioned, criticized her.)

Then the contestants each sang one final song. While Josh sang well, Chris and Melanie really connected with their songs – tears from them, the judges, their fans back at home via satellite.

If I had to make a prediction, I’d say Melanie and Chris will be the last two standing, but which one takes home the prize is a toss us. Talent-wise, Melanie wins, but both have such compelling stories, make fans feel so connected, and have so much to offer not only musically but emotionally and spiritually, that either could be the last singer standing.

What do you think? Which contestant will take home the prize? We’ll find out tomorrow on the results show!

 

Rock fans and women around the world are breathing a collective sigh of relief: Jon Bon Jovi is not dead. Despite rumors of his demise, the charming rock legend is alive and well.

It appears to have started with a fake blog post reporting that Bon Jovi suffered cardiac arrest. However at a little after 7:00 PM, this photo was posted on the official Bon Jovi band Facebook page, with the status update, “‘Heaven looks a lot like New Jersey’ -jbj. Rest assured that Jon is alive and well! This photo was just taken.”

The news did give the Twittersphere an opportunity to have some fun at the rocker’s expense:

@Scott Nevins – “Just to clarify: Jon Bon Jovi did NOT die but Kim Jong ll did. I can see how people could be easily confused…”

@Aaron Sagers – “OK people, just to recap: Kim Jong Il is dead. Jon Bon Jovi is NOT dead. And in case you’re really behind, Mark Twain is definitely dead.”

@SketchofMD  – “Jon Bon Jovi isn’t dead and everybody born after 1989 is asking “Who’s Jon Bon Jovi?”

@mtabini – “Jon Bon Jovi reported alive. His good music is still reported missing.”

@ScuzzTV – “Jon Bon Jovi cannot be killed by conventional weapons. Also, don’t get him wet or feed him after midnight.”

And this tweet, which sums up the impact social networking has on pop culture:

@jonpyle – “What does it say about news that when I saw someone post that Jon Bon Jovi was dead, the first place I went to verify was Twitter.”

On tonight’s The X Factor results show, Melanie Amaro, Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene went through to the next round and Marcus Canty was sent home.

OK, OK, I know, I know. I ‘ve been hard on Marcus Canty the last few weeks, so you may be thinking that I’m happy he went home tonight. I wasn’t happy to see anyone go home, but it was the most logical outcome. After three weeks in the bottom two, it seemed like this was going to be his time.

To his credit, he was as positive and upbeat and gracious as always. While I haven’t been a fan of most of his performances (he’s so talented but he was given corny stage productions with too many slinky dancers for my tastes), he’s a super great guy and I hope he goes on to great things. I’m sure he will.

Asked for his parting comments, Marcus said, “This is not the last time you’ll see Marcus Canty. God has blessed me so much.”

Also on the show, we saw performances from Florence and The Machine and Nicole Scherzinger. Loved them both.

Next week the final three contestants perform – yesterday I predicted that Melanie and Chris would be the final two standing, and I think Melanie would win. But to be honest, it’s really a toss up. All three of the final contestants are super talented with huge fan followings and I’d be happy to see any of them win.

We’re down to the wire on this first season of The X Factor, and there’s one burning question still yet to be answered:

How is it that Marcus Canty is still in the competition?

Don’t get me wrong. I like the guy. A lot. He’s super sweet and he is talented (as he’s proven several times with his “save me” song). But every week he gives these corny performances, complete with slithering, scantily clad women – and this from the guy who stresses his Christian faith? I don’t get it.

Now that we’re down to the final four, the differences in talent are glaring. Melanie Amaro and Josh Krajcik are far above Marcus Canty. And while Chris Rene may not live up to Melanie and Josh vocally, he’s definitely a contender when it comes to talent.

Tonight the contestants sang two song; the first was the Pepsi Challenge song chosen by fans, and the second was their own choice. Let’s just say that the fans picked better songs than the mentors have over the last few weeks.

 

Marcus’s fan choice song was “I’ll Make Love To You”; his second song was “Careless Whispers.” Seriously. The first was complete with a corny rose for a fan in the audience moment and some very strange dancer in red satin behind him on stage. His second performance had him surrounded by slinky dancers. Oh yeah, and he sang, although not as well as last week. But you’ve got to give the guy props for being a super all around great guy. Simon called Marcus’ second performance “horrific” and said it was “like being in a Vegas show in 1980″, adding that it was “a  joke.” Harsh words, but speaking just the performances? I think Simon’s right. Continue Reading This Post »