The Tribune

By LESH

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

AFTER weeks of auditioning at the judges’ homes, The X Factor USA returned last week with live performances.
 I am sure everyone was surprised to see reality star Khloe Kardashian co-hosting the show with well known host Mario Lopez. Mario was his usual self, as comfortable as ever, but Khloe was noticeably nervous.

The top 16 remaining contestants took the stage to sing for the first time in front of a live audience, the panel of judges - Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Britney Spears, L A Reid - and America at large. Some gave it their all, others bombed out of the competition. It appeared as though they all received X Factor makeovers, as some female contestants sported new hair colours and hair styles, and the men, new wardrobes.

Four unlucky contestants were voted off by the judges.
The singing started with the young adults. Paige Thomas was the first in the group, singing “What is Love?”. Jennel Garcia later sang “Home Sweet Home” and Willie Jones and Cece Frey sang, “ Here for the Party,” and

“Because of the Night”. Cece and Willie had to sing in the survival round, which did not work out too well for Willie.
In the teens category, Arin Ray sang “Keep me hangin’ on”, Diamond White sang “ Hey Soul Sister”, Beatrice Miller performed

“I won’t give up” and Carly Rose Sonenclar performed “ Baby one more time”. The final decision fell to Britney. She sent through Beatrice and Carley, and eventually Diamond, after the sing off.

In the over 25s group of contestants, David Correy performed “ My love is your love”, Vino Alan sang “Gotta Be Somebody”, Tate Stevens sang “Tough”, and Jason Brock sang “ Dance Again”. L A Reid decided to keep Vino Alan, Tate Stevens and Jason Brock, David was sent home.
In the final category, the groups, Sister C sang “ Hell on Heels”, Lyric 145 sang “ Boom Shake the Room”, 1432 aka the Lylas sang “We are never ever getting back together”, and Emblem3 sang “ One Day”. With no hesitation, Simon decided to keep Emblem3, Lyric145 and 1432 aka the Lylas. Sister C was sent home.
Weigh in on the eliminations at

Remaining Contestants:



Young Adults – Mentor Demi Lovato
Paige Thomas
Jennel Garcia
Cece Frey

Teens– Mentor Britney Spears
Beatrice Miller
Diamond White
Carly Rose Sonenclar

Over 25s – Mentor L A Reid
Vino Alan
Jason Brock
Tate Stevens

Groups Mentor Simon Cowell
Lylas
Emblem3
Lyric 145