The Tribune

By LESH
Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

INTRODUCTORY boot camp auditions ended Thursday as X Factor USA contestants were cut down to the top 40. It was heartbreaking for the judges to let go of their pet contestants who were simply not up to par. So like all competitions, where the unlucky lose, some of the aspiring singers were sent home packing.

Separated into four groups, the top 40 were placed in categories headed by contestant judges: over 25s headed by judge Kelly Rowland; girls headed by Demi Lovato; boys headed by Paulina Rubio; and groups headed by Simon Cowell.

The contestants will be moving into this week’s round of the competition called “the Four Chair Challenge,” which is something new for the show. According to the show’s host Mario Lopez, the 10 contestants in each category will sing for an opportunity to move into the top four in each category.

Viewers will see more cuts, more tears, as well as more laughter, as the hopefuls sing their hearts out.

In addition to the big cut, highlights from last week’s show include the marriage proposal by David Gray to his girlfriend Lauren Waguespack, in addition to performances by Melanie Wight, Lorie Moore, and Keith Beukelaer performing “I Like Big Butts”.

What stood out most was Secondhand High’s “You Better Ask Me To Dance” performance. Not only was it hilarious to watch, followed by a “no” vote, it also inspired a parody rap of the song done by the X-Factor judges.

For more X Factor excitement, tune into FOX Network tonight at 8pm.

Top 40 Contestants:

Girls:
Khaya Cohen
Bree Randall
Jamie Pineda
Simone Torres
Rion Paige
Danielle Geimer
Rylie Brown
Primrose Martin
Ellona Santiago
Ashly Williams

Boys:
Carlito Olivero
Chase Goehring
TImmy Thames
Isaiah Alston
Tim Olstad
Al Calderon
Josh Levi
Isaac Tauefa
Carlos Guevara
Stone Martin

Over 25s:

Lillie McCloud
Jeff Brinkman
Rachel Potter
Kristine Mirelle
Victoria Carriger
James Kenney
Allison Davis
Denny Smith
Lorie Moore
Jeff Gutt

Groups:
Glamour
Good News
Yellow House Canyon
Alex & Sierra
Roxxy Montana
Wild Thingz
Girls United