The Tribune

By LESH

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

X Factor USA introduced the Four Chair Challenge last week adding a new dimension to the music competition.

Separated into four groups made up of 10 contestants, the top 40 were placed in categories: over 25s headed by judge Kelly Rowland, girls headed by Demi Lovato, boys headed by Paulina Rubio and groups headed by Simon Cowell.

During the four chair challenge each contestant in each category individually sang to the judges in hopes of securing a spot in one of the top four seats. The Four Chair Challenge replaced last season’s boot camp and home auditions.

After the final four were selected, they were advanced to the Live Shows. However, while it was a joyous feeling to be selected for a seat, no seat was guaranteed until all ten acts were done performing. This is where viewers went ballistic via Twitter and Facebook, because their favourite contestant may have earned a seat, but it was still a possibility that they could have been switched later on during the night.
Let’s take Kelly’s Over 25s for example.

Kelly was the first judge to take on the challenge with her contestants last week. Victoria Carriger started the competition signing “Make You Feel My Love.”

Demi’s review: “I think there was fire behind it, I love the rasp. I think that the energy was really low but I do love the passion that was behind your voice.”

Kelly said: “Victoria that is why I have the Over 25s category. While I respect what my fellow judges did say, you silenced this room and for a second it got boring and then you picked it up again. The question is do I send you home or do you take a seat.” She then decided to give Victoria the seat opportunity as the crowd cheered in the background. Victoria was the first to receive a seat.

Victoria’s victory was short lived as she was faced with having to give up her seat for contestant Jeff Brinkman. By the time as Jeff took to the stage, Kelly enjoyed his performance and wanted him in her top four, but the seats were already filled with four people. She had a decision to make, and she decided to let Victoria go.

Kelly started with contestants Lillie McCloud, Jeff Brinkman, Rachel Potter, Kristine Mirelle, Victoria Carriger, James Kenney, Allison Davis, Denny Smith, Lorie Moore and Jeff Gutt. She now has her final four: Jeff Gutt, James Kenney, Lillie McCould and Rachel Potter.

Demi had the same issue with her ten girls, as most of them delivered excellent performances, but she had to choose four. Demi’s four girls include: Ellona Santiago, Rion Paige, Khaya Cohen and Danielle Geimer.

This week viewers will have to tune in to watch Paulina’s boys and Simon’s groups battle for the four chair challenge.
Paulina’s Boys

Carlito Olivero

Chase Goehring

TImmy Thames

Isaiah Alston

Tim Olstad

Al Calderon

Josh Levi

Isaac Tauefa

Carlos Guevara

Stone Martin


Simon’s Groups

Glamour

Good News

Yellow House

Canyon

Alex & Sierra

Roxxy Montana

Wild Thingz

Girls United