The Tribune

By LESH

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

THE TALENT and the funnies continued into episode three and four of the X Factor USA last week.

Judges Kelly Rowland, Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato and Paulina Rubio took the competition to the city of Los Angeles in search of contestants in the categories groups, over 25s, boys and girls.

Viewers definitely saw the good, the bad and the ugly. A few contestants that stood out were Carlos Guevara, the Aknu brothers, Ellona Santiago, Ashly Williams, Vincent Crisostomo, and duo Chloe J and CJ.

Carlos must have melted every heart that watched when he performed “Gravity” by John Mayer. Like many X Factor contestants, Carlos had a moving story to share of dealing with Tourette Syndrome. He said the disability makes his life difficult, but he told the judges when he sings, it all goes away. After his performance, Carlos received a standing ovation from the audience, as well as the female judges. He received his yes votes to the next round of the competition.

As the competition went on, Simon said he felt as if a lot of the contestants were reminding him too much of the old school. And just when he thought he had enough, the three brothers of Aknu walked on stage. With their Motown look and classic style, they all sang and danced to a song called “Valerie.”

Before singing the song, Simon told them he hated the song. They changed the expression on Simon’s face after they were done with their set. Kelly called them “refreshing” and Simon said: “It is like watching Motown all over again and normally that is the part I hate, but I think that you might be on the forefront of something new here.” They were all sent through to the next round.

Now for the awkward parts of the show. The judges got to critique people like Vincent and the duo called Chloe J and CJ.

Vincent, a Long Island, NY native, told the judges he looked up to rappers like Biggie Smalls, Tupac and Method Man. However he chose to sing “How Do I” by Leanne Rimes, which was quite shocking to all judges. Simon blurted out: “None of this is making sense to me; none of it fits.”

Vincent butchered the song and received all no votes. Then came Chloe J and CJ, two best friends with the motto “Go Hard or Go Home.” Let’s just say, it was best for the both of them to go home at the end of the night.

They sang “River Deep, Mountain High” and were told that they were both absolutely awful by Simon. Chloe J told him it’s not easy coming on stage and performing in the front of them. She then walks over to Simon and lays a few kisses on his cheek, leaving all judges laughing hysterically.

The X Factor USA returns tonight at 8 pm.

Advancing Contestants:

Al Calderon
Alex and Sierra
Carlito Olivero
Denise Weeks
Jeff Brinkman
Jorge Pena
Lillie McCloud
Rachel Potter
Rion Paige
Roxxy Montana
Rylie Brown
Simone Torres
AKNU
Andrew Scholz
Ahly Williams
Brandie Love
Brittany Stuart
Carlos Guevara
Chrissi Poland
Colton Pack
Danie Geimer
Crystal Garrett