Top 10 Contestants performed for the judges in hopes of staying in the competition. Rock week proved to be no easy challenge for those remaining. The all want that $5 million dollar prize.
L.A. Reid – He’s mentor to the boys: Chris Rene, Astro, and Marcus Canty.
Chris Rene – He sang “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” by Bob Marley, a song his mom played for him during his childhood. He really seems like a great guy, who is going through recovery right now. Here’s hoping he can continue on with turning his life around. The judges were split about the song. L.A. stood up for Chris.
Astro – He rapped to “Every Step I Take,” and I don’t really know what to think. He is supposed to sing, not rap as this is rock week. But he is still a great performer. The judges had positive things to say anyways. Simon said he knows who he wants to be and it gives him a head start over the others.
Marcus Canty – He has been singing with the church choir since he was 11 and he’s a role model to children he takes care of in the church. This week he sang “Take Enough Piece of My Heart,” by Janis Joplin. I like how the choir was added in. He is an entertainer but not the best singer, in my opinion. Simon Cowell said the song didn’t suit him and I would have to agree.
Simon Cowell – Mentors the girls: Melanie Amaro, Rachel Crow, and Drew.
Rachel Crow – I believe she is one of the youngest in this competition, but agree with Nicole, it will be harder for Rachel to connect with the audience because of her age. But the girl can sing. For rock week she sang “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction,” from the Rolling Stones play book.
Melanie Amaro – She is another one of the best singers this season. She sang “Everybody Hurts,” by R.E.M. Simon stripped down everything off stage, by Melanie, a mic stand, and the piano. The other judges are concerned that they’ve never seen her let loose. Her voice gives me the chills, but I do wish the song wasn’t slowed down so much. The judges were at each other complaining that the other mentors did not pick a rock song, and I would have to agree.
Drew – She sang “With Or Without You,” by U2. Her voice is beautiful, like an angel. Seriously, this girl sings so beautifully. She doesn’t know how to take constructive criticism because she said she is use to having only “good comments.” That can be her downfall, she is only 14, and this competition is all about criticism. Like Nicole said, I was waiting for the tempo to pick up.
Nicole Scherzinger – Mentors the over 30s: Josh Krajcik, Leroy Bell, and Stacey Francis.
Leroy Bell – Sang Bob Seger’s, “We’ve Got Tonight.” His voice is really great even though L.A. Reid calls Leroy boring, last I checked this was a singing competition, not a who is the most exciting competition. Though I can see what L.A. means, but still. Simon told him basically he is being mentored like a section singer and his song was not original. Leroy is the oldest in this competition at 60, and I think he is courageous and deserves some respect from the judges.
Stacy Francis – She sang “It’s All Coming Back to Me,” by Meatloaf. The song is mediocre but her voice isn’t and I feel like Nicole is picking the wrong songs for rock week. I love Stacy’s voice she is one of my favorites, but she needs stronger songs to sing. Then Nicole admitted that Stacy picked the song. All the judges were against the song and we know why – she can do better with a better song.
Josh Krajcik – He is probably the best singer on the show. He chose “The Pretender,” by the Foo Fighters. His performance reminded me of Seether, my very favorite band. Josh is a total rock star! He owned the show and his performance was stellar. As L.A. said he is the only one who has rocked the stage tonight. Paula Abdul called it the best performance of the evening. Simon Cowell called it bloody fantastic.
Paula Abdul – She has only one act left in the groups category that she mentors, Lakoda Rayne.
Lakoda Rayne – They sang a mash up of “I Don’t Want To Lose Your Love Tonight,” and Fleetwood Mac’s song “Go Your Own Way.” Simon called it a complete mess. But it said he hopes America sticks with them.
My best guess for who is going home? Lakoda Rayne or Marcus Canty are my guesses. Best performance was Josh Krajcik, by far. Drew has a one-of-a kind voice and I adore Stacy Francis.
Stay tuned for which act was sent home, coming up next!