Tonight's X factor top 7 performance show was Michael Jackson night. Quite interesting to say the least considering Conrad Murray just got sentenced this week in the Michael Jackson trial. A little odd to say the least. Also, where was Jermaine? Anyone know?
First up for the X factor top 7 performance show was Josh. Let me just say it looked uncomfortable from the get go. Josh was completely out of his element in this genre. His song choice was suspect and I wouldn't have chosen that song. The whole stage show was over produced and didn't add to who Josh really is. Nicole missed this one by a long shot. I can only think that part of Josh's uncomfortableness was due to him being forced in to doing this song, this arrangement and with all the choreography going on. Afterwards, you could see it on his face that he was more than unhappy with the whole thing. I have to admit. This was probably one of his weakest performances. I'm actually a fan of his but tonight I wasn't feeling it from. I have to see the other performances but he may be in trouble.
Well, Astro knocked it out of the park for the X factor top 7 performance show. If he keeps his head straight he may just make it to the top 3. Not sure if he can win it as I am not so sure America will allow him to win. His rap tonight was way on point and, for the first time in some time, he was in the pocket with his cadence. Another upside is that he looked like he was having a really good time and I believe America will pick up on that. I'll also admit that he is really original with his rhymes. He's really a prolific writer and I continue to be impressed with him. Great hook on the tune. When hearing the judges feed back he is finally dropping some "Thank You's" as well. Good to see him be a little more respectful of his opportunity on the Xfactor. Could be the highlight of the X factor Top 7 performance show thus far. X Factor Top 7 Performance Show - the first girl....
The first of the girls for the X factor top 7 performance show was Drew. She's got that "it" thing about her. She's admitted she's been a little uncomfortable in her own skin and I think that resonates with a lot of people, including me when I was getting started in the music business. And, you don't need need to be in the music business to get that. Everyone can relate to that. A truly great rendition of the song. I believe someone on Idol did a version like this a few years ago and I think I coached and produced the vocal for his version. His name was David Cook. I was knocked out when he did his version and Drew hit it out of the park as well. His version was with an acoustic while hers was on piano. She looked vulnerable and sincere in her performance and it was really a stand out performance from her. Them bagging on her about not getting up from the chair was petty. She did exactly what she should have done. While Astro was my favorite of the night up to this point I now have a new favorite for the X factor top 7 performance show and her name is Drew! Nice job Drew.
The next girl up
First up for the X factor top 7 performance show was Josh. Let me just say it looked uncomfortable from the get go. Josh was completely out of his element in this genre. His song choice was suspect and I wouldn't have chosen that song. The whole stage show was over produced and didn't add to who Josh really is. Nicole missed this one by a long shot. I can only think that part of Josh's uncomfortableness was due to him being forced in to doing this song, this arrangement and with all the choreography going on. Afterwards, you could see it on his face that he was more than unhappy with the whole thing. I have to admit. This was probably one of his weakest performances. I'm actually a fan of his but tonight I wasn't feeling it from. I have to see the other performances but he may be in trouble.
Well, Astro knocked it out of the park for the X factor top 7 performance show. If he keeps his head straight he may just make it to the top 3. Not sure if he can win it as I am not so sure America will allow him to win. His rap tonight was way on point and, for the first time in some time, he was in the pocket with his cadence. Another upside is that he looked like he was having a really good time and I believe America will pick up on that. I'll also admit that he is really original with his rhymes. He's really a prolific writer and I continue to be impressed with him. Great hook on the tune. When hearing the judges feed back he is finally dropping some "Thank You's" as well. Good to see him be a little more respectful of his opportunity on the Xfactor. Could be the highlight of the X factor Top 7 performance show thus far. X Factor Top 7 Performance Show - the first girl....
The first of the girls for the X factor top 7 performance show was Drew. She's got that "it" thing about her. She's admitted she's been a little uncomfortable in her own skin and I think that resonates with a lot of people, including me when I was getting started in the music business. And, you don't need need to be in the music business to get that. Everyone can relate to that. A truly great rendition of the song. I believe someone on Idol did a version like this a few years ago and I think I coached and produced the vocal for his version. His name was David Cook. I was knocked out when he did his version and Drew hit it out of the park as well. His version was with an acoustic while hers was on piano. She looked vulnerable and sincere in her performance and it was really a stand out performance from her. Them bagging on her about not getting up from the chair was petty. She did exactly what she should have done. While Astro was my favorite of the night up to this point I now have a new favorite for the X factor top 7 performance show and her name is Drew! Nice job Drew.
The next girl up
for the X Factor Top 7 Performance Show was our girl Rachel Crow. This girl is going to be a big star but I just don't think she is ready for it yet. Her vocal was pitchy tonight and she just wasn't reaching for and hitting the notes the way she should have and can do. And, she looked a bit uncomfortable with the performance and the song choice. She would have been better off choosing an old school Jackson 5 song. That is, if they could do J5 songs tonight. I'm not sure. She's not improving or getting worse. She's just flying under the radar, staying off the "suck radar" and getting by on the "cute factor" with some vocal talent. There are a lot of those every year on Idol and being that person isn't such a bad idea. You can read about those in my book "My Idol Time". Tonight for the X Factor Top 7 Performance Show she didn't give us anything stellar. X Factor Top 7 Performance Show - the next boy...
I like Marcus. He seems like a genuinely nice character and has got that little bit of something that is appealing. THIS was the perfect genre for him tonight. Nice arrangement on the song, almost the right key (I would have bumped it up a half step higher to push him a little bit and get his tone right on the edge) and an overall really good performance from him. He's right at home with MJ songs. However, his vocal performance wasn't great and that is what he needs at this point of the competition. He looks like he had a good time on the X Factor Top 7 Performance Show but I wasn't blown away. He needs to "go for it" a little more in his vocals. I'm not sure why these coaches on X factor aren't figuring out the right song keys for these contestants. The keys they choose are always just about a half step off from where each contestant should be singing. It just seems natural for me to find that key first then get them working on the song. Looks like they could use some help behind the scenes.....
Chris Rene' was up next. First off, did he fix his teeth? Looks like he had some dental work since last week. Anyhoo, his vocal started out a little rough. Pitchy. Song was, once again, about a half step off from his comfort zone on the bottom end. 1/2 step higher would have been best for him. When he broke it down it he was really connecting with the audience but that was about it. The ending was bad too. Not the best I've seen him do. Chris is a cool cat. I actually dig him and am rooting for him in a big way. He just needs a bit more vocal work and, considering that he has made it this far to the X Factor Top 7 Performance Show, I think he should have improved more by now.
Melanie was last and she looked great. The curly hair suits her better. Enough of that horse crap though. Her vocals for the most part spot on. But, for me, even if a singer is a little bit off, as long as they are going for it, I don't care too much. But, it can't be horribly off. She just barely missed a couple notes and didn't reach high enough for them. She was great tonight. Probably the best of the night in my opinion. She' got it going on and should be okay for next week...
My highlights of the X Factor Top 7 Performance Show night were Drew and Melanie. The weakest of the night were Josh and Chris....Well, who do you think is going home tomorrow night?
About the Author:
I like Marcus. He seems like a genuinely nice character and has got that little bit of something that is appealing. THIS was the perfect genre for him tonight. Nice arrangement on the song, almost the right key (I would have bumped it up a half step higher to push him a little bit and get his tone right on the edge) and an overall really good performance from him. He's right at home with MJ songs. However, his vocal performance wasn't great and that is what he needs at this point of the competition. He looks like he had a good time on the X Factor Top 7 Performance Show but I wasn't blown away. He needs to "go for it" a little more in his vocals. I'm not sure why these coaches on X factor aren't figuring out the right song keys for these contestants. The keys they choose are always just about a half step off from where each contestant should be singing. It just seems natural for me to find that key first then get them working on the song. Looks like they could use some help behind the scenes.....
Chris Rene' was up next. First off, did he fix his teeth? Looks like he had some dental work since last week. Anyhoo, his vocal started out a little rough. Pitchy. Song was, once again, about a half step off from his comfort zone on the bottom end. 1/2 step higher would have been best for him. When he broke it down it he was really connecting with the audience but that was about it. The ending was bad too. Not the best I've seen him do. Chris is a cool cat. I actually dig him and am rooting for him in a big way. He just needs a bit more vocal work and, considering that he has made it this far to the X Factor Top 7 Performance Show, I think he should have improved more by now.
Melanie was last and she looked great. The curly hair suits her better. Enough of that horse crap though. Her vocals for the most part spot on. But, for me, even if a singer is a little bit off, as long as they are going for it, I don't care too much. But, it can't be horribly off. She just barely missed a couple notes and didn't reach high enough for them. She was great tonight. Probably the best of the night in my opinion. She' got it going on and should be okay for next week...
My highlights of the X Factor Top 7 Performance Show night were Drew and Melanie. The weakest of the night were Josh and Chris....Well, who do you think is going home tomorrow night?
About the Author:
Dennis Duncan is a vocal coach and singer. Find more info on this summers 2012 American Idol auditions , then visit www.myidoltime.com to find the best advice on how to audition for American Idol .. Also published at Tonight's X factor top 7 performance show.
