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The X Factor: where thousands audition, a few will make it through, but there can only be one winner.
Two weeks ago, the suspense was over. The X Factor USA had gone from a distant “Can’t wait to watch that” to a reality – it really was time for us to face the music.
The X Factor is a singing competition with a twist; it’s a contest open to any talented singer age 12 or older – starting a competition at this age has never been done before. Contestants will go through auditions then boot camp then judges’ houses for even more coaching before finally performing in front of a live audience, in which someone will be sent home every week.
The judging panel consists of Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger, former lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls. However, during the audition process the beautiful Cheryl Cole, member of successful UK girl band Girls Aloud, was in Nicole’s seat. For a singer to get through to the next stage of The X Factor, three judges need to give them a ‘yes’ – this provides quality entertainment, especially when Scherzinger finds it hard to make a decision while Cowell storms off for not getting his own way – Simon can get away with that attitude; Nicole, not so much.
Over the past two weeks, for two hours a night, twice a week we have seen what can only be described as memorable auditions. The voices were out of this world – the talent in America is shown to be unbelievable. Contestants did not just sing in front of four judges, they sang in front of an audience of thousands who are certainly not scared of making it clear how they feel about an act.
During the audition stages, we saw Colorado teen, Rachel Crow, 13, blow the judges away with her sweet bubbly charm and remarkable voice – definitely one to watch during boot camp. Brian Bradley, 14, also caught the judge’s attention when he sang his own song, “Stop Looking at My Mom” which ended in a standing ovation from the crowd. Boy band 4shore bravely performed one of L.A. Reid’s songs “End of the Road.” Nervous judges soon looked relaxed when 4shore knocked its own rendition out of the park, getting a standing ovation from not only the crowd, but also the judges.
Now the audition process is over, it is time to start boot camp. Boot camp is all about performance pressure, and nerves will certainly be put to the test. Contestants will be split into categories: guys, girls, older singers and vocal groups. Not only will contestants have to sing, they’ll also need to prove themselves in dancing and performing. The competition level within these groups will be higher than ever, and standing out from the crowd will be vital.
Look out for the sexual chemistry between Paula and Simon, L.A.’s dance moves when he enjoys a performance a song, Nicole’s jealousy when a hotter and better version of herself takes the stage and, of course, the crowds’ reaction to contestants. After all, the public will be the ones purchasing the album by the first American X Factor winner. Another episode of X Factor Boot Camp airs tonight at 7 p.m. on Fox 31.
