The X Factor USA’s live shows are rolling around in just two weeks and given the rapidly declining standards of my country’s edition, I am truly grateful. Once more, the Stateside version has produced 16 top class acts. Here is how they are shaping up going in to the final rounds.
Kelly’s Over 25s
Rachel Potter
Can she sing?
Yes, very well in fact. Rachel surprised everyone at her first audition with her impeccable high notes. The Four Chair Challenge didn’t go as well for her and she was put through based on her first audition.
Does she have the ‘X Factor’?
Hmm… this is debatable. She can definitely sing and she was likeable in her first audition and the country market in the US is huge but she did herself no favours by rattling off excuses in her second performance. I think Victoria Carriger would have been better received by voters.
Jeff Gutt
Can he sing?
He’s actually got a great voice. It’s very much suited to rock ballads but he can sing, he was unlucky not to have made it to the live shows the season before.
Does he have the ‘X Factor’?
Not really. Sure, he’s likeable as a good singer and being a single father supporting his son but he doesn’t look like a star and he doesn’t have much charisma. He could do well from this but I can’t foresee him being a global star.
James Kenney
Can he sing?
Another yes, here. He’s not a strong a singer as Jeff but his voice is soulful and unique within the competition.
Does he have the ‘X Factor’?
Not really. Sure, he’s likeable as a good singer and being a single father supporting his son but he doesn’t look like a star and he doesn’t have much charisma. He could do well from this but I can’t foresee him being a global star.
Lillie McCloud
Can they sing?
Can she ever! Vocally, Lillie is a cut above the rest of the competition. It says a lot that she is the only act to have received two standing ovations so far this season.
Does she have the ‘X Factor’?
You may think a 54-year-old grandmother has little to offer mainstream music but the stage presence she carries is that of a seasoned veteran. She has the look, she has the talent. Can she connect with a younger audience? Maybe not but with a voice like hers, that shouldn’t be problematic.
Demi’s Girls
Khaya Cohen
Can they sing?
Vocally, she’s arguably the strongest in Demi’s category.
Does she have the ‘X Factor’?
Meh, probably not. She’s enthusiastic and likeable but does she stand-out? Not really. That’s why I’ve just used those generic terms to describe her.
Ellona Santiago
Can they sing?
Yes, she can. Simon picked her out as the star singer when she was part of Season 1 group InTENsity.
Does she have the ‘X Factor’?
Again, she’s very forgettable. She’s just your average girl. She’s yet to show anything that sets her apart from any other female singer with a good voice.
Danie Geimer
Can they sing?
Again, she is a very good singer with amazing control for a 15-year-old.
Does she have the ‘X Factor’?
Thankfully, she may do. She’s certainly more memorable than her two predecessors. She’s the geeky girl at school that no one pays attention to, until they realise how talented she is. I bet that story will resonate with many of the show’s younger voters.
Rion Paige
Can they sing?
Yes, she can. Excellently, in fact, for a 13-year-old.
Does she have the ‘X Factor’?
She’s arguably the most likeable contestant in the whole competition, her resolute positivity in the face of her disability is simply inspiring. I almost want to see her succeed more for her mum than herself.
Paulina’s Boys
Carlito Olivero
Can they sing?
He can but he’s definitely one of the weaker singers in the competition.
Does he have the ‘X Factor’?
Sort of. He’ll appeal to certain audiences but he’s nothing special.
Carlos Guevara
Can they sing?
He can, very well in fact. One of Paula’s strongest singers.
Does he have the ‘X Factor’?
He’s certainly likeable given his triumph over Tourettes Syndrome whenever he sings, but he isn’t the most charismatic.
Tim Olstad
Can they sing?
Yes, he is a very good singer. That’s about all he is.
Does he have the ‘X Factor’?
Not all. He is easily the dullest contestant left. Simon was spot on when he said he’d only appeal to older audiences.
Josh Levi
Can they sing?
There are better singers in the competition, but yes he can sing.
Does he have the ‘X Factor’?
I think so. The girls seem to love him, he’s confident without being arrogant and his stage presence is impressive. There’s no reason he can’t go far.
Simon’s Groups
Sweet Suspense
Can they sing?
As they’re a manufactured group they can all sing equally well. Well, there’s one stronger singer but…
Do they have the ‘X Factor’?
Potentially. They’re fairly likeable and will probably be popular with young teenage girls.
Restless Road
Can they sing?
Very well, particularly together.
Do they have the ‘X Factor’?
Absolutely, it was a genius move of Simon’s to put together a group of three young male country singers. I’m certain they’ll do well.
Alex and Sierra
Can they sing?
They have unique voices. They’re not powerful but good, no doubt.
Do they have the ‘X Factor’?
I think so. They have a unique style and are actually likeable as a couple, you want them to succeed because of how down-to-earth they are. I love them.
RoXxy Montana
Can they sing?
You bet they can. Coming from a gospel choir, their voices are very soulful too.
Do they have the ‘X Factor’?
They could be the new Destiny’s Child. They’re very talented, great performers but they’re not necessarily as likeable and charismatic as the other acts. They might not do as well as predicted.
