December 1, 2011 
Here in the MCL community, I have been very fortunate to be in the company of informative and insightful commentators.
Their suggestions and ideas regarding numerous topics are generally spot-on and I tremendously value their input and perspective.
After Wednesday’s X Factor performances, one reader by the name of Malden shared some excellent comments with us and I would like to highlight them for you:
“The Jackson kids did not seem thrilled to be there. “Ah, Grandma, do we really have to go to that show?” “Yes, I promised Simon we would all be there. He made a nice contribution to our charity foundation.”
I thought host Steve Jones might improve after a few week of experience. Not be so stiff, loosen up, get more comfortable. I was wrong.
I find it amusingly odd that the judges are introduced in such a grand fashion each week, as if they are the true stars of the show. Are Olympic judges treated like this? Are Supreme Court judges treated like this? Since when does being a judge make you deserving of a glittering entrance befitting a crowned head of state?
Josh — the loud music and poor sound mix made his voice seem muffled and hard to hear. He was back in hard rock mode that I don’t really enjoy.
Astro — He’s very talented but I’m frustrated at not being able to understand his lyrics. I can only catch a few words here and there.
Drew — her “sing-talk” performance style reminds me of the British singer Ellie Goulding. The ongoing British version of X Factor had a 16-year-old girl who sang in a similar style and was just voted off last week. It’s a style I associate with mature singers who are past their vocal prime. It’s quite striking to see a very young girl adopt it as her signature style. I enjoyed her vocal tonite, but she has a way of making all her songs sound alike.
Rachel — the ultimate example of a spunky young girl you can’t help liking. But I’m not seeing a pop star.
Marcus — suffers from the same problem almost every week — his vocals start out strong but become progressively weaker as his movements become more energetic.
Chris — The best vocal performance I’ve seem from him, although still not great. I always seem to enjoy his performances despite the numerous vocal flaws.
Melanie — Almost a repeat of last week: another big song, another great vocal.
I agree with MCL that Marcus and Chris are probably in the most jeopardy. But I would not be totally surprised to see Astro or Rachel in the bottom group.
I think Astro may be facing the same issue that Adam Lambert faced: most of the people who like his style of music are not the kind of people who watch shows like this.”
Malden echoed some of the problems that, I feel, have been holding back this show from less than stellar ratings.
At its core, The X Factor does not seem genuine. There is a whole lot of hoopla, smoke and mirrors, electronic manipulation, over-produced performance sequences and scripted arguments that I find tiresome.
Can someone come out on stage and just sing, please? The only person that has proven capable of that is Melanie and, at times, Josh, but, after last week’s emotional tirade, Melanie’s personality leaves much to be desired.
And I don’t remember her speaking with a Bahamian accent during the audition episodes. What gives, Melanie?
So, thank you Malden for your timely input. Hopefully, the judges will refrain from their “Carmina Burana-tinged” entrance and bring the focus of the show back to the singers.
Now, it’s your turn to add to this lively topic. Comment away!!
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I so totally agree with the entire recap of last night’s show. The only time I noticed the Jackson kids responding to any of the singers was when Chris was singing. They were clapping their hands and seem to be enjoying his performance.
If I had to cut two tonight, I think it would be Marcus and Rachel. I dearly love Rachel but she didn’t measure up last night, nor did Marcus.
As for the judges entrances every week? I compare them to the judges on Dancing with the Stars. The judges somehow think they are the stars and they want the attention themselves, and not the contestants.
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I am strangely proud of the fact that I have stood by word and NOT watched a show that has Simon in it after his atrocious behavior toward Siobhan Magnus. But I very much appreciate reading everyone’s comments and yes, I am still out here and I do watch an occasional video of the performers. Thanks, Malden & thanks, MCL!!
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Darlene, you know how I feel about Siobhan Magnus! She is my favorite female Idol Alum for all 10 seasons (Diana DeGarmo and Brooke White, too.) It is sickening to me seeing Simon every week, and his antics are worse than ever. However, I do find some good entertainment on The X-Factor, and it’s not the judges feuding!
I appreciated Malden’s review.
As MCL says: At its core, The X Factor does not seem genuine. There is a whole lot of hoopla, smoke and mirrors, electronic manipulation, over-produced performance sequences and scripted arguments that I find tiresome.
In two sentences, you have managed to summarize the entire season. I did respond to Malden’s post. A few disagreements… I don’t think Chris has a good voice, and I really, really enjoy Rachel. She has already heard that Disney has some interest in her. She may not become a Pop Singer, but I think we’ll be seeing more of her. I thoroughly enjoy Melanie and feel she’ll be in the Final Three. I have enjoyed some of Josh’s songs, while the rest could leave next week and I wouldn’t mind a bit.
I wanted so badly to see Drew have one more week. She needed to show us that she can sing uptempo songs. I blame her going home on Simon and the way he mentored her. I think others would have done a better job. Seeing her crying like that was heartbreaking! Marcus should have gone home. Or Chris.
Watching this show is a chore. If I had to grade this program, I would give it a C-.
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Darlene, have you checked out Siobhan’s latest performance? Her voice is changing. Some spectulate that she is taking vocal lessons. I don’t know how to link the performance, but it is on YouTube.
Siobhan Magnus performs What Child Is This live! at the Boston Christmas Tree Lighting 12/1/11
People are making fun of her Princess Leia Earmuffs. I think they’re great! The best part of all this is that she was singing live!
I am excited for the return of “American Idol”! I know “The Voice” will return soon, but that’s not as special to me.
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Last night’s elimination of Drew was quite a surprise. I remember MCL saying at the beginning of the season that she was Simon’s favorite. I do like Drew, but honestly I loved Marcus’ performance last night. And knowing Simon like we know Simon, I’m wondering if he didn’t set her up on purpose to be eliminated because he wants someone else to win. He seemed to be angry, but it certainly could have been an act. I suspect he has big plans for Drew anyway.
I’m not a fan of the rappers because I’ve never learned to appreciate rap, however, I do think Astro and Chris are talented. But, of course, my favorites are Melanie and Josh. I really like Rachel too and think she would be PERFECT for Disney, but I don’t think she should win the five million.
Chris really seems to have quite a following, but I’ll be disappointed if he wins the entire competition.
I also understand what MCL is saying about Melanie’s rant last week. I honestly wondered if Simon didn’t put her up to that because people were saying that she was too controlled and emotionless.
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mcl, you said:
“Can someone come out on stage and just sing, please? The only person that has proven capable of that is Melanie and, at times, Josh, but, after last week’s emotional tirade, Melanie’s personality leaves much to be desired.”
i apparently fast forwarded through the tirade. i googled and found that it had been on facebook but had been removed so unfortunately can’t see for myself. can you please tell me what happened?
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mcl, you said:
“At its core, The X Factor does not seem genuine. There is a whole lot of hoopla, smoke and mirrors, electronic manipulation, over-produced performance sequences and scripted arguments that I find tiresome.”
and that is it in a nutshell. i was just thinking it lacks HEART. and that is interesting because there is a lot of crying, from contestants and from the two female judges, and yet i’m not particularly moved. there seem to be so many platitudes. it is like simon went into this feeling he was going to manufacture a star, but he forgot the emotional ingredient. everyone wants immediate fame and it doesn’t seem like it may happen this time. i notice that x factor isn’t written up on people dot com like idol is, there isn’t as much buzz, people don’t care. or at least, *i* don’t.
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Bee – it’s hard to accurately describe Melanie’s breakdown/tirade or whatever. You sort of had to be there and I wish I wasn’t!
After she finished singing, she just got caught up in the adulation from the judges and audience and went into an overwrought description of her life before The X Factor.
And then, she launched into this Bahamian accent which threw everyone for a loop. I guess she wanted to address her roots but it came across as hysterical and manic.
Drew was no better last night with her religious outburst. I find that some of these singers lack social poise and decorum. I never saw this on American Idol.
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ahh, thanks, that gives me enough awareness of melanie’s ‘moment’.
i agree about drew, that seemed strange too, and yes, in these cases we can see how ‘youngness’ enters the picture.
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Hi ~ So did anyone hear Siobhan sing? It seems like she’s singing in a higher key than usual.