X Factor US: Boot Camp Part 2

written by Gabriel Sierra
DAM NATION, Contributor

Group performances continue on this episode, then one final challenge will decide who will become the 32 acts moving on. After this, they will be divided in groups of girls, boys, over 30 and groups. I’m so excited to see who will make it through!! Here’s how the episode went:

Recap after the jump!!

Brennin Hunt, Equality (Group), Marcus Canty, Matthew Johnson, Ma’at Bingham Shango, Chris Rene and his sister, Gina Rene.
The song was What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye. The performance was ok, the judges commented that some will have to go.

Mathew Slovacek, Tim Cifers, Hannah Bethel, Thomas Wells, Jeremy Easly and Kingston (Group).
The song was I Won’t Let Go by Rascal Flatts. The performance was really good, it felt real and almost like a performance you’d hear at an award show! I loved the voices, and Hannah stood out being the only girl. I hope most of them make it!

The Brewer Boys (Group), Henri Bredouw, James Douglas, Emma Henry, Hannah Jackson, Ryan Sims, Kyle Corr and Christa Collins.
Interesting group! The song was Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol. It was interesting, I didn’t think it was amazing.

The contestants were divided in three groups for the results. The first group was eliminated, and it was a very large group. There were emotions and crying, it was sad. There were a few familiar faces, I saw two from the group that had just sang and a couple others that were good.

The second group made it through and they were jumping and dancing around, it was very fun and nice, some familiar faces again! Some good talent here.

The last group also made it through. Two of the faces we’ve seen the most, Rachel Crow and Stacy Francis were on this group. Happy jumping and dancing around again! It was fun, I can tell this is the group where the judges think the most talented ones are.

At this point only 64 acts remained. Which meant that half of the acts would have to be eliminated. The next challenge consisted on singing a song that described who they were as an artist, but not any song, there was a list of 35 songs they could choose from. Also, there was a crowd of three thousand people watching. The judges wouldn’t comment anything yet, just watch.

Rachel Crow. She decided to sing “If I Were A Boy” by Beyoncé, and she rocked it. She was so good, such big vocals for a little girl. She even made Nicole Scherzinger drop a tear! Very nice!

Audrey Turner sang “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye. It was brilliant, very nice vocals!

Paige Ogle went with “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane. It was pretty but we didn’t get to hear much.

42 year old Tiger Budbill sang “Billie Jean” by Micheal Jackson, it was good, but I’ve heard much better versions. Though one of his high notes was pretty good.

Burrito-maker Josh Krajcik chose “Up To The Mountain” by Kelly Clarkson. It was very, very good! This guy is full of surprises! I just wish he’d cut his hair haha!

Simone Battle was up next, I didn’t even know she was still in the competition! Haha. She went with “Your Song” by Elton John, though she changed it soooo much it seemed another song. And then she forgot every single word and started singing some other stuff!

And this was the beginning of people forgetting the lyrics. 4shore forgot a bit of the lyrics and messed things up. Little Ladiez apparently didn’t follow the judges advice, so they didn’t like them. Makenna & Brock were good, but Brock kept forgetting the words. Siameze Floyd, whom I didn’t think was going to make it this far, gave such a strange high note, Simon was disappointed, his face showed it.

Simon was starting to get frustrated, especially when Brennin Hunt sang “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys, because he wanted it to be simple with just a piano, instead of a complicated arrangement. He even decided to take a break to rest from all the horrible versions of the songs they chose.

The Stereo Hogzz went up next with “Cry Me A River” and boy, were they good! It was amazing!!!!

Brian Bradley took the stage and rapped it out, it was good. I just don’t like this kid for a reason, I think it’s his attitude. Sorry if you like him!

Singing “Summertime” Phillip Lomax showed off his different style and tone, very original. It was very good!

Chris Rene gave his version of “Every Step You Take” and it was very nice! I can see him going through.

Nick Dean, who I thought would be eliminated after his last performance, sang “Somewhere Only We Know” and it was very good, it was nice and simple.

Now it was time for the one who’s gotten the most on-camera time (I think), Stacy Francis. She was very nervous, and actually her father died in the first day of Boot Camp. It was emotional when she said it onstage. She went with “Summertime” and it was AMAZING ! She got a standing ovation from Paula, Nicole and L.A. Reid! It was so good, she walked offstage in tears, it was emotional and truly wonderful. She’ll make it through soooo easily.

Tiah Tolliver was next, and the look on Nicole and Paula’s faces was obvious. They just don’t like this girl! I wonder why, because she’s good! She sang really good her version of “It’s A Man’s World”, I love her voice! I can see her going through!

Cari Fletcher was up next with “I’m Already There” by Lonestar. It was OK but I don’t see her going through, I think there are better singers.

Drew Ryniewicz took the stage and sang her own version of “Just Like A Star” and it was good! She’s definitely better than I thought!

Caitlin Koch was up next, I was worried she hadn’t made it because I hadn’t seen her! And I love her! She also sang “Cry Me A River” and it was awesomeeee! Her voice is so magical, I love it! I can tell she’s going to be my favorite if she goes all the way!

Leroy Bell sang “To Make Me Feel My Love” and it was beautiful. I hope he goes through.

Auditions were over, and it was now time for the last day of Boot Camp. The judges were ready to announce who made it to the next round, which is to be divided in four groups and go to the judges homes to be mentored and ready for next round.

They were divided by the four categories there will be, and only 8 names would be called by category (6 were called in the group category).

GIRLS:

Caitlin Koch.

Tora Woloshin.

Simone Battle.

Drew Ryniewicz.

Rachel Crow.

Jazzlyn Little.

Melanie Amara.

Tiah Tolliver.

BOYS

Brennin Hunt.

Brian Bradley.

Skyelor Anderson.

Nick Voss.

Tim Cifers.

Phillip Lomax.

Marcus Canty.

Chris Rene.

GROUPS

The Stereo Hogzz.

2 squared.

4shore.

The Brewer Boys.

Illusion Confusion.

The Answer.

OVER 30s

Elaine Gibbs.

Tiger Budbill.

Leroy Bell.

James Kenny.

Josh Krajcik.

Christa Collins.

Dexter Haygood.

Stacy Francis.

After they were selected, the judges called a few of the eliminated girls and boys, and told them they will continue competing, but as a group. One is formed by 4 girls and the other one by 10 boys and girls. 

The judges were told which groups they will mentor throughout the season, and it goes like this:

Simon Cowell: Girls

L.A. Reid: Boys

Nicole Scherzinger: Over 30s

Paula Abdul: Groups