The X-Factor Top 16

The X-Factor revealed its top 16 tonight.  These are the people who will be performing at the live show.

SPOILER ALERT!

I agreed with some of the picks, but I was ready to throw things at the TV when Simon did not originally put Melanie through.  But he righted the wrong and flew to her house to invite her back.  Now I am cynical enough to believe that this was totally planned, but whatever got Melanie back into the competition is OK with me.

GIRLS

Simone Battle - really, Simon?  I think he was more dazzled by the way she looks than her actual talent.  Especially over Caitlin Koch.
Drew Ryniewicz - I really like her, so this is a good choice for me.
Tiah Tolliver - I knew she was going to go through.  Simon really likes her, although I don't understand why.
Rachel Crow - she's OK.  Young, but she's not as annoying as Simone or Tiah.
Melanie Amaro - awesome.

BOYS

Brian Bradley - I think the kid has talent, but he's so arrogant and annoying that I can't like him.
Chris Rene - this was a given.  TV loves redemption stories.  I do like the guy, even though his voice isn't the best.  I hope he does well.
Phillip Lomax - didn't understand this one.  He's a poor man's Bruno Mars to me.
Marcus Canty - this was a good choice.  He killed it at the Judges' House performance.

OVER 30s

This category has two of my favorite singers: Josh and Leroy.

Josh Krajcik - love him.  Glad he went through.
Dexter Haygood - I don't understand this pick.  He wasn't very good.  I would've preferred James or Elaine over Dexter.
Leroy Bell - he's totally awesome.  I can't wait to see how he does live.
Stacey Francis - pretty much a given considering how much they've pimped her out.

GROUPS

The Brewer Boys - I like these brothers, so I'm glad they went through.
Lakota Rayne - I don't understand why Paula put them through.  They weren't very good, and they were boring.  Maybe to justify putting the groups together?
Intensity - this was the one I thought was more likely to go through than Lakota Rayne.
Stereo Hogzz - the best among the seemingly interchangeable all-boys groups.  Plus one of the singers has the cutest baby.

We'll see what happens at the live shows!  I'll be cheering for Melanie, Josh, and Leroy the most.