The X Factor - America's Vote

I finally got a chance to watch this week's X-Factor, and the performances were all over the place.  I feel like the biggest problem with a lot of the performances was the song choice.  I don't know how much input the contestants have into the songs, but a lot of them seem to be the judges' choices, and some of the judges really misfired.  Case in point, Nicole choosing Lonestar's "I'm Already There" for Leroy Bell, Simon Cowell choosing an odd arrangement and changing the lyrics to "Walking On Sunshine" for Rachel Crow, and Paula putting Lakoda Rayne in a multi-colored dresses to represent the seasons and singing "Landslide."

My favorites were Melanie Amaro singing "Desperado" and Josh Krajcik singing "Jar of Hearts."  Both really made the songs their own, and their voices were amazing without the need of much backup.  Astro, as much as I hate to admit it, also did a great job.  His skills are getting better and better to match that ego.  Surprisingly, he wasn't as arrogant this time around.

In the end, the kids group InTENsity was kicked off.  The two lowest vote-getters were Stereo Hoggz and InTENsity, and they had to sing one more song before the judges decide who to kick off.  Poor Paula - both were her babies, and she was really upset.  But she does have the weakest contestants among all of them, so not surprising.

Steve Jones has improved slightly, but still stiff and not much humor.  After seeing him, I am actually appreciating Ryan Seacrest more.  Even though he tends to be on the smarmy side and likes to insert himself into the show, he makes it looks so easy.