The November 3, 2011 X Factor results show opened with host Steve Jones reiterating that one act would go home before the end of the show. After introducing the judges, he said the ten acts with the most votes would automatically advance while the bottom two would sing again for the chance to stay on the show. The judges would make the final decision.
Opening Group Performance
In typical singing competition fashion, the contestants performed a group number. The energetic version of "Without You" felt less awkward than similar American Idol routines but still produced some uneasy vocal blends, particularly when Drew Ryniewicz sang with Lakoda Rayne.
A lengthy clip montage recapped the previous night's performances and comments from the judges. After a commercial break, the contestants spoke about how much they were looking forward to being in a Pepsi commercial in one of the most blatant examples of sponsor product placement since the "Orville Lounge" on America's Got Talent.
The soft drink theme continued as Outasight performed their Pepsi commercial song, "Tonight Is the Night". The weak beats and bland vocals didn't hold up outside of an advertising context, and the unimaginative choreography added nothing to the performance.
First Voting Results
Another series of clips showed the contestants talking about how much they wanted to remain on the show. They came to the stage with their mentors before Jones announced the voting results. He said he would reveal the names of the top ten acts "in no particular order".
There was a long, tense pause before Jones announced that Marcus Canty had advanced. Ryniewicz was next, and Jones drew out the tension more by stating that he would announce the third name after the break.
Naturally, Jones paused again when the show finally returned before announcing that Leroy Bell was staying on next week. Next was Brian "Astro" Bradley, followed by Lakoda Rayne and Rachel Crow. They were joined by Chris Rene, and Jones noted that all of L.A. Reid's acts were safe.
Josh Krajcik was next to advance. Simon Cowell soon found that all of his acts were safe as well when Jones called Melanie Amaro's name. That left one more act assured a spot on the next week's show, and that was Stacy Francis.
Last Chance Performances
The two acts at risk were both from Paula Abdul's groups category: The Stereo Hogzz and Intensity. The Hogzz performed first, with a version of the Bee Gees' "Emotions" that emphasized their harmony vocals. They received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
Intensity took on Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You", and their performance had the same weaknesses as all their previous numbers. While their harmonies were smoother and more coherent than before, they were still lacking in any distinctive personality, and the lead vocals were uniformly weak. That didn't stop the audience from cheering after they were finished.
Final Voting Results
Jones said he would ask each of the judges in turn which act they were sending home, with audience votes only playing a role if there was a tie. Cowell said he felt the Hogzz were the weakest act of the night, a judgment that contrasted sharply with his effusive praise for them the night before.
Abdul chose Intensity after becoming emotional over the difficulty of sending either of her acts home. Nicole Scherzinger said she was proud of both acts but finally decided on Intensity (after Jones cut her rambling monologue short).
That left the deciding vote to Reid. He seemed irritated that Jones wouldn't let him speak at greater length before giving his answer. He still gave his response quickly, choosing Intensity as well. A clip montage recapped their time on the show.
Paul Brown - Paul Ferrell Brown graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1994 with a B.A. in English literature, and completed his M.A. in ...
Join the Conversation