The popular singing show X Factor has returned to the USA for its third season. While previous seasons have been successful, this year is the most promising and popular yet. The original show premiered in the UK, but it was brought to the USA three years ago by Simon Cowell. X Factor has produced many worldwide superstars, including One Direction, one of the most famous boy bands in the world. This season has already been very successful. Fox added pop stars Demi Lovato and Britney Spears to the judging panel inviting a younger demographic to watch the show. The talented panel also consists of the two pop stars, Simon Cowell, and music producer L.A. Reid. The judges added the top twelve finalists recently, and the remainder of the season seems to be promising.
The season is down to the final three: Fifth Harmony, Tate Stevens, and Carly Rose Sonenclare. Each act is outstanding and there is no clear winner. It is up to America to decide who should win this season’s XFactor; a humble country crooner, a young upcoming diva, or a group of teenage starlets. This season’s competition is down to the wire, with an abundance of talent no competitor is a clear winner. This season has been cut down from dozens of acts to only a few. Young and old performers bring lots of talent and promise to the competition. New, modern judges revive the competition and bring an excitement no other singing show can provide.
This season of X Factor contains a lot of variety and excitement. The boyband Emblem 3 is already a leader in the competition. The group of three teenage boys are laid back skateboarders from California. The lovable Tate Stevens is a Missouri native with a large heart and a voice to match. He is in this competition for his kids, and his lovable personality won over the hearts of America. Simon Cowell hoped to create the next big music group when he brought together five girls with vocal talent to form “Fifth Harmony.” The youngest star of the show is thirteen year old songstress Carly Rose Sonenclare from Westchester, New York. ” She shocked the judges at auditions by belting out Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good.” The young singer’s shocking performance set the bar high for her competition.
The competition contains boy bands, girl groups, teenagers and singing veterans. For every aspiring singer in the competition the hardest part is getting to the live shows. First, individuals of all ages must audition in front of a group of thousands. If they receive four “yeses” they move on to the next round – boot camp. Boot camp is a rigorous training session in which competitors must perform in front of their judges and competition. After boot camp half of the hopefuls are sent home.
The next step in reaching the live shows is attending the Judge’s houses. Contestants are split into categories and each judge is assigned a group. The competitors get to visit the lavish, million dollar homes of their mentors and perform. Those who impress their judges get to move on to the live shows. Once the cuts are over sixteen music acts have made it to the final steps of the competition. Every week the judges and America decide which unlucky music act will be sent home.
Although reaching the live shows is an accomplishment in itself, all competitors want the real prize — the five million dollar cash prize and recording contract. It is evident all the finalists have unique vocal talents, but only one has the ability to make it in the music industry. Although Fifth Harmony contains attractive girls with radio-worthy voices, they will not appeal to the adult crowd. Tate Stevens has an ideal country star’s voice, but he will most likely appeal to only the adult crowd. Carly Rose Sonenclare has been the judges favorite since the beginning. She has been in the top 2 rankings every week, and she has mastered any song she’s sung — from Celine Dion to Justin Bieber. Carly Rose is a competitor who appeals to all age groups for her diverse singing range will make her a commercial and successful artist in the future.
