‘X Factor’ Recap: One Direction Perform Amid Double Elimination
Well, we’re officially stumped: Who the hell is the frontrunner on this season of The X Factor? Because it should have been Khaya Cohen, but she got rudely tossed at the beginning of Thursday night’s episode after receiving the least amount of votes stemming from the “British Invasion.” Boo, America. Just boo. You’re all clearly a bunch of sadomasochists.
Rolling Stone’s Complete Coverage of ‘The X Factor’
Next in line for elimination were two Boys contestants: Tim Olstad and Carlito Olivero, who each had to sing for survival.
Unlike Khaya’s ouster, which was a downright shame, these two totally deserved to be on the chopping block. In fact, they both should have been sent home last week. But after singing their “save me” songs, Carlito was allowed to stick around for another week while Tim was sent packing.
It was a tough choice for Boys mentor Paulina Rubio, who was put in the hot seat after Kelly Rowland and Demi Lovato each targeted Tim as the weakest link. While his mediocre performance of Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up” pretty much matched Carlito’s equally ordinary rendition of Labrinth’s “Beneath Your Beautiful,” Paulina went with the flow (after hemming and hawing forever) and let him go. We give her credit, though, as she could have picked Carlito in order to drop the tie-breaking hot potato into Simon Cowell’s lap. But apparently the choice was obvious. Plus, why crush Carlito’s confidence just to avoid being the bad guy? (For the record, we would have been totally fine with sending either one – or both, preferably – home.)
But don’t worry about Tim – he’ll surely get flooded with offers to work at a funeral home, since he never quite shook that comment Simon made. And Paulina still has two boys on her team. (Neither Simon’s Groups nor Kelly’s Over 25s were harmed in the making of this results show.)
Keeping things upbeat (and self-promotional), former X Factor U.K. finalists One Direction took the stage to sing their latest single, “Story of My Life.” This, of course, was the whole catalyst for the week’s “British Invasion” theme, coinciding with the group’s new album dropping next week. Because, really, why shouldn’t we feel like we’re watching one long commercial all the time, what with all the plugs for Secret Deodorant, Herbal Essences or any of the various car companies that have been show sponsors?
And while you’d think they’d take a break from all the pimping during the Thanksgiving holiday, that isn’t the case at all. (Yay.)
Following in many controversial retailers’ footsteps, The X Factor will be shilling for ratings next Wednesday and Thursday, airing its annual Thanksgiving massacre that will crush two more hopefuls’ dreams on a day they should be home celebrating with their families. We’re sure that’ll really give the show the ratings’ boost its been looking for.
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