(NOTE – Before you dive right in, read the entire post – start to finish – and watch the video.)
Let's get one thing straight. I do NOT get in to television shows. Frankly, I just don't have the time. But every once in awhile, something comes along and it's so infectious that if you just watch a few minutes, you're sucked in all the way.
In the beginning, watching the X Factor USA was exciting and pure. It wasn't necessarily about being the best singer or performer – and it sure wasn't supposed to turn in to American Idol. The purpose of the X Factor was having that "indescribable something" that makes you a little extra special. You can't really put your finger on it, but you're so drawn in – it's like you're connected at the soul to this person.
The X Factor turned in to a family affair and we had a standing dinner date with Nana and Papa (my folks). It infiltrated in to our conversations throughout the week, at night sitting around drinking hot chocolate, and we even started keeping score on Youtube hits, iTunes reviews, Twitter followers and Facebook fans of our favorites.
The X Factor became a sport.
From the moment of their auditions, Drew Ryniewicz and Rachel Crow were instant favorites. So young and so, so talented, I found it a little embarrassing that these youngsters were even on the show. My 7-year-old fell head over heels and bought all of their songs on iTunes, along with thousands of other people.
Astro (despite his bad attitude, he is a child prodigy), and Josh Krajick were among my other favs. This crew certainly has the "x" factor.
It's not like the others aren't good. They're fabulous! Melanie is like a young Whitney Houston. Marcus would be a great R & B singer. But do they have that X-tra special indescribable thing about them? No. In fact, I see Melanie's and Marcus's all over the entertainment industry.
Chris is finding his way, but there is certainly somethin' special.
And I RARELY see Drew's and Astro's. And for the record, there's only ONE Rachel Crow (just watch her video).
My sweet, innocent seven-year-old fell madly in love with the contestants, as I believe the world did. And I have proof…
When it comes to Drew, Rachel and Astro, they have:
More YouTube Views
More iTunes Reviews (some of Drew's are in the thousands…)
More Twitter Followers
More Facebook Fans (aside from Astro, who doesn't really use this as much as Twitter)
And check out Rachel's elimination song. I mean seriously? I don't know if I've EVER seen ANY PERFORMER sing their heart out like Rachel Crow did. Just take 3 minutes and watch it until the end. I'm in tears every time…
Watch 13-year-old Rachel Crow X Factor Survival Song – Seriously Watch The Whole Thing
Here's a secret – the WORLD IS in love with these contestants and no one from outside of the United States could vote. There goes America again – telling the rest of the world who they should like.
Since Drew was eliminated, her Facebook page hasn't rested. Every few minutes, people are STILL posting. Rachel Crow's facebook page is now following suit. Little Astro has major record labels looking at him and Rachel Crow has a meeting with Disney.
Wait a minute….the contestants that got eliminated have the most YouTube view, most iTunes reviews, most Twitter followers, most Facebook fans, most Facebook activity AND a meeting with Disney?
America is angry. But more importantly, the world is angry.
The judges frankly did not do their job. Where is the leadership or doing the right thing? This was supposed to be about the X FACTOR. The judges (apart from Simon) have been flaky and inconsistent from the beginning. They have been competitive to a fault. They've voted three of the X Factors OFF the show.
Funny how they graced Astro when his performance sucked because they believed he was a global star. Hmmm….
Nicole Scherzinger –
"Tonight is about the save me song. I want you to sing for your life." – Wait. It was? Because Rachel Crow did that and then Nicole deadlocked because she was too weak to lead.
"I'm about women empowerment." – And then she votes off Drew because she never really was for women empowerment to begin with…
"In the end, America voted and I did the right thing."
“Marcus has been in the bottom two twice, this was his third time and Rachel's never been in the bottom so the probability was that America would've sent Marcus home. I wasn't going to be the one to send anyone home.”
Nice try Nicole. Why is everyone enabling this woman? You DID NOT do the right thing. You did the weak thing. America voted on the previous night's performance – NOT the save me song, which is your job. If you want to be a leader, you have to do the right thing – the hard thing.
L.A. Reid -
"It's a matter of principle, so I'm going with Marcus." – Principle? Isn't principle the BETTER contestant? Oh wait – you're competing L.A., so you're NOT actually voting for the best person.
So, in the end, I've got my panties in a bunch and I have to ask myself – "Monaica, why do you care?"
I'm not sure. I try not to get sucked in to these things. Don't I have better things to do? You bet I do. But it has the infectious power of a sport and I am an invested fan…
I got infected with "The X Factor."
What I've Learned From Watching The X Factor:
- That's it's OKAY to get sucked in every once in a while.
- How to allow my precious daughter to FEEL disappointment and be sad.
- Sometimes the true winner isn't the most popular…
- What American wants isn't always what the rest of the world is thinking…
- Always teach your kids NEVER give up – no matter what the circumstances are.
- Destiny is unavoidable.
And in the end, I have to admit – Drew, Rachel and Astro really did win…
- Astro is bound for hip-hop stardom.
- Drew has built herself a fan base, got a supportive tweet from Justin Bieber and is setting herself up to record her first album.
- Rachel Crow is meeting with the magical world of Disney executives.
Despite the competitive judges, despite the lack of true leadership, having the X Factor means prevailing and the talented will rise to the top – no matter the circumstances. Because it's their destiny.
Maybe the show IS serving its purpose…
Exciting to see what is next!
Hugs and Kisses to ALL the contestants!
What are you thoughts? Post your comments below!
