‘The X Factor’ USA: Is this a defining week for Emblem3, Fifth Harmony?
Wednesday night’s new episode of “The X Factor” USA is a big one, as we are set to see the top eight contestants potentially whittled down to either seven or six singers. However, there is probably still one person who has more riding on the line this week than any other judge: Simon Cowell. It’s not just because he is also the show’s executive producer; he just has more to gain at the moment when it comes to his acts.
Here’s really how we figure this. L.A. Reid and Britney Spears each have their respective favorites already in Tate Stevens and Carly Rose Sonenclar, whereas we may as well be honest here in saying that CeCe Frey of Team Demi Lovato really has no shot at winning at this point unless she suddenly morphs into Lady Gaga overnight. Simon’s groups of Emblem3 and Fifth Harmony are each on the cusp of turning a corner, but they need something right to go their way in order to get there.
So what could this turning point be? We really chalk it up at the moment to two things: personality and song choice. Fifth Harmony needs to loosen up a little bit, and show that they are something more than five straight-laced young women who love Jesus and baking together. They also need to try having some more fun on stage and not just do ballad after ballad. Their harmonies are not actually their strong suit yet, and since that it is in the name of their group, it is probably better not to bring too much attention to that right now.
As for Emblem3, they clearly already have the attitude and the votes from young women. What they also need to do is show enough poise and focus to get some of the other voters, whether it be men or older viewers who are currently giving their support to Tate and Vino Alan. While the young female vote has carried artists on “American Idol” to wins in the past, it hasn’t quite worked like that on either this show or “The Voice.” You have to appeal to all demographics, while at the same time not losing the edge that makes them unique. Considering that we have no problem with this group’s song choices thus far, they have a much harder job cracking the top 3.
Which one of Simon’s groups do you think is poised to step it up? If you want to see what Tate and CeCe are teasing now about their performances, you can do so here.
Photo: Fox
Music Lover
November 30, 2012 @ 10:16 am
Simon’s Antics, I think you’re on the right track, but a little off. It seems to me since Wednesday that the x factor producers and simon were deliberately trying to sabotauge vino with bad editing that made him look like an ass and a last minute bad song switch. I think they wanted him in the bottom because, as demi noted, he doesn’t have a viable career path in this music industry. They knew people liked him now in the context of the show but would not go out and buy his records if he won. Thus when they got what they wanted, vino in the bottom, it was obvious he was slated to go.
Simon's Antics
November 30, 2012 @ 9:52 am
So tired of Simon’s antics. Did he really pick Diamond White to stay over Vino? Do you think it was because she was the better singer? NO!!! It was because Vino was the better singer! Because HE was beating both of Simon’s groups!!! It was simply strategic and to say it was anything less than a catty, wimpy, no guts move is to lie to the rest of America. Simon has something to lose here if his groups can’t get into the top three spots. It sickens me….and I wasn’t even a Vino supporter for real.
anon
November 29, 2012 @ 12:39 am
I think simon knows what he’s doing with 5h. Moving the girls was the *very* first thing they did the first week… It obviously didnt work bc they placed in the bottom 2.
That’s why they didn’t change anything this week.
Music Lover
November 28, 2012 @ 9:54 pm
Fifth Harmony capitalized on this moment with a change of pace, but didn’t move again. Emblem3 blew it. Mostly, the cheesy song choice ruined them, but also Keaton’s awful stage presence.
Cz
November 28, 2012 @ 2:24 pm
^Ernie , Celine Dion did NOT come out of America… she’s Canadian.
But yea great article, I love Fifth Harmony and hope they go far!
ernie
November 28, 2012 @ 2:11 pm
I think carly rose is the best singer to come out of America since celine
don’t let her down America vote and vote and vote some
Jasmine
November 28, 2012 @ 1:38 pm
This is a very, very good article. There are so much written about the X Factor, and most of it is nonsensical. The analysis here is right on-point.
Music Lover
November 28, 2012 @ 12:25 pm
Fifth Harmony has all the talent but they need to move a bit more and pick a more upbeat song. If they show us their fun side they could go far.