‘The X Factor’ USA preview: Could Vino Alan, Fifth Harmony drop into the bottom?

Now that there are so few contestants left on “The X Factor” USA, we are surprisingly left with a number of interesting questions … including who rose their game Wednesday night (Paige Thomas), who fell hard (Vino Alan), and who just gave a disappointing performance that could keep them stuck in the middle (Emblem3). While there were at least a number of uptempo songs here, the creative control put on these contestants makes us feel as though we are watching a number of robots do their programmed routines before getting programmed critique.

With all this in mind, let’s try to figure out just how the American public is going to vote for some of their favorites leading up to Thursday night’s key results show.

Safe for sure

Tate Stevens – He’s been #1 two out of the past three weeks, and we would not be surprised if he is there again after getting to perform in a spot other than the lead-off.

Carly Rose Sonenclar – “Rolling in the Deep” has been beaten to death on singing competitions, but you still cannot argue that her voice was sensational on it.

Should be safe

Emblem3 – The group’s “I’m a Believer” was a tad dull and dated, but the boys still have a lot going for them and there is quite a bit that they can do that we have yet to actually see on the show. Getting to go last will also be an asset.

Paige Thomas – Just for turning Rick Astley from a joke into a relevant performance, Paige deserves some serious credit for what was her best performance on the show by a mile. For the first time, we also feel like we know what sort of artist she wants to be.

In danger

Diamond White – She performed first on the night, and her “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” was just okay.

CeCe Frey – There is a ton of effort here that we admire, but her wacky “Lady Marmalade” performance did not cover up the sketchy vocals.

Fifth Harmony – The worst thing about the girl group’s cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger” was that there was nothing about it that will inspire anyone to vote. It was just boring.

Vino Alan – There were more issues here than just with the song choice. Vino’s attitude is still something that may be difficult for many viewers to grasp.

Ultimately, here is how we see the ranking going at the end of the episode.

8. CeCe Frey (eliminated automatically)

7. Fifth Harmony (sent home during sing-off)

6. Diamond White (saved by the judges)

5. Vino Alan

4. Paige Thomas

3. Emblem3

2. Carly Rose Sonenclar

1. Tate Stevens

Who do you think is going to be going home Thursday night? Be sure to share your thoughts below, and you can read our full performance-show review here.

Photo: Fox