‘The X Factor’ USA results: Did Alex & Sierra, Restless Road, and Carlito Olivero make finale?

Tonight’s “X Factor” USA finale went into it with a very predictable feeling. There was only one artist left among the top 4 who had been in danger over the course of the competition, and that was Carlito Olivero. Therefore, conventional wisdom was that he would be sent home, and we’d have a battle instead of two Simon Cowell groups as well as Jeff Gutt in the finale. This was not the lineup that we would have imagined weeks ago, though we do feel like it could make Alex & Sierra’s path to a much-deserved victory all the easier.

But remember, things can always change on this show…

Going into this episode, we REALLY wished that the show had an iTunes voting mechanic just so that they, like the contestants on “The Voice,” would be safe easily. “Gravity” hit #1 on iTunes, making this their second straight week to have a song top the charts in America. Also, Jeff got in the top ten with his performance of “Hallelujah,” which is a song that apparently people just love to buy. (Matthew Schuler hit #1 with the song earlier this season.)

Now, we come to the welcome part of “The X Factor”: When there are actual surprises! Just when it seemed like the final three was a lock, Carlito pulled out a shocker and moved into the finale. He joins Alex & Sierra and Jeff Gutt, and we now have Restless Road sitting on the sidelines. To us, this is the best-case scenario. Restless Road just wasn’t ready for this yet, and Simon Cowell spent much of the season trying to disguise them with background singers. Grade: B-.

What did you think about tonight’s result, and are you happy for the lineup airing on the show next week? Sound off the our handy comment box! Also, click here if you missed our full opinion on the performance show from Wednesday night.

Photo: Fox