'Mommy you promise me?' Wails devastated Rachel Crow, 13, as she falls to the floor sobbing after being dumped out of X Factor USA

By Sarah Fitzmaurice and Donna Mcconnell


Devastated: Young X Factor hopeful Rachel Crowe was at the centre of uncomfortable scenes last night as she sobbed uncontrollably at being dumped off show The X Factor USA


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X Factor finalist Rachel Crow, 13, made an emotional exit from the competition last night in scenes that made for uncomfortable viewing.

The 13-year-old was devastated after she was sent home from the competition after judge Nicole sent the vote to deadlock after she picked Rachel to leave over finalist Marcus Canty.

Once presenter Steve Jones announced she had received the lowest number of votes from the public, the youngster dramatically slumped to the ground and collapsed in a flood of tears upon realising her X Factor dream was over.

Her worried mother rushed onto the stage to comfort her screaming daughter who looked even younger than her 13 years.

And as she tried her best to reassure her that everything would be okay, in heartbreaking scenes Rachel wailed: 'Mommy you promise me?... Promise me?.'


Overcome: The 13-year-old slumped to the floor as she heard the news wailing uncontrollably as presenter Steve Jones and finalist Marcus Canty who survived looked concerned

Stepping in: Simon Cowell made his way up onto the stage to scoop up his act up as presenter Jones dithered


The teenager's reaction appeared to paralyse presenter Jones, who looked flustered and failed to act.

As judge Nicole Scherzinger burst into tears, presenter Jones floundered around the heartbroken young singer.

It was left to head judge Simon Cowell to take charge, as he rushed onto the stage to pick the sobbing teen off the floor.

Former Pussycat Doll Nicole also arrived onstage still weeping, and stood awkwardly behind Rachel.

She could have saved the teen but instead threw the vote to a tie, meaning the final decision was left to the public vote.

The show's cameras appeared to hastily cut to Jones as an inconsolable Rachel was comforted by Cowell and her mother.


Mother knows best: While her mother tried to comfort her Rachel screamed at her clearly distraught with the news she was going home

Oh dear: As Rachel bawled her mother came out on stage to try and comfort her while the judges and Steve looked concerned


X Factor USA relaxed competition rules to allow younger performers to bid for stardom, while in the UK the age limit is still fixed at 16.

But even in the UK some industry insiders have voiced concerns that it is still too low.

On the UK show popular contestant Luke Lucas, 16, was axed after a disastrous performance during the judges' houses round leading judge and Take That star Gary Barlow to declare 16 too young for the show.

The 16-year-old had wowed during the initial stages but buckled under the pressure in LA, disappointing Gary with an out of time and off-key performance of Shontelle's Impossible.

Luke broke down in tears and had to be comforted by a crew member, which led the UK X Factor's head judge to voice his concerns with the show's age limit.

Barlow said: 'Sixteen is just too young to be in a competition with this kind of pressure.'


Comforting words: As Simon tells the teen she has a career ahead of her Nicole is seen crying behind them


As the cameras cut to the montage of her time on the show Nicole also appeared inconsolable and held her hands up to her face.

When Steve asked her if she had anything to say she simply turned away, adding to the emotional tension present on stage.

Nicole didn't want to pick between Rachel and Marcus Canty and turned to the other judges to seek their advice as she said: 'I can’t make this decision I’ve been up there and I know how that feels.'

But with Simon and LA Reid both opting to save their own acts and Paula choosing to save Rachel, Nicole was left with the final decision.

Thanks for voting: Rachel managed to compose herself to say thank you to her fans and told them it wouldn't be the last they see of her


After a drawn out pause she reluctantly chose to send Rachel home, thus putting the pair to deadlock, but it was revealed the teen had failed to attract as many votes as Marcus, and the exuberant little girl was clearly shattered by the news.

When she managed to compose herself Rachel fought back her emotions to say a few words.

I can't : As Steve asked Nicole if she had anything to say she couldn't control her own tears, holding her head down before turning away


Speaking through her tears she gushed: 'I just love you so much, everybody, for voting for me even though you didn't and thank you for giving me this because without you I am nothing.'

I hope this is not my ending, you know what I know it's not.

Lowest votes: Rachel was in the bottom two with Marcus Canty but the thrice-lucky singer received more public votes than the teenager


Simon, who only has one act left in the competition said: 'I want to thank everyone that's voted for this young girl. I believe she went out on the highest she could have gone out on. Like I said, from the very first time I met you, we're going to be hearing a lot more about Rachel Crow, I give you my word on that.'

Nicole also appeared to be devastated by the public decision and was seen with tears streaming down her face and Paula Abdul got up to wrap her arms around her in an attempt to offer comfort.


What have I done? Nicole looked distraught as she learned that Rachel would be going after she sent the decision to the public vote

Singing for their lives: Crow took on Ella Fitzgerald's I'd Rather Go Blind, while Marcus performed Rose Royce track I'm Going Down


While Josh Krajick and Chris Rene were told they were through to the semi final at the start of the show, Simon Cowell was put under pressure when Melanie Amaro had to wait with Rachel and Marcus to learn her fate.

She was put through and it was down to the energetic teenager and religious man Marcus to perform their save me songs.


I love you: Chris Rene showed his love to the audience as he was told he was through while Josh was seen picking up his mentor Nicole

Tense: Backstage Melanie Amaro joined Rachel and Marcus to find out who was in the sing off


As Rachel learned she was in the bottom two signs of the strain were obvious

Crow took on Ella Fitzgerald's I'd Rather Go Blind, while Marcus performed Rose Royce track I'm Going Down.

As well as the highly emotive live show viewers were treated to two guest performances.


Star guests: Mary J Blige took to the stage in a figure-hugging white dress to perform a demure rendition of Need Someone from her new album My Life II.

Rocking out: Lenny Kravitz kicked off proceedings with with a medley of his tracks Rock Star City Life and Are You Gonna Go My Way?


Lenny Kravitz kicked off proceedings with with a medley of his tracks Rock Star City Life and Are You Gonna Go My Way?

Mary J Blige later took to the stage in a figure-hugging white dress to perform a demure rendition of Need Someone from her new album My Life II.

With Rachel gone, Marcus joins Melanie, Josh and Chris are left to battle it out in the semi-finals next week in the next stage towards becoming the first X Factor USA winner.


Great show: Both acts got a standing ovation from all four judges




source:dailymail

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A tearful elimination: Tulisa and Kelly break down as Jonjo Kerr, James Michael, 2 Shoes and Amelia Lily say goodbye to their X Factor dream

By HOLLY THOMAS

Waterworks: Tulisa Contostavlos broke down in tears as she announced that she was eliminating girl duo Two Shoes

It was a tense opening to the night's show, and the judges have clearly felt the weight of their decision over the past 24 hours.

Tulisa, who said she hasn't slept a wink told Dermot: 'Ive changed my mind twice today, made my mind up half an hour ago.'

But the choice had to be made, and it was with many tears that Jonjo, James Michael, 2 Shoes and Amelia Lily said goodbye to their X Factor dream.


Too much: Kelly Rowland couldn't keep her eyes dry as she eliminated 16-year-old Amelia Lily

As Dermot asked the judges how they had felt over the last 24 hours it was 23-year-old Tulisa who appeared the most affected.

Brevity-loving Gary followed simply with '5 o'clock', while Louis added that this choice was 'the worst ever.'

Kelly clearly found the decision hard in light of the time the judges have now spent with their acts, and said: 'I'm mad you waited til now to do this, we've been getting to know these kids, getting excited about their careers.'


Out: Solider Jonjo Kerr was the first act to leave the show, with mentor Louis Walsh saying he had based his choice on who the public would like the most

While they agonised a little longer last year's winner Matt Cardle performed his Gary Barlow-penned hit Run For Your Life, after which Cee Lo Green performed a medley, rounding things off with his number one track 'Forget You'.

Louis' first choice to go through to the next round was Sami Brookes, who was not among his original final four, but wowed the judges the previous night with her performance of the Yomanda classic You're Free.


Hitting home: The 27-year-old buried his face in his hands

While they agonised a little longer last year's winner Matt Cardle performed his Gary Barlow-penned hit Run For Your Life, after which Cee Lo Green performed a medley, rounding things off with his number one track 'Forget You'.

Louis' first choice to go through to the next round was Sami Brookes, who was not among his original final four, but wowed the judges the previous night with her performance of the Yomanda classic You're Free.


Unable to speak: James Michael was eliminated from the boys category by Gary Barlow, and immediately started to cry

Next through was an ecstatic Kitty Brucknell, after which Louis said: 'This was not easy, I agonised, but at the end of the day I have to keep the person I think the public will like most.'

The judge picked Johnny Robinson, eliminating Jonjo Kerr, who failed to impress last night with his forgettable rendition of the 1964 Kinks hit 'You Really Got Me.'

As the soldier told Dermot 'I could have done better' Louis chipped in with a contrived-sounding: 'I changed my mind twice as well today.'


Still friends? Tulisa sobbed as she eliminated girl duo 2 Shoes from the groups category

Gary was more business-like in his announcement, first boy first putting through Marcus Collins, followed by Craig Colton, who the Take That singer said had given the best performance last night.

The judge continued: 'I've really based this on last night, I found last night very useful'

'There are only four left we're at such a high level here,' he added.


Distraught: 16-year-old Amelia Lily, who gave a confident performance of Billie Jean last night, was Kelly's choice to go
The last boy Gary put through was 'hearthrob', Frankie Cocozza eliminating James Michael.

James had divided the judges with his interpretation of the Beatles classic 'Ticket To Ride' last night.

Dermot asked him how he felt, but the singer was unable to speak, and with tears streaming down his face said: 'I'm just going to cry.'


Thoughtful: Gary was clearly sad to have to see James go, but said that he had found last night's performance 'useful' in making his choice

And there were more waterworks to come during the group elimination, as Tulisa choked: 'I've spent the last 24 hours crying tears, tearing my hear out. You're my friends, I can honestly say that.'

The first group the 23-year-old put through was girl foursome Rhythmix, followed by boy band The Risk, who whooped as they crossed the stage.

Tearing up further, Tulisa said that she had been a 'little disappointed' in the next group's performance the previous night, but based on their potential put Nu Vibe through, eliminating girl duo 2 Shoes.


Used to it? Louis said that this part of the show was 'the worst' but there was no signs of tears from the X Factor old-hand


Consolation: The Nu Vibe boys hugged 2 Shoes after their elimination
Tulisa started to cry along with her act as the girls' performances were shown on screen.

She told them: 'I can't even find a reason why, but I had to pick an act. I swear I want to stay in touch with you.'

The Essex pair had performed Girls Aloud hit Something Kinda Oooh from inside a pink Peugeot and a stage full of topless male dancers.


Thrilled: Craig Colten looked delighted to be going through


Safe bet: Tulisa's group The Risk are thought to the next round

Kelly said as she announced her choice: 'This was so touch of a decision to make.'
The Destiny's Child star picked 16-year-old Janet Devlin first, followed by Misha B.
Before she revealed her final choice she broke down in tears, telling the last two: 'I want you both to know that you are such stars.'


Disbelieving: 16-year-old Janet Devlin always seemed a shoe in to get through, but looked nervous all the same

But 16-year-old Amelia Lily, who opened last night's show with a sensational performance of Billie Jean, was eliminated, with Sophie Habibis, who performed Katy Perry's Teenage Dream through to the next round.

This has clearly been an emotional 24 hours all round.


Joining in: Girl group Rhythmix got through, but cried anyway

Tulisa tweeted last night: 'So I still haven't decided, can't sleep, who do I choose, all so talented n love em all so much...'

Still struggling in the early hours, she added: 'Watching back performances, its killing me, need 2 think x' and then later: 'Think its time 4 food 4 thought.'


Shocked? Controversial Kitty Brucknell is through to the next stage of the competition

X FACTOR TULISA DECIDES ON WHICH ACT SHE IS SENDING HOME LIVE 9/10/2011



source: dailymail

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Simon Cowell gets threats from a 14-year-old and plays matchmaker with Paula Abdul during action-packed X Factor

By JADE WATKINS

Are you threatening me? Simon Cowell was left shocked after he was given a stern warning from pint-sized rapper Brain Bradley during the East coast auditions of the X Factor last night

He's surely received threats before throughout his long-spanning career as a notoriously sharp-tongued reality TV judge and producer.

But possibly not from the mouth of a 14-year-old teenager.

Last night Simon Cowell was left shocked after he was given a stern warning from pint-sized rapper Brain Bradley during the East Coast auditions of the U.S. X Factor.


Rap: But as the teenager busted into a rap it was clear to see that his threatening tone was actually part of a performance that sent the audience into a frenzy

The teen became irritated after Simon questioned him on why he deserved to be on the talent show.

'Yo yo Simon, I see you man... What is your problem man?... Are you serious? Yo, I swear on your life... if we were on the streets,' he directed at the 51-year-old Brit.

But as the teenager busted into a rap it was clear to see that his threatening tone was actually part of his performance that sent the audience into a frenzy.


Crowd pleaser: Judges Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul busted out some moves

As the crowd went wild for the youngster, the judges stared around in disbelief as he rapped about his mother.

'Brian honey, I am scared of you, and I am not going stare at your mother,' joked judge Nicole Scherzinger.

L.A . Reid, who has produced the likes of Kanye West, Usher and Rihanna, told Brian he had been waiting for someone like him to come into his professional life for years.


Suitably pleased: Even after being turned out by the teenager before his rhyme, Simon was also blown away


Cute: With high hopes of becoming the next big thing, Andy Silikovitz, 43, has been single all of his life


Cheer Squad: Accompanied by his mother who stood backstage with Steve Jones, he revealed to the judges that he had never had a date nor been married, but was hoping that the $5 million prize money would help him find love


Hugs: Simon motioned the middle-aged man to come over and share cuddle with Paula, who happily obliged and embraced him


Confident: Touting herself as the next Mariah Carey, who had 'successfully blown away friends and family with her karaoke abilities Clarissa 'Cashmere' Cheatham was confident


Fit: It was almost like Simon knew what was coming when he broke into a fit of laughter, along with Paula, before Clarissa's terrible performance


Blonde beauty: With her stunning looks Cari Fletcher was a shoe in from the start


Duo: With an army of fans in the audience, Teenage duo Ausem said that they believed and felt the passion in their music and performed of Christina Perri's 'Jar of Hearts'


Awkward: One half of the group, poor Emily, got singled out, with both L.A.and Nicole telling Austin that he was the better singer, and discussed the possibility of splitting the pair up


Dreamy: Simon declared 21-year-old car enthusiast Toro Wolashin as a man's dream, after she told him that she wanted to open her own car shop


No good: Both Jor-El Garcia nor Devon Tally couldn't cut it in Miami


Hunk: Handsome Brennan Hunt was the epitome of a country rock star with his big blue eyes, Southern drawl and raspy voice


Star: Jazzlyn Little brought down the house with her rendition of Mary J.Blige's 'I'm Going Down'


Applause: The performance earned her a standing ovation from the judges

Brian Bradley - Audition 1 - THE X FACTOR 2011


Clarissa Cheatham - Audition 1 - THE X FACTOR 2011


Brennan Hunt - The X Factor U.S. - Audition


Tiger Budbill - The X Factor USA Auditions


Andy Silikovitz - Audtion 1 - THE X FACTOR 2011


Skyelor Anderson - The X Factor USA Auditions


Cari Fletcher - Audition 1 - THE X FACTOR 2011


The X Factor USA - Ausem - Jar of Hearts - Audition



source: dailymail

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Bad reviews getting to you? X Factor USA judge Nicole Sherzinger looks downbeat on set of Vogue shoot

By Daily Mail Reporter


Downbeat: X Factor USA judge Nicole Scherzinger on the set of a Vogue magazine photo shoot in Los Angeles this week


U.S. television critics branded her a 'downgrade' from axed X Factor USA judge Cheryl Cole, and it seems the bad reviews may be getting under Nicole Sherzinger's skin.

The usually effervescent former Pussycat Dolls singer looked decidedly flat on the set of a Vogue magazine photoshoot in Los Angeles.

She looked stylish in an off-white dress, which was more modest than her standard wardrobe with its above-the-knee hemline and high neckline.


The frock showcased the 33-year-old's trim figure and toned arms.

But her trademark mega-watt smile was nowhere to be seen and she was instead sporting a furrowed brow.

She, along with Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and LA Reid are judges on X Factor USA, which premiered on Wednesday night to mixed reviews.

Stylish: The 33-year-old singer looked sleek in a white dress


Nicole was initially chose to host the show alongside Welshman Steve Jones, but was promoted onto the panel when Cole was fired.

Cowell made the executive decision to make the change because the Geordie judge seemed 'bewildered.'

The jury is still out on whether it was the right choice.

The X Factor: Scherzinger and her fellow judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and LA Reid


'It’s a downgrade,' says Neil Glenzinger of The New York times. 'Ms Cole showed glimmers of being interesting; in two seasons as a judge on The Sing-Off on NBC, Ms. Scherzinger was a pretty face but, judicially speaking, not much more than a seat warmer.'

Steve Johnson of The Chicago Tribune agreed: 'Scherzinger doesn't come off as an obvious improvement in the early going. She's more earnest like Kara DioGuardi than lovable like Jennifer Lopez.'

Entertainment Weekly's Ken Tucker was also sceptical about the appointment, saying last month: 'The immortal description of Clive James re Liza Minnelli holds true of Scherzinger: "She can’t even descend a staircase with sincerity."'

Replaced: The former Pussycat Doll took over X Factor UK judge Cheryl Cole's short-lived job


source:dailymail

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