[Game] The X Factor: Mix It Up! - Live Show #8

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EndOfSanity

23-09-2012

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to The X Factor: Mix It Up!

It's been a week since the last show, so a short rundown of the events that happened last Sunday might be a good idea. Last week, seven acts took to the stage and sang songs with a 'body part' in its title. The judges weren't too pleased with the performances however, which showed in the red-hot comments. When the results were announced, the panel was in shock once again as Shanna Goodhead and John Adams were forced to leave the show in 7th and 6th place respectively.

In tonight's quarterfinal, the remaining five acts will sing TWO songs each. One song originally by a deceased artists and one song by an artist that has emerged only recently (2011 or 2012). After each act has performed twice, the lines will open and you will be able to vote your favourite act/acts through to Thursday's semifinal!

Unlike last week, only one act will be eliminated, so hopefully the judges will be a bit nicer to the remaining contestants this time.

Speaking about the judges, let's have a look at them and the five quarter-finalists:

unclekevo and the last of the OVERS

Michelle Barrett

Soppyfan and the last of the GROUPS

Miss Fitz

jackel1234 and the last of the GIRLS

Despina Pilavakis

SacredDiablo and the BOYS

Brennin Hunt
John Wilding

I sincerely apologize for starting late again, I though I had PMed everyone that we would start at 6:30, but it turns out I didn't...

Anyway, let's get this show on the road once again. Judges, are you all present?

Soppyfan

23-09-2012

I'm here and present, this was as far as I got last time on another game, my goal is to get further than 5th and my group is gonna be pulling out all the stops.

SacredDiablo

23-09-2012

Hello

EndOfSanity

23-09-2012

While we wait for the others to get here, let's kick off our 'Deceased Artists' round with one of the two remaining boys!

It's John Wilding covering 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' by the late Whitney Houston (Ben Rector cover)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BW_ugyj0lw

SacredDiablo

23-09-2012

John Wilding

That was simply brilliant. I loved your take on such a classic song and it was so fresh and contemporary. Your vocals really came through tonight and you did a fantastic job. I loved that with this song, you were able to show a more current side. You definitely have what it takes and you just proved it with what you just did. It was a really well rounded performance. Well done!

Soppyfan

23-09-2012

John, all I can say is what a way to start. Whitney Houston is like one of the biggest stars we ever had and her songs are legendary, but I don't argue with anyone who wishes to take on a song and turn it into a different version like you did tonight. It was brilliant, completely fresh and a genius version of the song and I really enjoyed it there, well done, John.

unclekevo

23-09-2012

John Wilding

That was a nice performance John, Whitney Houston's songs are pretty timeless although on the same hand, they are very hard to do justice. However, you didn't try to be Whitney, you gave the song your own twist and it really worked, it wasn't incredible but it was a very solid performance, well done!

EndOfSanity

23-09-2012

Ah, I see Kev has turned up too. I don't know where Jack is, but he'll probably be around to vote later tonight.

Singing 'Plain Gold Ring' (Kimbra cover), a song originally by Nina Simone, it's the last girl standing: Despina Pilavakis!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6i1mr9amqeg

unclekevo

23-09-2012

Despina Pilavikas

This was honestly the best performance you have given throughout this competition Despina, I was a bit shocked to see you singing Nina Simone but Kimbra's voice is incredibly similar to yours and it just worked effortlessly, I really loved that Despina, you've been a little bit up and down recently but if your second performance is as good as that then you're bound to make it through to next week's show!

Soppyfan

23-09-2012

Despina, I thought it was a really good performance. And even though I have been one of your biggest fans, I did see that tonight you were struggling with the song. The beginning took a bit of time to get it going but by the time the Chorus came in, you got better and I think you did a good job overall by the end. I hope you come back stronger with your second performance.

SacredDiablo

23-09-2012

Despina Pilavakis

It is quite interesting to see the direction that your mentor is taking you. I might not be a huge fan of it as i dont think it allows you to shine as an artist and vocalist. Therefore, i kinda preferred the previous direction your previous mentor had in mind for you and that direction definitely built you a huge fan base. Having said that, it works fine to a certain extent. I commend your mentors vision but this song isnt your kinda thing and i thought it wasnt very well executed with individuality. Also, your tone is much brighter than Kimbra so it didnt quite suit you as well as you guys have imagined. Your performance might have been a little too dull and flat but it as decent. Great effort tonight!

EndOfSanity

23-09-2012

Pretty good comments for Despina, but we'll have to wait and see if her second performance can improve on the performance she just did.

Up next we have the last of the overs. Singing a cover of 'A Janis Joplin's 'A Woman Left Lonely', it's Michelle Barrett!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTHGk2KSPHw

SacredDiablo

23-09-2012

Michelle Barrett

Oh, i really liked it. That was such a cool choice of song for you. I believe that was the very first time your mentor chose a song that allows you to fully showcase your beautiful tone. You were vocally strong but you need to watch your control and projection as it got really uncomfortable at certain parts throughout the song. Overall, i thought you did a good job and it was a lovely performance. Well done!

Soppyfan

23-09-2012

Michelle, I thought that was quite beautiful and a very challenging song for you and when it's from a big diva star, it's very difficult to make it your own. I've enjoyed all of your performances so far and tonight's was very good, but I know that there is a moment still waiting to happen and we could see it happen with your second song, but well done.

unclekevo

23-09-2012

Michelle Barrett:

I decided to step away from the obvious Whitney or Etta choices and go for Janis Joplin who in my opinion was like an edgy predecessor to the modern day diva, this song is such a beautiful song and the cover was really lovely, it just allowed you to let go and really tap into the emotion of the song, what an incredible vocal performance, so sweet and melodic.

EndOfSanity

23-09-2012

More great comments, the judges are indeed a bit nicer than last week, which is always nice to see. Well done to Michelle for getting comments like that, but she still has a second performance ahead of her which could change everything.

For the fourth act of tonight's show, we'll head over to SacredDiablo's category once more. Singing an iconic Micheal Jackson song called 'Man in the Mirror' (James Nagel cover) it's Brennin Hunt!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vc0Cuvp-Mk

Soppyfan

23-09-2012

An MJ song, now that's what I call bravery. But if there's anyone we need to look out for, it's you, Brennin. I have to say, you've had quite a few bumpy performances as of late, but tonight, you are way back in your stride and you are a big favorite once again. That was a brilliant and contemporate version of the song. I wonder if you can do it again in your second song. I think you can, great job, man!

SacredDiablo

23-09-2012

Brennin Hunt

Well, that was just amazing. A beautiful song with a simple arrangement and melody that allowed you to command the performance with just your brilliant voice. Im glad tha ti came across this version as most of the other covers had way higher range and cleaner tone. I loved how the verses were a little laid back and soothing and the raw raspy tone just captivates everyone when the chorus kicked in. I particularly felt the end of the song as that it was best delivered. I honestly believe that it was a really originally take on the song as you can barely find anyone that sang it in with your individuality. I absolutely loved that performance and you should feel really accomplished for nailing that song.

unclekevo

23-09-2012

Brennin Hunt

I'm not 100% convinced by that song choice unfortunately Brennin, I like MJ and I thought that the vocals on the song were good but the actual choice of song was possibly a mistake as it has been covered to death and I just feel like it's very hard to stand out when you're singing that song unless you really change the song and are very creative with the arrangement of the song, unfortunately this was just an archetypal acoustic cover which was nice to listen to but slightly dull, uninspiring and forgettable, not great to be honest Brennin!

EndOfSanity

23-09-2012

Mixed comments for Brennin. Will his second performance bag him a place in Thursday's semifinal or will this show be the end of the road for him?

It's time to wrap up the first round of performances, and doing exactly that is Soppyfan's final act. Singing 'Autumn Leaves' by Eva Cassidy, it's Miss Fitz!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--xW8HPJRY0

Soppyfan

23-09-2012

All
The falling leaves
Drift by my window.
The falling leaves of red and gold.

I see your lips,
the summer kisses,
the sunburned hands I used to hold.

Mikie
Since you went away the days grow long
Gemma
And soon I'll hear old winter song
Marina
But I miss you most of all my darling
All
When autumn leaves start to fall

(Instrument section)

Marina
Since you went away the days grow long
Mikie
And soon I'll hear old winter song
Gemma
But I miss you most of all my darling
All
When autumn leaves start to fall

All
I miss you most of all my darling
When autumn leaves start to fall

Soppyfan

23-09-2012

*Standing Ovation*

Girls, that was absolutely stunning from start to finish. I wanted to focus on your harmonies for this song so there wasn't many solo parts this time and you can see the improvement is so damm good now. Eva's voice is so similar to the three of you, so I knew this song was so right for you. You sung it very beautifully and you made me proud tonight. I want you to do that again for me with your second song and I truly believe in you three.

SacredDiablo

23-09-2012

Miss Fitz

Firstly, congratulations on making it this far. Last week, i was the only one that gave you positive comments and tonight, I thought that it was a lovely performance. It definitely suited you way better than most of your previous performances. Those were some nice vocals from you but it was way way way too dreary. It was a good song choice but i felt that another less dreary arrangement of the song would have suited you much better. Nonetheless, you should be proud of yourselves. Great effort!

unclekevo

23-09-2012

Miss Fitz

That was so dull girls, I LOVE Eva Cassidy but I don't think it was a great choice at all, there were loads of bluesy artists to choose from in this theme but you chose a more acoustic based artist who IMO doesn't suit you. You also chose one of her less interesting songs, not a great performance I'm afraid.

EndOfSanity

23-09-2012

And it seems the judges are back to their old selves again, dishing out criticism like there's no tomorrow. In all fairness, that IS their job as judges, so they're just doing their job. Perhaps Miss Fitz will wow the panel with their second performance.

Round two time, so let's go back to John Wilding, who will be singing 'Who You Are' by Gavin Beach (originally by Jessie J)!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxWkCX-X_M0

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