Talent started pouring down on the X Factor , Chicago audition stage, last evening. Fame seekers as well as wonderful hidden nuggets of talent were huddled together. They were under umbrellas trying to keep dry as the hopefuls were processed through. The bad weather should have been on indication that we were in for something good.
The next indicator came when Makenna and Brock took center stage. They sang “Cold Weather” by The Zak Brown Band.” L.A. Reid told them ”You just made my day.” Cheryl Cole noted that the harmonies were spot on and vocals were well controlled.” Simon Cowell thought Makenna was a vocal sensation.”
Skyelar Anderson drove 9 hours and 30 minutes from Mississippi to sing “Must Be Doing Something Right” by Billy Currington. The track stopped mid first line and Skyelar impressed the judges by continuing on a cappella. His looks, his sound and his effort pushed him through to the next round.
J Mark Inman studies philosophy as a grad student in Europe and he stopped by to share his very unique self with the X Factor judges and audience. Singing Radio Head’s ‘Creep’ got him a standing ovation. Paula Abdul declared “You are other worldly...in a different jurisdiction. The places we could go together.” L.A. announced “It sounds so bad but it feels so good.”
The highlight of the evening came when a 30 year old, burrito slinger, named Josh Krajcik left his ever loving and nervous mom back stage to go before the judges. He was dressed sloppy in baggy jeans, unkept hair and over sized leather jacket. With a smirk on his face, Simon asked him what he was going to sing and when Josh replied Etta James’ “At Last” Simon quipped “really, really?” But after the first 3 notes Simon was smiling. For this standing O, no one wanted to sit back down. L.A. told him “I know why you’re dressed like that. You’re not fooling me. It’s your ‘before’ because your ‘after’ is coming down soon. Give your slinging burrito job to someone else.”
14 year old, Drew Ryniewik, from Chino Valley, Arizona, sang her rendition of ‘Baby’ by Justin Beiber. Nicole Sherzinger shocked her by saying she prefers her version to Justin’s. Paula called it daring and bold. Simon said it was original, soulful, believable and that she was very special. Simon finished by saying it was the easiest ‘yes’ of the night.
Something strange happened when 19 year old deli clerk, Tiah Tolliver came out. Simon locked in on her like we’ve never seen before. He was so impressed with her that he fought Nicole and Paula to get her through to the next level. They objected to her vocals of ‘Impossible’ by Shontelle saying she constantly changed keys. Simon said it didn’t matter because his gut was all for her. He was impressed by her spirit and energy and that she looked like “a killer, like steel.” L.A. agreed with Simon. After Simon told the ladies they weren’t “giving the girl a chance” Nicole relented and gave her the third yes she needed.
X Factor: Which next round finalist has your vote?
Megan Andrews
