Pbmom's Blog

L.A. REID’S HOME

Group: Over 25’s.
Guest mentors: Justin Bieber and Justin’s manager, Scooter Braun.
Where: Beverly Hills, California

Contestants making it through in this category were: Jason Brock, Daryl Black (we haven’t seen much of anything on him), David Correy, Tara Simon (are you KIDDING ME?), Tate Stevens and Vino Alan. Those going home include Jessie Bryant (Houston boy), Freddie Combs, Jeffrey Adam Gutt, and apparently Panda Ross, but you would never know because they gave her no air time. Read Lindsey’s report on “Where is Panda?”

There is nothing like coming to California, anxiously awaiting to see who your mentor is going to be, when LA Reid and Justin Bieber pop out and the first thing you hear is (paraphrasing), “I don’t like you.” He “does not like them, but I have to figure out how to get one of you to win.” Talk a blow to the gut. Justin gave them a little more hope, “it doesn’t matter how old you are.” He adds that “When L.A. believes in something, he pours his whole heart and soul into it.” Hmmm. He just told the group he did not believe in them. Mixed messages.

Jason Brock
Song: “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by Fergie

It was a great start to the show. I think that Jason has a future career in music, but I almost wish that he would have tried out for “The Voice” where his appearance did not matter. I think the XFactor looks for more people who they can market in pop music or rap music areas. I would vote for him. I would like to see what he sounds like not singing a ballad. L.A. Reid thought it was a strong vocal. Justin felt that he did not hold anything back and gave it his all.

David Correy
Song: “Domino” by Jessie J

His hand-shaking was annoying and distracting to me as a viewer. L.A. said it gave him chills. Justin thought he was great, the voice was there, and he has a look to him.

Daryl Black
Song: “She’s Gone” by Daryl Hall and John Oates

This is the first time I have heard him sing. I enjoyed it a great deal. I think he should go through to the live shows. Scooter thought he had a special voice and a band behind him might work. L.A. thought his voice tone is not unique and that he was just singing. Justin thought it was powerful and strong. I see a pattern to Justin’s advice.

Tate Stevens
Song: “Back At One” by Brian McKnight

Tate confuses me as a viewer. He auditioned as a country artist. The songs we saw him sing at Boot Camp were from R&B artists. On this song, he was flat on his notes. Scooter said there was something about him that you want to root for. Justin thought he was charismatic, great voice, but when L.A. asked if Justin would write him a check for $5 million, Justin was not real sure about that.

Vino Alan
Song: “Sober” by P!nk

I got goosebumps. He was putting all his heart and soul into this performance. However, I do think he roomed with David Correy a bit too long because he has that weird hand-shaking movement, too. Scooter thought he was petrified but he stepped up. Justin emotionally felt it (versus unemotionally feeling it?–sometimes these sayings don’t make sense). L.A. Reid questioned if he was “the package.” He just did not know.

Tara Simon
Song: “The Reason” by Hoobastank

I do not know how this woman made it to the top 24. Her vocals are awful. That fact that she is making money as a vocal coach is a crime. She annoys me more than Cece Frey did (Cece has softened in my eyes after seeing her at Demi’s home). This song was horrible. She thinks that performing runs that are off-key makes you a good vocalist I suppose. For me, it is an easy vote to go home. Scooter thought she had a “big voice.”

BRITNEY SPEARS’ HOME

Group: Teens
Guest Mentor: will.i.am
Where: Malibu, California

Contestants that made it through were Beatrice Miller, James Tanner, Carly Rose Sonenclar, Diamond White, Reed Deming, and Arin Ray. People you thought did not make it included Dinah Jane Hansen, Ally Brooke, Camila Carbello, Normani Hamilton, but most of them were grouped together to form three new groups.

Diamond White
Song: “I’m With You” by Avril Lavigne

It was a good song for her to choose given her age. She had a few off notes. Will.i.am thought it was amazing but felt she cares about her moves too much. Britney said she needed to work on her stage presence and gain a little more confidence.

Reed Deming
Song: “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s

He is very precocious when he speaks. I remember not liking his performance at boot camp, but this song and this performance gave me goosebumps. He has improved a great deal since his first audition. Britney thought he was nervous and that he can deliver better than he just did. Will.i.am said when he talks he is like this little emperor kid.

James Tanner
Song: “Party Like a Rock Star” by Shop Boyz

I did not care for it at all. Britney thought it was entertaining but she is not convinced it is strong enough.

Arin Ray
Song: “Starships” by Nicki Minaj

Before he sang, Will.i.am gave him some advice that he needs to spill it on stage. Britney told him to stay confident, be true to yourself, and bring the goods. I like him but it was a little boring and he was a little flat on some of the notes. Will.i.am said he has something, that he has potential XFactor in him. Britney said he needs to work on his vocals but she loves watching him.

Beatrice Miller
Song: “Titanium” by David Guetta and Sia

I think she is adorable . Her vocals were rough on some of the notes. Will.i.am said it was the right tone for her and it was fresh. Britney thought she needed to control her voice a bit more.

Carly Rose Sonenclar
Song: “Brokenhearted” by Karmin

At Boot Camp, I was a little disappointed in her performance, but this one was a home run. I had goosebumps. Will.i.am felt she was possessed, that she was like this little caterpillar and you think she is going to turn into this butterfly but instead she turns into a dragon. Britney said she is very talented but she is not sure if she will be able to cope with the pressure.

MY PICKS FOR GOING HOME

In the Over-25’s, Tara Simon is the easiest pick for me. She does not deserve the spot. The only reason why she might stay is because she is the only female in the group. My next pick would be Tate Stevens. He needs time to figure out what kind of artist he wants to be–country or R&B. His voice is more suited for country songs. In the R&B songs, his vulnerabilities are revealed in pitch. However, the person who may be in jeopardy based on the mentors’ comments might be Daryl Black.

My picks get harder in the teen group. James Tanner is unique in that he raps, but there is too much talent in this group for him to take up a spot. SPOILER ALERT: In the promos for next week, it looks like Arin Ray definitely gets through. I don’t know if I could pick a second person, but Beatrice Miller might be the one in danger. Carly and Diamond had stronger performances. We know Arin gets through, so that leaves Beatrice and Reed and Reed is going to appeal to all those tween girls out there.