The X-Factor: Auditions No. 2

Last night we went back to San Francisco to continue with auditions. First up was 16 year old Johnny Maxwell, who claimed he “has what it takes to win.” Johnny sang an original song, and while I didn’t think the singing was incredible, he was a great rapper. Simon agreed with me, but said he liked his ambition. L.A. said “you’re exactly what we need,” and Demi said he had “swag.”

Next was Lexa Berman, a 22-year old dancer from Florida, who says she’s “indescribable.” She had a lot of confidence, that’s for sure. Simon said she was “Jersey Shore meets the Kardashians,” but somehow that wasn’t a bad thing. She sang the hit “Too Close” by Alex Clare, and Britney said it was monotone. Demi said she was “overconfident,” but Simon said he liked her attitude, so he voted yes. The girls both said “no” though, so that was it. Come on Simon, we know what you really liked about her! And that closed out the San Francisco auditions.

After a series of good-looking competitors who were lacking in talent, Jason Brock took the stage. He painted a picture of what would be his dream concert to put on, and then began to sing Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind.” In my opinion he was the best voice so far this season; the guy had a lot of soul. Even the judges rose to their feet, with Demi proclaiming “I love you!” Simon said he had his doubts before Jason started singing, but he was a believer now. Britney thanked him for his performance, and L.A. said he was “completely flawless.” No surprise: he moved on to the next round.

Welcome to Providence, RI, where we first met Patrick Ford, age 20, Britney Spears’ long lost brother. I’m sorry, stalker. He brought her a giant bouquet of roses, and then he sang her song, “Circus.” Not only could he not sing, but he couldn’t even keep up with the instrumental track. The audience actually booed him. Britney looked like she smelled something bad, and after delivering their nays, he wouldn’t leave the stage until Simon gave her her flowers. It was, as Simon said, “the definition of uncomfortable.”

Finally, Carly Rose Sonenclar from Rochester, NY brought the cute factor to a whole new level. At only 13, she sang “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone, and immediately the room was filled with cheers. L.A. exclaimed “What?” and I got goosebumps as the background music started up. The crowd went absolutely wild, and Britney called her “Miss Thang.” LA told her she had an old soul, and Simon didn’t believe it was her voice. Demi said she wanted to go right out and buy her music. She got 4,836 yeses, not factoring in the ones the rest of us would have given had our votes counted.

And that closes out week one. Be sure to watch the next round of auditions on Wednesday night on Fox!

Rebecca Bleznak

Rebecca lived in Pennsylvania until the age of 22, when she studied abroad in London for four months and got bit by the travel bug. After graduating from Temple University with a journalism degree, she told her parents she would spend one year living at home and saving up before heading for the promised land in search of a job in media. After doing just that, she scored a position at JeTT Media Group in social media marketing, solidifying her decision to move to L.A. Becca, as she is known by most, has had a love affair with television since Barney & Friends. Ultimately, her dream would be to live in Malibu and marathon (and write about) TV shows by her saltwater pool all day whilst sipping sangria. For now though, she's happy to be working 40 hour weeks and writing for ScreenPicks on the side.