X Factor USA Top 12 Finalists Season 1

The top 12 finalists for the first season of the X Factor. There are three performers from each of four groups—girls, boys, over 30s, and groups. The field of contestants was narrowed to 12 before the first audience voting took place.

01

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Melanie Amaro

19 year old Melanie Amaro was the subject of some of the biggest drama during the judges' houses rounds of the show. She was originally eliminated by Simon Cowell. However, in a grand mea culpa, he decided her elimination was mistaken, and he traveled to her Florida home to ask her to rejoin the competition. Melanie Amaro's voice and performance style is in the mode of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. She makes her singing sound effortless. The challenge will be to develop her own unique stage persona.

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02

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Astro

Astro is a 14 year old rapper. Controversy has arisen among fans over a contestant who seems to have no intent to sing. Astro is the first major contestant on a national TV talent show of this type who is specifically a hip hop artist. His brimming confidence has been mellowed for the audience a bit by his mentor L.A. Reid. It is an open question whether audiences will vote to keep a rapper in the competition.

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03

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Leroy Bell

Leroy Bell entered the competition at the age of 59. Despite his age, he presents a striking, sexually appealing image onstage. Leroy Bell's singing style is that of a classic soul crooner. However, we have not seen whether he can truly bring depth and drama to his performances.

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04

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Marcus Canty

In the auditions 20 year old Marcus Canty informed us that his mom has given him two years after high school to pursue his musical dream. It's fortunate for us that the first season of fit into that time span. His mentor L.A. Reid has likened Marcus Canty to the heyday of Bobby Brown.

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05

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Rachel Crow

14 year old Rachel Crow has an energy and humor that is incredibly infectious. Her "X Factor" clearly encompasses her personality in addition to her vocal talents. Watching Rachel Crow onstage, it is quite easy to see her as successful at acting as she might be in singing. She has an uphill battle to stand out among others with even more powerful voices.

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06

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Drew

When 14 year old Drew slows things down and wrings emotion out of an otherwise frothy pop song, it is very difficult to remember she is such a young teen. She might be a Justin Bieber fanatic, but her own personal style is something else entirely. Drew must be considered one of the top favorites to win the entire competition.

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07

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Stacy Francis

As details have emerged about the previous career of 42 year old Stacy Francis, some in the show's audience are beginning to cry foul. They feel they were led to believe she is someone looking for her very first chance to excel in the entertainment field. Controversy or not, the talent of Stacy Francis is undeniable. She is the most likely contestant to truly move audiences to tears. The voice is powerful and the stage presence is growing in impact.

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08

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InTENsity

Ranging in age from 12 to 17, all ten members of InTENsity originally auditioned as solo artists. They were thrown a lifeline in the competition by being asked to take part in this fresh-faced teen group. InTENsity have shown the ability to project positively engaging energy on stage. They are clearly hoping to have the Glee factor in the competition.

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09

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Josh Krajcik

Josh Krajcik is known as the 30 year old burrito slinger who has put everything aside to pursue his musical dream. He has a personal magnetism that adds to the effect of the natural depth and richness in his voice. There is an emotional connection with an audience he can call upon to deliver his most memorable, meaningful performances.

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10

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Lakoda Rayne

Lakoda Rayne are four young women who auditioned for as solo artists but were given the opportunity to stay in the competition if they performed together as a group. Their sound walks a line between country and pop. Fans of the Dixie Chicks may feel a sense of deja vu on occasion in watching Lakoda Rayne.

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11

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Chris Rene

Chris Rene's personal story of being clean now for six months out of rehab has been repeated frequently throughout the competition. However, an inspiring personal story will not be enough to win. He has proven he can both sing and rap which places him squarely in the mainstream in an era of pop-rap blends like "Love the Way You Lie."

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12

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Stereo Hogzz

Stereo...pause...Hogzz! are an R&B vocal group from Houston, Texas. They are the only group from the original auditions who made it the live shows rounds. The other two groups were put together by judges and producers. Stereo Hogzz have a gift for simultaneously echoing classic R&B vocal groups of the past while looking very contemporary.

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