"The X Factor" ranks top finalists, sends one contestant home
"The X Factor" hosted its first public vote Thursday, ranking the top 12 finalists and sending one contestant packing.
The episode began by reminding viewers about the show's contestant-to-star potential, showcasing boy band superstars One Direction. It wasn't too long ago those guys were competing on the U.K. version of Simon Cowell's talent series. Now the group is one of the best-selling acts of the year.
Anchored by co-hosts Mario Lopez and Khloe Kardashian, Thursday's "X Factor" revealed the ranking of the top 13 finalists based on viewers' votes. The following contestants, in no particular order, were declared "safe": Paige Thomas, Arin Ray, Diamond White, Vino Alan, Jennel Garcia, Emblem3, Carly Rose Sonenclar, Tate Stevens, Beatrice Miller, Lyric 145 and Fifth Harmony.
That left two hopefuls in limbo: Demi Lovato's team member CeCe Frey and Jason Brock from L.A. Reid's group.
In a battle to remain on the show, Frey performed "You Haven't Seen the Last of Me" by Cher, and Brock sang Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart."
"CeCe's voice is going to say it all," a confident Lovato said about her team member.
The judges were split down the middle on this one, leaving it up to America. Brock, who received the lowest number of votes, was eliminated.
He offered the following parting words: "I want to say: I did it for the gays and Japan. But I'm really happy to have been here."
Reid chimed in on Brock's elimination, saying, "I'm still proud of him. Every time he sang, he sang from the heart. He was very entertaining, and I really enjoyed working with you and it really does make me sad to see you go...Keep doing it."
"The X Factor" returns Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.
Viewers ranked their favorite contestants. Check out the order of the voting bloc:
12. CeCe Fray
11. Arin Ray
10. Beatrice Miller
9. Lyric 145
8. Paige Thomas
7. Jennel Garcia
6. Emblem3
5. Fifth Harmony
4. Diamond White
3. Vino Alan
2. Carly Rose Sonenclar
1. Tate Stevens
Tell us: What did you think about the contestant rankings and elimination?