THE X FACTOR: The Final 12 Compete Live!

The competition is getting tough, people! We are now down to the final 12! The live shows are off to a great start. The stakes have been raised once again. The 3 contestants left in each category will compete tonight to win the votes of viewers at home. That's right- the finalists' fates will now be in your hands! The contestants must bring their A game tonight, since they don't just have to win over the judges anymore, now they have to impress America as well in order to make it one step closer to winning The X Factor.

The episode started out intense as we are reminded which contestants will be competing. We learn how the competition has reached a new level. It is now time for America to decide who has what it takes to move on.

First up was Stereo Hogzz. They sang "Rhythm Nation." Their performance was very strong. They  had good vocals and very clean dance moves. The judges enjoyed their performance. L.A. said, "You absolutely have what it takes to be a star" Simon told them, "I don't think that there's a band in the world that's as good as you!"

The next to perform was Chris Rene who sang "Superstar." His vocals were great and this was definitely one of his better performances. There was a fire effect in his performance that added to the entertainment value. The judges praised his performance. Nicole said, "You've grown so much in this competition vocally." Simon felt that he improved from last week but questioned the use of the fire. L.A. responded that the reason he chose to use fire in Chris' performance is because "He's hot!"

LeRoy Bell sang "I'm Already There." He gave a good performance, not better or worse than his  previous performances. The judges had mixed opinions. Simon thought he had a confidence issue and was given the wrong song. Nicole responded with, "Sometimes less is more."

Next was Rachel Crow. She sang "Walking on Sunshine" but changed the lyrics of the chorus to "you're my sunshine." The different lyrics seemed a little unnecessary, but her performance was great regardless. She was very entertaining as she sang on top of a giant stereo. Her vocals were strong and her performance was fun. The judges liked her performance. Nicole called her "America's Sunshine!" Simon said, "This girls gonna be around for a long long time"

Lakoda Rayne sang a beautiful rendition of "Landslide." Their harmonies were amazing and their performance was solid. The judges also enjoyed their performance. Nicole said, "The four voices, they sounded like one tonight" (I agree, they blended together extremely well).

Next up was Josh Krajcik. His performance was very strong. His vocals were amazing and it was  definitely one of his best performances and one of my favorites tonight. The judges praised him. L.A. said, "I liked you before, but I really dig your after." His performance brought Nicole to tears.

Melanie Amaro sang "Desperado." She started out a cappella and her vocals were very powerful. She sounded beautiful and once again, gave one of the best performances of the night. Nicole said, "There is no limit to what you and your voice can do." Simon told her "Right now you are the one to beat" (She definitely is, that performance was hard to top!).

Next, Astro sang "Get Youre Freak On," as "get the beat on" and wrote his own lyrics to the verses. He is a talented writer and his lyrics were very creative. His performance was extremely entertaining as he performed in front of his name in lights. He is a star and he knows it! The judges enjoyed his performance. Paula said, "I know Jay-Z has got his eye on you."

InTENsity sang a mashup of "Kids in America"/ "Part Rock Anthem." Their performance was very upbeat and a lot of fun. They were good, but it seemed as though they are trying too hard to be like ‘Glee.' The judges liked them and Simon said, "That was terrific."

Drew was the next to perform. She sang "Just a Dream." She was amazing! I would've never guessed she would have been able to take on a Nelly song as well as she did. Her performance was very unique and enjoyable. She was again one of my favorites of the night. The judges loved her performance. Paula said she was "fantastic."

Marcus Canty sang "Every Little Step." His performance was very entertaining and his star power is undeniable. He did a really great job tonight. The judges enjoyed his performance. Paula said, "You are a total performer."

Last to perform was Stacey Francis. Her performance was very strong. Her vocals were beautiful and she once again was a top performer. The judges praised her. Paula said, "This was a shining moment." Simon said it was "one of the best performances of the night" (I agree!).

This is not going to be an easy decision, everyone! The finalists were all on their top game tonight. America has to choose one of these great performers to go home tomorrow. Don't forget to vote, so your favorite moves on! On a side note, good news was announced tonight- there is going to be a season 2 of X Factor!

Don't forget to tune in to THE X FACTOR tomorrow at 8pm for the Results Show. Check back in to BroadwayWorld for another recap!
Visit TheXFactorusa.com for up-to-the-minute news, videos and information. Become a fan of THE X FACTOR on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheXFactorUSA and follow the series on Twitter @TheXFactorUSA.

THE X FACTOR is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America. Rob Wade and Siobhan Greene are executive producers for Syco Television. Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Richard Holloway and Andrew Llinares serve as executive producers for FremantleMedia North America.

Photo Credit: Ray Mickshaw / FOX