'X Factor' Finals: Amaro, Rene, Krajcik Remain - Which Gave $5M Performance?

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, December 22, 2011

The final three contestants on ‘X Factor’ have given their first performance in the two-part finale of the show Wednesday, in the closest competition yet.

Melanie Amaro, Chris Rene, and Josh Krajcik remain in the running for the $5 million winning prize and record deal.

“It’s going to be the closest final we’ve ever had,” said “X Factor” judge Simon Cowell before the performances even began.

Get Our Latest News for FREE

Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know.

Subscribe

Nicknamed “magic Krajcik” by judge Nicole Scherzinger, finalist Josh took to the stage with Alanis Morissette’s “Uninvited,” when the original singer herself also appeared on stage.

Morissette and Krajcik’s performance earned the “X Factor” finalist praise from judge Paula Abdul, who said Krajcik upheld his “identity, dignity, and integrity,” despite singing with the famed performer.

Cowell was not as kind. The notoriously harsh judge called the performance “an eight out of ten.”

For his second song, Krajcik sang Etta James’ “At Last.” His acoustic performance received exuberant praise from the judges’ panel, and the 30-year-old remains a strong contender in the competition.

Next on stage was finalist Rene who is well known for singing original songs. The singer was joined on stage by Avril Lavigne singing her song “Complicated.”

Abdul told Rene that the song was “the antithesis of what your foundation is built on,” and explained that truth has brought him here.

However, Cowell commended the performance and said that Rene's original rap lyrics combined with Lavigne's song could make a great record.

The father of three also sang an original song, “Young Homie,” which referenced his previous addiction to alcohol and his newfound sobriety.

This season’s favorite ‘X Factor’ finalist Melanie Amaro gave the night’s final performances. The 19-year-old, joined by R. Kelly, sand his song “I Believe I Can Fly.”

Amaro is widely believed to win the competition, and next took on a rendition of Beyonce’s “Listen.”

“X Factor” judge L.A. Reid told the young singer, “That wasn’t a $5 million performance – that was a $50 million performance!”

Thursday will see the second part of the ‘X Factor’ finale where the last three contestants will perform duets. The night will see one contestant crowned as the winner.

“X Factor” airs live on FOX at 8 p.m. EST.