full size Melanie Amaro Performs on The X Factor USA Top 9, November 22, 2011
Credit: Ray Mickshaw and Frank Micelotta/FOX ©2011 Fox Broadcasting Co.
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Melanie Amaro Performs on The X Factor USA Top 9, November 22, 2011

Top 9! Single digits, y’all! We start the show with all the contestants telling us what they’re thankful for — mostly their families, but also God, their fans, and in Drew’s case, her best friend. This is apparently the Factor’s “Thanksgiving Special,” which means that Steve’s acting like he’s excited about Thanksgiving, even though he’s Welsh and therefore probably doesn’t care. Also, this week is a double elimination, so TWO acts will be having a really crappy Thanksgiving. Hooray!

Rachel Crow, “I Believe” by Yolanda Adams
So, Rachel’s performance is dedicated to her parents, who adopted her as a baby. Her biological mom was addicted to crack. Well, this is super sad. But happy, because obviously things worked out awesomely. Rachel’s dressed sort of like a pirate tonight. Like, not a full-on eyepatch and pegleg pirate, but that’s kind of the general effect. She seems a tiny bit nervous, but she sounds wonderful and she’s super adorable. It’s nice. “I really loved it,” L.A. Reid says. “You’ve made a believer out of me... you’re such a bright light,” Nicole Scherzinger says, teary-eyed.

Marcus Canty, “Mama” by Boyz II Men
Marcus is dedicating his performance tonight to his mom. Obviously. Because the song is called “Mama.” It’s very sincere and a little boring, honestly. He’s obviously emotional, though. Mostly it sounds terrific, although his emotion gets the best of him a few times and there are a couple of missed notes, nothing major. He hugs his mom tightly at the end which is very sweet and probably gains him some votes. “Every performance you give is top-notch, but tonight especially... the passion and the connection,” Paula Abdul says. “Tonight, for the first time, I actually felt a connection with you,” says Simon Cowell.

Melanie Amaro, “The World’s Greatest” by R Kelly
Melanie’s performance is dedicated to God, because “He’s the only one who’s never let [her] down.” R Kelly sure let us all down, though, didn’t he? Eh, we won’t take it as a reflection on Melanie. She’s singing her face off, as per usual. It’s very churchy, obviously, and the entire audience got glowsticks from somewhere that they’re waving frantically. “Girl, what am I supposed to say? I’m supposed to criticize that?” L.A. says. Melanie’s flipping out, talking about how good it feels to be on the stage and thanking Simon for bringing her back. She just keeps talking and her accent is coming out like whoa, and the judges give her a standing ovation, and then Nicole runs on stage to hug her. It’s all very sweet but we’re cynical so the whole thing is also semi-ridiculous, whatever. “What we just saw is what makes people fall in love with you,” Paula says. Somewhere in the middle of all this mayhem Steve starts panicking about them running long and keeps begging the judges to talk fast and/or shut up, ha!

Chris Rene, “Let it Be” by The Beatles
Chris is dedicating his performance to Tim Fry, his counselor from rehab. He’s — Chris, not Counselor Tim — got headphones around his neck and some hip-hop beats behind him. Otherwise, it’s a fairly straight cover, and it’s just kind of okay — until he mashes it up with his original, “Young Homie,” and then it gets awesome and Chris comes alive and we start feeling some feelings, whatever, we’re not made of stone here. “Look how powerful the music is that you write,” Nicole exclaims. “Thank you so much for your dedication, thank Tim, thank all the sponsors and all the counselors that are saving lives and changing futures forever,” Paula says.

Lakoda Rayne, “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift
Lakoda Rayne are giving thanks to “the people who’ve shaped [them],” which is pretty generic, because there’s four of them. The song starts off rough, and it gets better at times, but still... eh. Not so hot. Which is weird, because let’s be real, outsinging Taylor Swift isn’t that hard. “Last week was the week I thought that you had returned to the competition, this week you managed to drum up some excitement,” L.A. says. “This is, by far, your best performance to date,” Simon adds. Well, okay. Maybe it was just us. “The sky is the limit,” says Paula, who’s all choked up.

LeRoy Bell, “Angel” by Sarah Mclachlan
Tonight’s performance is dedicated to Leroy’s mom, who was the one who encouraged him in his dream to become a musician, and who passed away almost two years ago. Ack! More feelings. And this song is like the ultimate tearjerker, too, have you seen those ASPCA commercials? Painful. LeRoy’s performance is beautiful. Very heartfelt. “Not your very best,” L.A. says. “I couldn’t disagree more... there was so much passion and connection, it was the most beautiful performance you’ve ever given,” says Paula. Simon also disagrees — “I think you really made your mark this week,” he says.

Astro, “Show Me What You Got” by Jay-Z
After the big drama-fest last week with Astro in the Bottom 2, he’s dedicating tonight’s performance to his fans. As usual, he’s completely re-written the lyrics, this time to address his behavior last week and his appreciation for all of his supporters, and as usual, he’s good. It’s hard to say whether he’ll be good enough to pull himself out of the Bottom 2 (or 3, this week), and we’re not sure how he’ll handle it if he’s there again, but tonight’s performance is definitely on-point. “I’m very proud of you... always remain grateful because that’s what’s gonna take you all the way,” Nicole says. Paula wants to be an Astro-naut. “I admire you, I do... the music business needs unpredictability,” Simon says.

Drew, “Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato
We guess when you’re 15, it makes sense to dedicate your performance to your BFF and not, like, your parents. And it makes sense to sing a Demi Lovato song. It’s exactly the same thing Drew always does. It’s nice, but we’re starting to wonder what a Drew concert would feel like. Very long, probably. L.A. accuses her of doing a song that’s not age-appropriate, which... is inaccurate. Drew gets all ranty about how the song goes out to everyone who needs to know how important it is to have a best friend. “I’m happy... I’m not frustrated this week, I connected,” Nicole says. Paula points out that Demi Lovato is young (thanks, Paula). “I’m very proud of you,” Simon tells Drew, and then he and L.A. yell at each other some. Bo-ring!

Josh Krajcik, “Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones
Josh’s performance is dedicated to his 13-year-old daughter, Rowan, who calls her dad one of her best friends. Aw. Ooh, Josh is playing piano! It’s a really tender, intimate version he’s doing. It’s gorgeous. (This song makes us emotional anyway, remember when Buffy and Angel danced to it at prom? Sigh.) Josh looks a little overwhelmed as he finishes the song. “You know what, Josh? You have the right amount of everything... you have everything it takes to win this competition,” L.A. says. “That’s what it’s all about,” Simon says. Nicole’s weepy, telling Josh “beyond this competition, I strongly believe that your music can change the world... that was breathtaking.”

Well, that’s our show, kids, and it was a pretty good one, eh? Tomorrow night, three acts be in the bottom and two will go home. Also, Bruno Mars and Kelly Clarkson(!!!) will perform. Who were your favorites tonight? Who do you think is in danger? Let us know!