'X Factor' Top 8 Results Recap: Two Contestants Eliminated, Alicia Keys and Josh Krajcik Perform

X Factor contestants Vino Alan and Diamond White

By GLAMOROSI

This week on The X Factor season 2, episode 20, we saw the Top 8 contestants perform. On episode 21 we find out which two contestants will be eliminated, and who will move on to the Top 6 and remain in the running for the 5 million dollar prize. We also see performances by Alicia Keys and Josh Krajcik.

Khloe Kardashian and Mario Lopez take the stage dressed in white Elvis jumpsuits. Actually, that’s not true. Khloe is wearing black sequins and Mario is in a charcoal suit; they wear the same thing every week.

Mario and Khloe remind us that on this episode we'll see a double elimination, and performances from special guests Alicia Keys and X Factor season one runner-up Josh Krajcik perform. As in previous weeks, we see a video recap of the Top 8 performances along with some of the backstage action.

Paige Thomas

The X Factor results shows move very quickly; without fanfare the first contestant to be cut is announced: Paige Thomas from Demi Lovato’s Young Adults. It is sad to see Paige go, but she is a flawless beauty - now that casting directors have seen that gorgeous face if she doesn't wind up singing she should have a good shot at film and TV roles. Or all of the above.

Next we see a performance from Josh Krajcik – he made it into the Top 2 in season one of The X Factor. He sings “One Thing She’ll Never Know”, and has a soulful, gravelly voice that reminds me of Vino Alan.

Then the judges and their contestants are introduced: Britney Spears and her Teens (Carly Rose Sonenclar and Diamond White), L.A. Reid and his Over 25s (Tate Stevens and Vino Alan) Demi and her remaining Young Adult (CeCe Frey), and Simon Cowell and his Groups (Fifth Harmony and Emblem3).

Mario and Khloe announce the five contestants who are going straight through to the Top 6: Fifth Harmony, CeCe Frey, Emblem3, Carly Rose Sonenclar, Tate Stevens. The two contestants who have to sing for their survival are Diamond White and Vino Alan. First though, we hear platinum recording artist Alicia Keys perform “Girl on Fire”. She sounds great and she looks beautiful.

The sing-off begins. Diamond White goes first and sings Beyoncé’s “I Was Here”. This is how I like Diamond best - no over-the-top production - just her, a mic, and that big voice. Then we hear Vino Alan. He does Ray La Montaigne’s “Trouble”. If you can listen to Vino sing this without getting chills, you’re made of stone.

Then it’s time for the judges to weigh in. L.A. of course votes to send Diamond White home. Britney of course votes to send Vino home. Demi also chooses to send Vino home. It comes down to Simon – if he opts to send Diamond home the panel will be deadlocked and it will go to the public vote. That’s not how it plays out though: Simon votes to let Vino go, and Diamond White is safe and moves on to the Top 6.

Carly Rose Sonenclar

Before the show ends the leader-board results are announced, and we learn there is only 1/10 of 1% separating first and second place. One of the following six acts will win The X Factor and a five million dollar record contract:

1. Carly Rose Sonenclar
2. Tate Stevens
3. Emblem3
4. Fifth Harmony
5. CeCe Frey
6. Diamond White

The X Factor airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8/7c on FOX.

To read more of our X Factor coverage click here.

Photos ©Talkback Thames, FremantleMedia, SYCOtv

Posted on Friday, November 30, 2012 11:10 AM