<p>In the end, the finalists at X-Factor seem better performers than this year’s The Voice. Any of those four would make a deserving winner and they all are very different. In contrast, the remaining three at The Voice are either mediocre rethreads or a very rough teenager with an affinity for the high note. </p>
<p>The only negative is that the action among the judges at the X-factor is annoying. That Rubio character was such a poor choice that it makes you want Paula Abdul back. I do not think she remember what she meant to say the second it comes out of her mouth. She even introduced the wrong contestant from … her team. With all the money they pay to judges, the show could find someone better qualified.</p>
<p>Xiggi, I don’t know which is more amusing: last year host Spears constant “Amazing” or Rubio’s repeated “You’re multifacetic.” When I first heard the latter, I asked, “What? What did she say? Did she just call someone pathetic?” I like Kelly though.</p>
<p>I like Alex and Sierra. Mario Lopez (sp?) works my nerves, Paulina might have found Paula’s stash, the “boisterous and playful” interaction between the judges is childish, and the judges’ pimping, jockeying, and politicking are transparent. Thank goodness for DVR FF buttons. </p>
<p>But, I record it for Alex and Sierra, the only ones (now that Khaya’s gone) I would actually go to see.</p>
<p>For me the most annoying thing about XFactor is the weekly question “Why should you remain…” (or something to that effect) and the same old answers “I’ve worked so hard”, “I’ve really grown as an artist”, “I came from nothing”, blah, blah, blah.</p>
<p>I don’t get the appeal of Alex and Sierra. I think both have serious pitch issues that are masked somewhat when they sing together, and Sierra’s tone is not terribly pleasant. Seems to me the romantic aspect of the duo is what’s carrying them forward. They never would have gotten this far as individual singers, because they just aren’t that talented.</p>
<p>I watch the performances online on a third-party site, where they’re posted a few hours after the show ends. No judges’ patter, no Mario, no tedious back stories. Much better!</p>
<p>I like A & S. I think Sierra’ tone is unique and pretty. It’s true that neither one of them is a power belter, which seems to be what it takes to win as an individual, but their take on songs is creative and suites them. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.</p>
<p>From a male perspective, Sierra has an extremely “sexy” singing voice! I really don’t believe the reason for their success so far is based on the fact that they are a real life couple as much as it is that they are refreshing and unique. I think Alex’s musicality is exceptional and he should be given a lot of the credit for their rapid progress.</p>
<p>I just watched videos of the X Factor finale performances. Have to say Jeff Gutt is impressive. But it’s hard to see where he goes in today’s pop music. I guess he could follow the Daughtry model (are we ready for a band called “Gutt”?), but I don’t think that kind of lightning strikes twice. I assume Alex and Sierra will win, and then the question will be whether two attractive people who harmonize decently while make googly eyes at each other will give X Factor USA its first successful act.</p>
<p>^Maybe we should lay our bets on Carlito having the most successful career as a latino pop star. Might be an easier niche to break into. There are not too many artists that I could give extended listening time to but, so far, I can not get enough of Alex and Sierra.</p>
<p>Xiggi, as you know I share your opinion of the winner of The Voice, but I realize we are in a tiny minority. It seems the same sound can strike people very differently, which I guess shouldn’t be surprising, given how we all have varying tastes for food, clothing styles, etc. But it seems much rarer for people to differ significantly about a singer’s voice. For what it’s worth, my D and I also try to avoid listening to Mariah Carey, and we seem to be the only people who feel that way.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t call Tessanne’s voice “horrendous” but I would say, although it is powerful like Mariah and Whitney’s voices, it lacks their rich tonal qualities.</p>
<p>Anyone watching the new season of American idol??? I’m just now watching last night’s opener from Boston and I’m going to return my brand new TV… the sound is terrible! </p>
<p>Oh, wait a minute, that horrible sound is coming from the bean town talent.</p>