X Factor USA Show Highlights & Videos from 11/22 – Top Nine Perform

This week the top nine performed, singing a song to someone special. While this leaves a lot of room in terms of song choice, we can expect to hear a lot of personal dedications. Last week was a shock bottom two of Stacey Francis and Astro. Astro was saved and Stacey went home, leaving this weeks top nine. The nine contestants left are: Melanie Amaro, Rachel Crow and Drew, Astro, Marcus Canty, Chris Rene, LeRoy Bell, Josh Krajcik, Lakota Rayne.

Here is a recap of each contestant and the judges comments:

1. Rachel Crow thansk her mom and dad for adopting her, and sang I Believe by Yolanda Adams.

Nicole said: You made a believer out of me and I am sure out of everyone in America, you are such an inspiration, you are a bright light.
Paula said: If any ever questions if there are angels on earth, it is you, thank you for opening the show in such a grand way.
L.A. said: You did it again, I really loved it.
Simon said: This is not a night to be said, it is a night to be thankful. We were so right to drop the age, great vocals, great performance.

2. Marcus Canty is next and thanks his mom for her support. He sang A Song For Mama by Boyz II Men.

Simon said: So far you had a yo yo ride so far, tonight for the first time I actually felt a connection with you when you sang, I think you put yourself back in the competition tonight.
L.A. said: I have worked with some great singers and you are as great as the guy who sang this song, Baby Face.
Nicole said: You make all the other sons out there look bad tonight, that was so beautiful and precious, your mama must be so proud, enjoy this, it was so honest, you sang from your heart.
Paula said: Tonight the passion and connection was great.

3. Melanie Amaro sang the World’s Greatest by R. Kelly, dedicating it to god for never letting her down.

Paula said: I have waited week after week for the vulnerability to come out, what we just saw makes people fall in love with you. You are an amazing singer, you don’t need a choir.
L.A. said: What am I supposed to say, am I supposed to criticize that.
Nicole said: You are so courageous, can I give you a hug?
Simon said: I think it was appropriate that there was a choir because she sings in church, you were outstanding tonight.

4. Chris Rene dedicated the song to his friend Tim for helping him through the lowest point in his life. He sang Let It Be by The Beatles.

Simon said: I didn’t think the first song worked, but going into the second was great. Not too many people have the guts to admit what happened to you, you just may have inspired a lot of people. I hope America keeps you in the show.
L.A. said: Your tattoo reads ‘I Believe’, and I believe in you.
Nicole said: I believe you are such a blessing and an example in this competition.
Paul said: It is so nice to see you go back to where we fell in love with you in the first place, you did an amazing job tonight.

5. Lakoda Rayne sang You Belong To Me by Taylor Swift, dedicated to everyone who helped them get to where they are today.

Simon said: This is by far your best performance to date, the vocals were not perfect, but in terms of what kind of song you were singing, I hope you are not going home tomorrow night.
Paula said: The sky is the limit, you are amazing artists, I am so proud.
L.A. said: This week you actually managed to pump up some excitement, you disarmed me, congratulations.
Nicole said: I felt like I was watching you in concert.

6. LeRoy Bell devoted tje song to his mom who past away two years ago and sang Angel by Sarah Mclachlan.

Simon said: I have a lot of respect for L.A., normally I agree with him but not tonight, this is the first time that I feel that you meant every word, it was a great version.
Nicole said: This is your moment, I asked you to just let go and don’t hold back, your mom is shining down on you right now.
L.A. said: That was really good, but to me it wasn’t your very best, it was heartfelt for sure. Paula said: I couldn’t disagree with L.A. more, the passion and connection was beautiful.

7. Astro was next and apoligized for last week and rapped a song about last week.

Paula said: Can I be an ASTROnaut? you are well on your way to be ing prolific, anyone who is hating on you, they just must be perfect and there is nobody that is operfect.
Simon said: I want you to be an ASTROnaut Paula and I’ll send you to the moon. I admire you Astro, all the tantrums, you have a hard way of expressing yourself. The music beusiness needs unpredictability and although I didn’t like the song, it showcased your talent.
Nicole said: You said you are taking over, never take it for granted, be grateful.
L.A. said: You apologized and you did a good job. As long as you keep your head on your shoulders you will be fine.

8. Drew is giving thanks to her best friend in the whole world, Shelby and the song she chooses is Skyscraper by Demi Lovato.

Nicole said: You are a beautiful girl and I am happy you devoted it to your friend.
Paula said: L.A. said: I am going to direct my comments to your mentor, you are 15 years old and you are doing songs for people who are 40. I don’t understand why you are not doing age appropriate music. Everyone needs a friend and it is actually a young artist who sings it, I loved your tempo.
Simon said: L.A., I am sick to death of your pointless stupid criticism, you are talking complete and utter rubbish. I know she deserves a shot on this show, you are trying to make her seem worthless.

9. Josh Krajcik was next and dedicated this song to his 13 year old daughter who he had when he was 17, sand sang Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones.

Simon said: That’s what it’s all about, a great song, a great voice and you meant everything you sang.
Nicole said: I am very proud, beyond this competition I think your music can change the world.
L.A. said: You have the right amount of everything to win this competition.
Paul said: It is such a pleasure knowing you, you are larger than life and brilliant.

The results will be announced tomorrow along with Performances by former American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson and Bruno Mars.