Week 3 - Live Performance Recap - Who 'Rocked' the Night Out

Before anything else, I would like to give a standing ovation for the judges. At last! They had made some sense everytime they gave their comments. These are what the contestants need - constructive criticisms.

"Rock" is the theme for this week. I was thrilled by the theme because I was looking forward to the interpretation of some contestants. And this night had lived up to my expectation. Bravo! Again, there were performances that you would easily like and dislike. So here's my review:

Kedebon Colim - Footloose by Kenny Loggins - Right on the spot Gary! Though I would disagree that he was able to retrieve himself on the latter parts of the song. The performance was completely shaky. It was indeed entertaining but would those be the type of interpretations that I would buy in record stores? I don't think so. Rating: C

A.K.A. JAM - Survivor by Destiny' Child - What did the judges eat tonight? They surely delivered comments that would be beneficial to the contestants. Although there were a few noticeable flats and sharps, these are the types of renditions that are not only entertaining but I would put in my playlist. They showcased the swag that the song is requiring and their vocal prowess was still at its best. Rating: A

Modesto Taran - To Love Somebody by Bee Gees/Michael Bolton - He is surely growing on me. Honestly, at first, I was upset that Pilita chose him over Paulo Castro but his performances tonight and last week left me at awe. He played thru his strengths by singing a slow song and I was surprise that his diction improved. He worked his magic together with the choir! Rating: A

Allen Jane Sta. Maria - Bitch by Meredith Brooks - This song, seriously? Poor song choice. I agree with Martin, Gary and Pilita that for a 16-year old girl to sing this song was not a good move. The song was too mature and racy. A teenager delivering this song was way too vulgar. She flanked on her high notes too. Not a good week for her. Rating: B-

Jeric Medina - Lips of an Angel by Hinder - I am still looking forward to "that moment" he might give during performances night. I think that was what the judges are looking for, deconstructing Charice's statement that she knew Jeric can deliver more. Because, they hadn't felt that magic yet. I agree that he was becoming more in tune (Gary admitted it! Finally) compared to his previous performances but it is still not at par compared to the other contestants'. Rating: B

Daddy's Home - Superstition by Stevie Wonder - They definitely rock the night out! Their high notes were crazy and their harmony, as always, was superb! The guitar tricks were amazing as well! They deserve a standing ovation but the judges were a reluctant to give it. Burr. Rating: A+

Gabriel Maturan - Breakeven by Script - Gary V was correct. Perhaps, rock is not Gab's thing. Indeed, there were unsure notes that fell flat. Also, he should learn not to put the microphone too close to his mouth because it made his song incomprehensible. Rating: B-

Joan Da - You Oughta Know by Alanis Morisette - Many, even Haley Reinhart of American Idol, stumbled into the tongue-twisting parts of the song, but she pronounced it very well. The words were very clear and she was pitch-perfect. Her only problem was the connection. If she had put enough emotions to her performance, it could have been perfect. Rating: A-

TakeOff - Makita Kang Muli by Sugarfree - I was glad that Martin pinpointed what I had noticed. Their harmony was a rollercoaster ride for me. Sometimes it was good, sometimes it was bad. As a group, they should learn to listen to each other because there were parts that they oversang, overshadowing one another. It was my favorite OPM song and I was disappointed that it was not delivered well. Rating: C

KZ Tandingan - In the End by Linkin Park - So, where was the standing ovation? I am definitely sure that Linkin Park would love her rendition. She made the song fresh from the usual metal version that we hear to a decreased tempo that was full of emotions. Wow. It was a clear definition of artistry and I was expecting for a standing ovation but it did not come AGAIN. Burr. Rating: A+

My thoughts on elimination, AGAIN, depend on how I perceive the Filipinos would vote not on how well/bad the contestants performed. KZ leads the number of likes in Facebook while Mang Modesto has the least likes.

Definitely Safe: KZ, Jeric, Daddy's Home

Most Likely Safe: Modesto, A.K.A. JAM, Joan

Probably Safe: TakeOff, Gab

Bottom 2: Kedebon, Allen

KZ is definitely the frontrunner of the competition. Now that Mark left the X Factor, Daddy's Home might be the one to threaten the crown from her. If her fans would not be as complacent as Mark's fans were, she might bring home the bacon.

I still believe that teeny boppers and gays will go on frenzy to vote for the "good-looking" male contestants so Jeric is surely safe and, TakeOff and Gab might avoid the bottom two spot. Mang Modesto had pulled off another wow performance so I am quite sure he would be safe eventhough he has the least likes in Facebook.

It was not a good week for Allen. As for Kedebon, I do not have any idea how he managed to survive the contest without delivering a great performance. Personality? Maybe.

As how the judges would vote if that would be the bottom two, I am clueless. Would they go for vocal chops or personality?

But then again, the power lies to the public. If we do not partake in the voting process, we would end up being disappointed and shocked just like what had happened last week.

(By the way, I am still hoping that Gerard Salonga would drop by X Factor. Ryan C would be a nice addition too)