The Top 10 X Factor Performances from Season One

After thousands of auditions, tragic eliminations, temper tantrums and brilliant performances…. either Chris Rene, Josh Krajcik and Melanie Amaro will walk away with a $5 million recording contract and the title of The X Factor Season One Winner. 

 

Here are the Top 10 best performances from each stage of the competition from the auditions to the live shows.

 

10. Come on Eileen-Lakota Rayne

 

Originally the Lakota Rayne girls were competing to get into the girls’ category. But during boot camp, the ladies were eliminated until the judges merged them into the country pop group.   The girls made it to the Top 17 and started on the right note when they sang the 1980s classic “Come on Eileen.”  Lakota Rayne shined as a group and on their solos.

 

To watch the performance, click here: http://youtu.be/CpNwtB_mtI4

 

9. Natural Woman-Stacy Francis

 

The final audition of the series premiere belonged to Stacy Francis. We were introduced to the 42-year-old single mom with a powerful voice.   Francis soared through Aretha Franklin’s classic song and received a standing ovation from four judges (including then judge Cheryl Cole).   This audition has received over 3.4 million views on YouTube.

 

Click here to see this outstanding audition: http://youtu.be/1FbsmvXzMJY

 

8. Hallelujah-Josh Krajcik

 

This 30-year-old former burrito maker made it into the finale with this powerful song.   While this song has been covered so many times that it has lost its’ mystique.  But Krajcik blew new life into this song with his raw vocals and piano playing.   His interpretation of “Hallelujah” received strong feedback from Simon and Paula, who was in tears of joy during her evaluation.

 

To hear the performance and listen to the judges’ feedback, click here: http://youtu.be/snEXZZiKIus

 

7. Desperado-Melanie Amaro

 

An early favorite since Simon brought her back from being eliminated from the competition.  Melanie has continued to shine each week and because of this has made it into the season one finale.   This performance made the list because her mentor Simon took a risk and made her perform this Eagles classic.    Paula even compared her voice to fine china.

 

Click here to hear the performance: http://youtu.be/ASXHWfXZxTI

 

6. I Believe-Rachel Crow

 

In an earlier entry, this author declared that this performance was in the Top 10 Best Singing Performances of 2011.   Rachel dedicated this Yolanda Adams song to her adopted family.  Despite 13-years-old, Rachel has a voice beyond her years.   This song will send chills down your back and give you goose bumps.

 

To watch this performance, click here: http://youtu.be/lMNKVumaPVI

 

5. Don’t Let Me Down-LeRoy Bell

 

The best male save-me performance of the season did not belong to three-time save-me champion Marcus Canty but to LeRoy Bell.  The oldest competitor in this season’s competition blew everyone away with his powerful rendition of the Beatles classic that received a standing ovation from mentor Nicole Scherzinger and judge Paula Abdul.

 

To watch the performance, click here: http://youtu.be/ec0m5Ukz_4k

 

4. I’d Rather Go Blind-Rachel Crow

 

If LeRoy was the best male save-me performer, then Rachel Crow is the best female save-me performer of the season.  Rachel sang Etta James’ powerful classic.   She displayed impressive vocals that will make the hairs on your arms curl.

 

To see this number, click here: http://youtu.be/JGeHiTsQaD0

 

3. Feeling Good-Melanie Amaro

 

This performance solidified Melanie Amaro’s place in this year’s finale.  “Feeling Good” showed Amaro at full strength and vocal range.

 

To watch the performance that had all four judges on their feet, click here: http://youtu.be/I4q5mZo39Qk

 

2. Wild Horses-Josh Krajcik

 

During Thanksgiving week on the show, Josh Krajcik delivered his strongest performance on the show.  “Wild Horses” is one of Krajcik’s powerful performances of this competition.  He perfectly executed the Rolling Stones’ classic that left viewers and the judges stunned.

To see this awesome performance, click here: http://youtu.be/Y4J7mNnY8ww

 

1. Purple Rain-Stacy Francis

 

If future contestants want to a road map to how to make it on the live shows, then they might want to follow Stacy Francis’ path.  She stunned audiences with her first audition and her final boot camp performance.    Her rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain” not only solidified a place for her in the live shows but also blew away her mentor Nicole Scherzinger, guest advisor Enrique Iglesias and viewers.

 

To click on the best X Factor performance of the season, click here: http://youtu.be/u0AeGyuJ0tc

 

 

Note: All of these clips belong to SyCoTV and FOX Broadcasting Company.