The Tribune

By LESH

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

THE FINALS are finally here for an X Factor USA season that kept viewers on the edge of their seats religiously every Wednesday and Thursday night.

Last week was no different, as the top four performed with everything they had left. The remaining contestants hailed from the following groups: teens, group performers and over-25 contestants.

Before the results show went into full swing, X Factor fans got to see a recap of the previous night’s performances where Emblem3 sang Fab Four’s “Hey Jude”, Carly Rose Sonenclar sang John Lennon’s “Imagine”, Fifth Harmony performed Shontelle’s “Impossible” and Tate Stevens performed Clay Walker’s “Fall.”

As the night went on, the just found out the only girl group left in the competition, Fifth Harmony, was completely safe and headed to the next round of the competition.

This left Britney on edge as her category contestant Carly was left to await her fate, along with Emblem3 and Tate Stevens. Tate’s nervousness was eased when he was called through to the next round. Carly and Britney could not hide the scared expressions on their faces, waiting to hear what came next.

As it turned out, Carly did indeed make it through to the next round of the competition and the group, Emblem3, was sent home. This may have been good news for Britney, but it was definitely not good news for the judge that sat just two chairs down from her, Simon Cowell.

Viewers that kept up with the show would know that Emblem3 was one of Simon’s prized possessions. He regularly made it known that his prized group would be the next big thing.

Simon told the hosts Khloe Kardashian and Mario Lopez: “This is the way it goes on in competitions. I’m gutted really for them because I thought they had a fantastic night last night, but it happens. I’m very very disappointed.”

The group told their fans:

“It’s all good,” and reassured them that they will continue to create music.

During the show, X Factor viewers also learned that judge L A Reid would not be returning to the show for another season.

Access Hollywood reported: “Reid says it’s time for him to return to the record label, which boasts Jennifer Lopez, Andre 3000 and Ciara on its roster.”

“I have a company to run that I’ve kind of neglected,” Reid told Access Hollywood.

Tonight and tomorrow night, remaining contestants Carly, Tate and Fifth Harmony will compete for the coveted $5 million recording contract.

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