One of Simon Cowell’s two remaining acts on “The X Factor” was eliminated on the eve of the finals Thursday.
But the somewhat surprising ouster of Restless Road, the country boy band put together from individual singers with unsuccessful solo auditions, is likely only help pave the way for Cowell’s remaining act, Alex & Sierra.
The duo was lodged at No. 1 on iTunes from their Wednesday performance of Sara Bareilles’ “Gravity” that caused tears and standing ovations from the judges. With Sierra the last female left in the competition, how could she go wrong?
Their competition next week will be two who could have been easily dismissed earlier in the competition: Carlito Olivero, who has been promoted by coach Paulina Rubio as a kind of newfangled Ricky Martin, and Jeff Gutt, who keeps being given classic rock material by coach Kelly Rowland (the fourth judge, Demi Lovato, lost her remaining singers all at once last week).
The semifinals brought an odd format, with no sing-off. Only the least vote-getter from viewers would get the heave-ho. The judges had no hand in the results for the first time.
Also, as the act was saved, each was made to instantly sing a song. Carlito did an Elvis Crespo single “Suavemente” with a new command of the stage (and eye contact!). Alex & Sierra did Passenger’s “Let Her Go” and Jett Gutt, like clockwork, did Journey’s “Open Arms.”
Restless Road, for their part, had to just stand there and look stunned, shedding a tear as they showed highlights of their performances.
But they did get to take part in the opening number, a four-way version of Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” which was also the ultimate battle song on “The Sing Off” Wednesday night (these shows just have to get a wider variety of material to do).
Enrique Iglesias was the guest star, doing “Heart Attack.” Paulina was probably taking notes, in case she pitches it as a finale number for Carlito.
Jennifer Nettles was also supposed to have appeared, but did not. Maybe they’re going to have her on next week. They will have a lot of time to kill — four hours over two nights.
Guest performers listed for the finale next week include Mary J. Blige, Leona Lewis and, God save us, One Direction — back after a three week absence.
And let’s just repeat that Alex & Sierra look unstoppable, though many an “Idol” winner has been cut from the cloth of a Jeff Gutt, down to the feathery soul patch (only to be never heard from again).