El Ma, the young seventeen-year-old from Jack La Furia’s team, is the third eliminated from the tournament live from X Factor 2024. Ending up in the run-off with Danielle, she was unable to convince the public who, in the tilt, chose to save the competitor from the Agnelli team. The evening dedicated to dance music did not inspire, except for a few performances. On social media, the ‘goodism’ of the four judges was not heavily appreciated, so much so that some users compared them to the Teletubbies. Particularly criticized was the performance of Lowrah, the only remaining competitor in Paola Iezzi’s team, who did not convince with her version of ‘All That She Wants’, Ace Of Base’s super hit from the 90s. “She failed from start to finish”, comments one user, while another wonders: “But were the judges who said ‘well done’ at the bar?”. There are those who hypothesize that their lenient attitude is due to the desire to protect the only artist left in the competition for Iezzi.
Among the other competitors, Mimì did not convince with the arrangement of ‘I Will Survive’ by Gloria Gaynor, while Patagarri, although entertaining, were not flawless with ’Stayn’ Alive’ by the Bee Gees. The Foolz are good with ‘Hot Stuff’ by Donna Summer, but sent back in English. Danielle, with ‘Salirò’ by Daniele Silvestri, showed some vocal difficulties, triggering comments such as: “It gets worse and worse. Today I would make everyone leave including the judges”. And, in fact, he ended up in the run-off in the first heat.
Puncake delivered their usual engaging show with Rod Stewart’s ‘Do Ya Think I’m Sexy’, while El Ma, despite social praise for her version of Madonna’s irresistible ‘Hang Up’, failed to top the obstacle of the third live. Lorenzo’s performance was appreciated even if it was not very similar to the dance theme. He proposed ‘Non Succederà Più’ by Celentano and Mori. Closing the evening were the only two 100% convincing performances: Frankly with ‘L’Amour Toujours’ by Gigi D’Agostino and Les Votives with their ‘party rock’ version of ‘You Make Me Feel’ by Mighty Real. But the real highlight was the performance of Tananai, guest of the evening. At the next live, Negramaro is expected.
Interview between Time.news Editor and X Factor Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special segment covering the latest happenings in the world of music and entertainment! Today, we’re joined by renowned music expert, Dr. Clara Melendez, to discuss the recent eliminations and performances in X Factor 2024. Clara, thanks for being with us!
Dr. Clara Melendez (CM): Thank you for having me! It’s always exciting to dive into the dynamics of talent shows like X Factor.
TNE: Let’s start with El Ma, the young competitor whose journey ended this week. At just seventeen, she faced a tough elimination after a run-off with Danielle. What do you think contributed to her elimination?
CM: It’s a challenging environment, especially for someone so young. El Ma may have struggled to connect with the audience during the dance music-themed evening. Sometimes, the selection of songs and the atmosphere can play a crucial role, especially when the audience is looking for a specific vibe.
TNE: Absolutely. The evening seemed to lack inspiration, with only a few standout performances. Social media buzz suggests that the judges’ reactions weren’t well-received either. How do you think the perception of the judges can impact the competitors?
CM: The judges are pivotal in shaping public perception. When fans feel that judges are overly optimistic or detached—like the comparisons to the Teletubbies imply—it diminishes the credibility of their critiques. It can create a disconnect between the judges and the audience, which ultimately affects how competitors are viewed and receives feedback.
TNE: Speaking of performances, Lowrah, the last remaining contestant from Paola Iezzi’s team, faced harsh criticism for her rendition of “All That She Wants.” Do you think reviving 90s hits is a risky strategy for a show like X Factor?
CM: Reviving classics can be double-edged. It can resonate with those who have nostalgia for that era, but it also invites high expectations. If the performance doesn’t bring a fresh take, it can fall flat, as we saw with Lowrah. She needed to elevate that song to really make an impact and captivate the audience.
TNE: It seems the theme of the night didn’t resonate well overall. How do themes like “dance music” affect contestants’ selections and their chances at success?
CM: Themes dictate not just song choices, but also the energy a contestant can bring to their performance. Not every contestant feels comfortable or capable in specific genres. A mismatched theme can lead to uninspired performances, as we experienced during this elimination round. It’s crucial for contestants to find ways to make the theme work for their unique styles.
TNE: There’s definitely a lot at stake for these young artists navigating both public and judge expectations. As we look to the rest of the competition, what advice would you give to the remaining contestants on how to stand out?
CM: Authenticity is key. Contestants should focus on what makes them unique and bring that to the stage, rather than trying to fit into a mold or a theme. They should also engage with their audience through social media, and declare their personal styles to foster a deeper connection. This will resonate more profoundly than just a technical performance.
TNE: Wise words, Clara! As always, your insights are invaluable. We’ll keep our eyes open for the next episodes of X Factor 2024 and see how the remaining contestants adapt. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today!
CM: Thank you! I look forward to discussing more about the evolving landscape of talent competitions in the future.