'X Factor' Recap: Britney Spears Tells Emblem3 To 'Take A Bow'

Courtesy of FOX

The judges seemed to be very divided this week, as each act got to choose one of their own songs. Find out who stepped up their game!

I made the mistake of watching Bruce Springsteen on the 12.12.12 concert before the Dec. 12 episode of The X Factor, so I apologize for any extra sassiness. It’s just a hard act to follow! But really, how much longer until Carly Rose Sonenclar takes this all home? Let’s be honest, that girl is the only one who really deserves $5 million.

Nevertheless, each act performed two songs this week — one of their choice, and one chosen by their mentors. Some people shined, while others really fell flat. Oh, and Khloé Kardashian, I love you, but girl, cool it with the self-tanner.

Contestants’ Choice:

Carly Rose won the night with her performance of Elton John‘s “Your Song” by taking it to a whole new place. She gave me instant chills. Demi Lovato was in her usual cranky mood and called it “predictable,” but the rest of us sane people adored it. Give her the check already!

Tate Stevens sang a song called “Bonfire” by Craig Morgan, which sounded like every other country song to me. It wasn’t special or memorable and I’m not sure why it received so much praise. Also, L.A. Reid should never wear a cowboy hat ever again.

Emblem3 lied down on the stage while they sang Peter Frampton‘s “Baby I Love Your Way.” The judges all loved it, but I didn’t think it was their best. If anything, it just showed me how talented the one kid (Wesley) is. In fact, can we just vote out the annoying blonde dude? He’s such a douche and should really stop talking so much. L.A. called it their “$5 million moment,” but I think that came later in the show.

Fifth Harmony decided to do an Alice in Wonderland theme for their version of Ellie Goulding‘s “Anything Could Happen.” The judges raved about it, but I wasn’t convinced. While it was youthful, it also came off as really cheesy. The costumes were cute, I guess.

Mid-episode confession: I cringed and quickly muted my television every single time Khloé asked the judges a question. (Sorry! Still love her.)

Mentors’ Choice:

Emblem3 put on their best performance yet with the risky Beatles‘ classic “Hey Jude.” It was sweet to see the little pep talk between the two brothers. They were the two who actually sang the song, further proving my above point. “I was prepared to rip you to shreds,” L.A. said. But he didn’t. Britney even told them to take a bow!

Tate then sang Clay Walker‘s “Fall,” which again, was too boring for my taste. Britney called it a “hit,” while Simon Cowell assured him he’s not going back to his old job any time soon. “You made your mark here,” he said. (Eh.)

Carly Rose switched it up next by playing piano while singing John Lennon‘s “Imagine.” If I hadn’t seen David Archuleta sing that version years ago on American Idol, I probably would have been floored. But it was just OK for me. Simon took it too far though by saying she “made a beautiful song fussy.” No!

Fifth Harmony closed the night by singing Shontelle‘s “Impossible,” which they sang back at Simon’s house earlier in the competition. They thought by singing part of the song in Spanish, they could be edgy or something, but it really didn’t help. The only person who killed it was the cute Camila girl. (I love her!) “I would be really surprised if you guys are here next week,” Britney told them. Ouch!

What did you think of the performances, HollywoodLifers? Who deserves to make it to the finals? Do you agree with my critiques? Drop me a comment and let me know!

WATCH: X Factor Season 2 Video Recaps!!

— Sharon Tharp

Follow @SharonTharp

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I agreed with you that Carly Rose was the rightful winner because she was so consistent with her vocals and she is so talented…but, this week I didn’t think her songs delivered; I was bored. Carly sings better than any of them, but she can only sing ballads with loud, big finishes. I am getting tired of the predictability, which surprises me to say. I’m just glad I saw the show already because I could watch while I’m getting ready for work. I start watching in the bedroom, pause, and then pick up in the kitchen and finish in the living room, all without missing a beat because I use my DISH Hopper Whole Home DVR. It’s so convenient for me to multi-task by watching while I get ready and yet I get everything watched before I pick up my DISH coworker in the morning so we can talk about how well Tate and the rest sang.

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i hope Carly will not win this thing.sure she is talented but just too young to start a career give it to Tate,she is not a SLUT Mary ,you are free not to like her but do not call her that way

carly is predictable ,she sang slow slow the whole competition i won’t buy that kind of cd

i mean dont call a 13 year old a slut

I can’t stand any of the remaining contestants!! The only one I like is Tare!! Carly is such a slut and whore as well as a drama queen!! I hope she looses!! Tate on the other hand can actually sing isn’t full of himself and don’t have drama like Carly and that drama queen group!!

How the hell is she a slut she is 13 years old but call a 13 year old a slut she is really good and she is gonna win the whole thing her tate or emblem3

wth is wrong with you mary? are you as immature as you sound? or just a brat? either way STOP POSTING COMMENTS

Stop being strict with Demi Lovato!! She is the only judge who says what’s on her mind. She might not be the best mentor but she is definetly the best judge!!!

I have no idea what the judges were listening to. Tate was mediocre and boring as always. Fifth Harmony were incredible on their first song. Why couldn’t they have been that good all season? Unfortunately, their second song wasn’t very good. Emblem 3 were as nauseating as ever. I really can’t see what the judges see in them. Although their harmonies are pretty good, individually they are quite terrible. I just don’t understand why they are still on the show. That brings us to Carly. Her first performance was fantastic. Her second performance was, I hate to say it, not one of her best. I love “Imagine”. It is one of my favorite songs of all time and I think Carly could have sung it as well as anyone alive, but I believe the arrangement was terrible. That being said, Carly does not deserve to be out of this competition based on one song. Her worst is still better than anyone else’s best. Based upon tonight’s performances, Carly won hands down and Fifth Harmony came in a distant second. Unfortunately, the beer-guzzling redneck voters will make sure Tate comes in first place. The judges are trying their best to badmouth Carly because they know she is the real competition here. Hopefully, the voters will disregard their remarks and do the right thing. Carly, more than any artist on any show ever broadcast on American TV, deserves, in spite of her age. the five million dollars.

you do know that Carly is probably gonna win Fifth harmonay is going to go home that even what the vocal coach said. Emblem3 is gonna get sign if they lose Simon said that he is

Carly all the way. That little gal is incredible.

As always, I agree with you Sharon! although I think the first performance of “Fifht Harmony” was really good. Ah!and Carly definitely have to win this show

Thanks girl! Yeah, I didn’t love it. It was a little too weird for me. But they are still really talented. I loved when they sang “Skyscraper.” As for Carly, it will be a travesty if she doesn’t win.