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‘The X Factor’ Season Premiere: Sexy Grandma Lillie McCloud Stuns Judges
The third season of ‘The X Factor’ brought new judges and new talent to the stage on its first night. HollywoodLife.com picked our four favorite auditions from the premiere!
The X Factor made its triumphant return Sept. 11, and while no one seemed to be able to understand anything new judge Paulina Rubio was saying, the contestants’ talents came through loud and clear. From a sexy grandma (yes, you read that right) to an adorable dating duo and an inspirational country cutie, the competition is already looking more intense than ever. Let’s begin!
Los Angeles: Carlito Gives The Judges A Jolt
Leading the L.A. auditions was 23-year-old coffee shop employee Carlito Rivero. I actually liked him — even though he said he hopes to be the next Chris Brown, which is something no one should aspire to — and so did the judges.
Carlito chose to sing Rihanna‘s “Stay” — another weird Chris Brown coincidence — and immediately won over Simon Cowell, who said he liked “everything” about him. Yes, everything.
Long Island: Leather Lillie Lets Loose
OK, here’s where things really got good. Sexy, leather-clad Lillie McCloud immediately grabbed the judges’ attention — and not just because she looks crazy-hot at 54 years old. Her rendition of CeCe Winans‘ “Alabaster Box” brought the audience, the judges, and potentially everyone watching at home, to their feet.
Not only did Lily get four immediate yes’s from the panel, but Kelly Rowland lavished her with incredible praise.
“Where you been?” Kelly asked. “Where you been hiding? … You blessed us all.”
New Orleans: Alex & Sierra Prove That ‘All You Need Is Love’
After a few stinkers, which earned accolades like “contrived” and “annoying” from Simon, along came duo Alex and Sierra. Not only was the couple’s love for one another completely evident, but their stripped-down performance of Britney Spears‘ “Toxic” proved to be anything but.
“I’m rooting for you,” Demi Lovato told them. “You’re so cute together; you’re magic.”
Needless to say, they got four yes’s.
Charleston: Rion Paige Is The Next Carrie Underwood
Anyone up for a little inspiration? The Charleston, S.C., auditions introduced us to 13-year-old Rion Paige, who has managed to overcome quite a bit in her short life. Rion was born with multiple conditions, one of which causes her hands to be bent backwards, and another that left her basically blind in one eye.
After sharing her story with the judges, Rion served up an epic performance of Carrie Underwood‘s “Blown Away,” which prompted Simon to call her “literally extraordinary.”
Yes. Simon actually said that. To another human.
WATCH: ‘The X Factor’ Season 3 Promo
HollywoodLifers, which contestant did you like best from The X Factor season premiere? Vote below, then drop a comment with your thoughts on the all-new season!
— Andy Swift
Follow @AndySwift
More ‘X Factor’ Season 3:
- ‘The X Factor’ Season 3: First Look At Simon Cowell & His Panel Of Ladies
- ‘X Factor’: Kelly Rowland & Paulina Rubio Confirmed As Season 3 Judges
- Fifth Harmony Releases Debut Single ‘Miss Movin’ On’ — Listen
