Just five contenders remain on FOX’s “The X Factor” to vie for the $5 million prize.
(SPOILER – this story contains the results of Thursday’s elimination.)
The first cut in the double elimination on Tuesday was teenage rapper Astro.
“It’s cool baby,” Astro said, clapping toward the audience and nodding after learning the news .
(Simon also whispered something in the 15-year-old’s ear while embracing the young man on stage).
Just a couple weeks ago, at an elimination, Astro had a headline-making moment when he said he didn’t want to perform for the judges’ vote, and teared up on stage. But on Thursday, he was a well-mannered, composed ex-“X Factor” contender.
“Hey man, it’s for the better,” he said, when asked for some parting comments from show host, Steve Jones. “I will be back, I love you all. Team Astro, Astronauts.
“I loved my time, I gained a lot of fans,” he added. “I wish you all the best of luck. Team L.A. Reid! It ain’t over yet.”
Astro’s mentor, L.A. Reid, gave the youngster high praise before the teen left the stage.
“This is one of the most fascinating guys I’ve ever met. His talents are endless, his career is promising to be amazing,” L.A. said. “You are a star.”
Drew and Marcus Canty were then left to sing for the judges’ vote.
The teen, a member of Simon Cowell’s girls team, performed Roxette’s “Listen To Your Heart,” while Marcus, who was in the bottom 2 last week and a member of L.A.’s team, sang, “Neither One of Us (Wants To Be the First to Say Goodbye)” – the Gladys Knight & The Pips classic.
L.A. voted to eliminate Drew, Simon, conversely voted for Marcus. Nicole Scherzinger cast her vote to send home Drew, and Paula Abdul also voted for Drew, leaving Marcus to carry on in the competition.
After sobbing on stage following her elimination news, Drew composed herself enough to share her gratitude with the voters who kept her in the competition for so long.
“I want to say thank you to my fans and I’m gonna keep going and keep singing because I have a lot to show you guys,” she said.
The remaining contestants are Melanie Amaro, Chris Rene, Josh Krajcik, Rachel Crow and Marcus.
“The X Factor” returns Wednesday at 8 PM ET/PT on FOX.
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