My Man, Rene

MY man Chris Rene has left X-Factor USA in third place tonight (viewing at 8pm London, Dec 24), just minutes after a teary footage of him overwhelmed by the well-wishes from family members and friends. Hundreds gathered at The Catalyst in his hometown Santa Cruz in a show of support of the young ‘homie’.

(Inset, left) is Renee onstage on the final countdown day.

Put aside his ‘drug taking’ history and sob-sob life story. I love this man firstly for his voice, the style in which he sings and his most humble character. No, I don’t like everything about him, especially the way he moves – you know, the slight bounce, the hand movements, tipping of his hat and all. These are all ‘influences’. But when you talk about character and behavior – Chris Rene has all that I like in an artiste. So shame on you Astro the young snob, perasan (vain) lil’ boy who thinks he is larger than life by not wanting to perform when he was voted out!

(From top, Renee in various moods) Renee overwhelmed by emotions, in anguish waiting for the result and sharing one good moment with his mentor L.A. Reid.

Rene winning third place wasn’t a surprise as it was very clear as to who the sure winner was on the night. But somewhere deep inside I wished either Rene or Josh Krajcik could have toppled Melanie Amaro. She has heck of a voice and stage presence but help me God when she opens her mouth to express her feelings.

Josh Krajcik came second, much to Nicole's delight.

There were several other contestants whom I think could do wonders to the entertainment industry but were voted out at such an early stage of the competition. Krajcik is the kind of artiste and voice I would love to listen to over and over again but Nicole has done such a tremendous job on him that she completely wiped out his natural singing abilities. Mid-way through the competition Krajcik sounded more like a commercial female act disguised in a man’s clothes! Leave him alone Nicole! He would have better chance if he was under the mentoring of L.A. Reid or even Simon Cowell.
Another act that I just adore, not for the talent but the look, is Rachel Crow, the chubby 13-year-old who wants her own bathroom. I think it’s true like one of the judges had said in one of the show’s segment – there could be a Rachel Crow doll soon. I will buy for my collector friend…

Both Simon and Amaro looking all jitters.

The face of a winner, swarmed by overexcited relatives. Hello...this is supposed to be an Amaro moment ok?

For the next season of X Factor USA, can someone tell both Paula and Nicole (especially) to suck it in when they sit on the judges’ panel? Stop whimpering about not being able to make decisions. That’s the very freaking reason you are there in the first place!

The judges celebrate!