What a comeback! Melanie Amaro steals the show leading the girls as five acts are eliminated on the first live show of the X Factor USA

She thought her dreams of stardom were over when Simon Cowell failed to take her through following the judges houses section of the competition.

But Melanie Amaro proved she is the comeback Queen as she took to the stage on the first live show of The X Factor USA.

The 19-year-old left the crowd screaming for more as she sang Whitney Houston's classic I have Nothing to end the show.

Here come the girls: Simon Cowell's category proved to be the ones to watch in the first of the live shows which cut the number of acts from 17 to 12. Melanie Amaro put on the performance of the night which left the crowd screaming for more

Here come the girls: Simon Cowell's category proved to be the ones to watch in the first of the live shows which cut the number of acts from 17 to 12. Melanie Amaro put on the performance of the night which left the crowd screaming for more

Ecstatic: Rachel Crow and Drew Ryniewicz also made it through to the competition tomorrow night
Ecstatic: Rachel Crow and Drew Ryniewicz also made it through to the competition tomorrow night

Ecstatic: Rachel Crow and Drew Ryniewicz also made it through to the competition tomorrow night

Simon was faced with cutting two girls from his category, which proved to be the strongest of the night, and as ever he ensured there was plenty of drama during the first live show.

There were 17 acts who were ecstatic to have made it through to the live shows with a chance at landing the $5million recording contract on offer.

But five acts have had their dreams shattered as Simon,Paula Abdul, LA Reid and Nicole Scherzinger were forced to make some tough decisions.

While Simon, who had five girls in the competition, had to choose two of his girls the other judges only had to select one act from their categories, but it proved just as hard with Paul reduced to tears as she made her emotional decision.

Pleased Simon? Mr Cowell threw his hands up in the air after Melanie's performance, who rounded of his girls category

Pleased Simon? Mr Cowell threw his hands up in the air after Melanie's performance, who rounded of his girls category

Tiah Tolliver and Simone Battle were Mr Cowell's casualties and were kicked out of the competition.

Philip Lomax, The Brewer Boys and Dexter Haygood were also eliminated, ending their dreams of stardom.

While there was plenty of talent on display the girls category proved to be the most controversial, not least because Simon was mentoring them.

Drew Ryniewicz and Rachel Crow put on extremely impressive performances but it was Melanie Amaro,who originally didn't make it through from the judges houses stage, who left the audience in awe.

Controversial: The girls category was kicked off by Simone Battle who sang Just Be Good To Me by Deborah Cox, which left the judges arguing

Controversial: The girls category was kicked off by Simone Battle who sang Just Be Good To Me by Deborah Cox, which left the judges arguing

So much so that following her performance LA Reid was unable to speak because of the screams coming from the crowd.

The girls category was kicked off by Simone Battle who sang Just Be Good To Me by Deborah Cox, which left the judges arguing.

LA Reid told Simon: 'You have some explaining to do. I never did understand why you did put her through, I do not get it. You must be really rich because $5million really doesn’t mean much to you.

But Simon ignored their comments and said: 'These guys have never liked you. You are a pop star.'

Little star: Rachel Crow received huge applause from all four judges

Little star: Rachel Crow received huge applause from all four judges

Blown away: The judges had nothing but praise for the 13-year-old and gushed about her talent and her performance
Blown away: The judges had nothing but praise for the 13-year-old and gushed about her talent and her performance

Blown away: The judges had nothing but praise for the 13-year-old and gushed about her talent and her performance

Next to take to the stage was show favourite Rachel Crow and she blew everyone away with her  performance, although the judges were not convinced by the mashup of Where Did Our Love Go by The Supremes and Baby by Justin Bieber.

While judges were in agreement that they loved Rachel not everyone was happy with the song choice but Simon defended his decision and referring to Paul and Nicole he quipped: 'I think the audience are going to disagree with diddly and squiddly... I need to show that you are a retro artist and a pop artist.'

Mysterious: Drew Ryniewicz who gave a moving performance of Flashdance (What A Feeling) by Irene Cara

Mysterious: Drew Ryniewicz who gave a moving performance of Flashdance (What A Feeling) by Irene Cara

Next to take to the stage was Drew Ryniewicz who gave a moving performance of Flashdance (What A Feeling) by Irene Cara.

LA Reid told her: 'Wow girl look at that. Drew you are the whole package but what pains me is that I have to give him a compliment Simon that was really good.'

While Nicole gushed: 'That was so ethereal and you were like my little folk princess up there. I’m speechless, you took my breathe away.'

Tiah Tolliver's interpretation of Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) by The Eurythmics left Simon calling Nicole and Paula a pair of 'spiteful cats'

Tiah Tolliver's interpretation of Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) by The Eurythmics left Simon calling Nicole and Paula a pair of 'spiteful cats'

And Simon finished off the praise by telling her: 'You know my dear this is why I wanted to be back on American TV to find someone like you.'

Tiah Tolliver's interpretation of Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) by The Eurythmics left Simon calling Nicole and Paula a pair of 'spiteful cats.'

The final act of the night really blew everyone away and Melanie Amaro pulled off a huge comeback.

Comeback Queen: Melanie Amaro proved hugely popular and left the crowd screaming for more after her version of Whitney Houston's classic

Comeback Queen: Melanie Amaro proved hugely popular and left the crowd screaming for more after her version of Whitney Houston's classic

Sheer delight: The 19-year-old put her hands to her face as she learned she was going through to tomorrow's show

Sheer delight: The 19-year-old put her hands to her face as she learned she was going through to tomorrow's show

The 19-year-old sang a powerful rendition of I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston and the crowd went wild.

LA Reid had to shout over the screaming crowd to be heard as he gave his verdict and he said: 'We really did save the best for last honey you were unbelievable, the song choice was predictable, but you nailed it.'

Proud: Paula and Nicole clapped as Simon made his choices and the music mogul couldn't resist taking a peek

Proud: Paula and Nicole clapped as Simon made his choices and the music mogul couldn't resist taking a peek

Bowing out: Tiah Tolliver and Simone Battle were booted out of the competition but were still smiling as they left

Bowing out: Tiah Tolliver and Simone Battle were booted out of the competition but were still smiling as they left

Simon selected Drew as the first of his girls to go through to the tomorrow's show and said it was the easiest decision he had to make.

He also picked Rachel leaving three girls, only one of which could be saved.

As the tension mounted, and chants of 'Melanie' could be heard from the crowd Simon said: 'The final girl and this may come as a surprise, and I think she could win this competition is Melanie Amaro.

While Simon was the last to make his decision, LA Reid was the first and the boys category opened the show with one of the youngest in the competition taking to the stage with an electric performance of Kriss Kross's song Jump.

Before appearing Astro commented : 'This is my time to shine and I’ve got to go hard.’

What a start: Astro opened the live show with an electric performance. The 14year-old performed Jump by Kris Kross and he wowed the crowd with his amazing performance

What a start: Astro opened the live show with an electric performance. The 14year-old performed Jump by Kris Kross and he wowed the crowd with his amazing performance

And go hard he did, the 14-year-old wowed the crowd with his rap, which including changes to reference the show and his mentor.

Nicole Scherzinger was definitely impressed and said: 'Astro honey, I can’t think of a better way to kick off live performances here in America. I was jumping out of my skin you shut it down.'

And Paul Abdul agreed remarking: This is what you are going to be doing for the rest of your life. Welcome to the industry.'

Mixing it up: the 14-year-old wowed the crowd with his rap, which including changes to reference the show and his mentor

Mixing it up: the 14-year-old wowed the crowd with his rap, which including changes to reference the show and his mentor

You shut it down: Nicole told Astro: 'I can¿t think of a better way to kick off live performances here in america. I was jumping out of my skin you shut it down'
You shut it down: Nicole told Astro: 'I can¿t think of a better way to kick off live performances here in america. I was jumping out of my skin you shut it down'

You shut it down: Nicole told Astro: 'I can’t think of a better way to kick off live performances here in america. I was jumping out of my skin you shut it down'

Simon Cowell also had only good comments to make and said: 'You’ve come out on this stage 14 years old and you have just killed it.'

And Speaking to LA Reid, Simon said: ‘If this kid doesn’t make it through to the finals you are insane.’

Former drug addict Chris Rene explained why he wanted this competition so badly and said: 'Music fills that void of using. My whole life I’ve been waiting for this.’

Big dream: Chris Rene was second to perform and said: 'Former drug addict Chris Rene explained why he wanted this competition so badly and said: 'Music fills that void of using. My whole life I¿ve been waiting for this¿

Big dream: Chris Rene was second to perform and said: 'Former drug addict Chris Rene explained why he wanted this competition so badly and said: 'Music fills that void of using. My whole life I¿ve been waiting for this¿

While Nicole criticised the song choice of Love Don’t Live Here anymore she said: 'You still did your thing on it.'

The Syco boss also had a mixed review and said: I don’t think you are the best singer in this comp but you are one of the best recording artists. You are a hundred percent authentic. I have got to see you in the show next week.'

Old song: Philip took to the stage in a smart suit to perform The Monkees hit song I¿m A Believer. But the tune, which was released in the 1960¿s failed to impress Simon Cowell who was highly critical of LA Reid

Old song: Philip took to the stage in a smart suit to perform The Monkees hit song I¿m A Believer. But the tune, which was released in the 1960¿s failed to impress Simon Cowell who was highly critical of LA Reid

Cheeky: The singer performed with two dancers as he told viewers he needed to prove himself as a pop singer. His efforts weren't good enough and he was eliminated from the show first

Cheeky: The singer performed with two dancers as he told viewers he needed to prove himself as a pop singer. His efforts weren't good enough and he was eliminated from the show first

The third singer to take to the stage was Phillip Lomax and in the video he explained how he felt he needed to prove himself to the judges as a pop singer.

Philip took to the stage in a smart suit to perform The Monkees hit song I’m A Believer.

But the tune, which was released in the 1960’s failed to impress Simon Cowell who was highly critical of LA Reid.

Mr Cowell told his fellow judge: Tonight you were like a racing driving and LA put you into a tractor that song is too cheap, too throwaway, too cabaret. On this guy you one hundred percent failed.'

Impressive: But before LA Reid made his cut Marcus Canty took to the stage and performed his take on the Culture Club classic Do You Really Want To Hurt Me Marcus which he put an R&B spin onto it

Impressive: But before LA Reid made his cut Marcus Canty took to the stage and performed his take on the Culture Club classic Do You Really Want To Hurt Me Marcus which he put an R&B spin onto it

However Phillip's mentor disagreed and told the singer: 'Philip you know what you stepped outside of your comfort zone you owned it.'

Ultimately his performance wasn't strong enough to see him through and Philip became the first person to be eliminated.

Tough task: LA Reid appeared to find it hard to make a decision on which boy he was going to send home

Tough task: LA Reid appeared to find it hard to make a decision on which boy he was going to send home

Delighted! Astro
Delighted! Chris Rene and

Delighted! Astro and Marcus were so excited that they were put through by LA Reid

Tough decision: Chris Rene and

Tough decision: Chris Rene and Phillip Lomax were left and LA put Chris through as his final act leaving Phillip crushed

But before LA Reid made his cut Marcus Canty took to the stage and performed his take on the Culture Club classic Do You Really Want To Hurt Me Marcus which he put an R&B spin onto it.

As well as showing off his impressive vocals Marcus also showed off some dynamic dance moves.

The judges only had good things to say to the 20-year-old and they Nicole told him: 'Marcus Honey you just make it look too easy. You were born to be on that stage.'

Simon told him: 'For me out of the four boys you are the one who thought his through you thought about the $5million recording contract and the Pepsi deal and you gave it everything I would have every wanted. LA I thought it was a brilliant choice of song.'

It was time for LA Reid to make a decision and he told Steve Jones: 'It’s not easy because I really love all of them.'

The music mogul chose Astro as his first boy through, the second boy through was Marcus who punched the air in delight. Chris Rene was next leaving Phillip Lomax out of the competition.

He said: 'It’s such a shame that LA sent me home tonight but I’m so happy to be here in the first place. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.'

Paula Abdul's group acts were up next and the singer found herself on the receiving end of plenty of praise.

The first group up were the Stereo Hoggz who looked great on stage in a mixture of suits and leather as they performed Try A Little Tenderness and their rendition, as well as their moves went down well with the judges.

LA Reid told them: 'That was really really good you guys have come a long way you have put in the work as much as I want to have some criticism it was really good.

Hogging the stage: The Stereo Hoggz proved popular with the judges

Hogging the stage: The Stereo Hoggz proved popular with the judges

Let's hear it for the girls: Nicole congratulated Paula on a good job with the first group's performance

Let's hear it for the girls: Nicole congratulated Paula on a good job with the first group's performance

Nicole told the boys: 'That was foolproof'

And Simon gushed to his fellow judge and told Paula: 'You did a really good job love this band there is nothing right now in the charts like you there should be a band in the charts right now.' 

Brothers The Brewer Boys failed to get the same reaction and while LA said their rendition of Rich Girl by Halls and Oats combined with Faith by George Michael was 'out of their comfort zone' and he meant not in a good way.

Mixed reviews: Brothers The Brewer Boys failed to get the same reaction and while LA said their rendition of Rich Girl by Halls and Oats combined with Faith by George Michael was 'out of their comfort zone'

Mixed reviews: Brothers The Brewer Boys failed to get the same reaction and while LA said their rendition of Rich Girl by Halls and Oats combined with Faith by George Michael was 'out of their comfort zone'

Former Pussycat Doll Nicole complemented them by saying she would have them on her walls if she was a teenager while Simon noted: 'This to me didn’t shine like it should of done.'

InTENsity brought plenty of energy to their mashup of The Clapping Song and Footloose by Kenny Loggins which was dubbed 'thoroughly entertaining' by LA while Simon said that it was a 'music miracle.'

However Simon proved he didn't know the names of the contestants and said: 'You in the red jacket you have an amazing voice.'

Power in numbers: InTENsity brought plenty of energy to their mashup of The Clapping Song and Footloose by Kenny Loggins which was dubbed 'thoroughly entertaining' by LA while Simon said that it was a 'music miracle.'

Power in numbers: InTENsity brought plenty of energy to their mashup of The Clapping Song and Footloose by Kenny Loggins which was dubbed 'thoroughly entertaining' by LA while Simon said that it was a 'music miracle.'

Lakoda Rayne also proved popular and their country version of Come On Eileen by Dexy’s Midnight Runners was complemented by their outfits, which included a checked shirt, jeans and a pair of tasseled boots.

LA told them: 'For me this is really easy if the four of your walked into my office and did what you just did you would be signed to a worldwide record company.'

Nicole remarked: 'You make girl groups look good. You look like a family together.'

Girl power: Lakoda Rayne also proved popular and their country version of Come On Eileen by Dexy¿s Midnight Runners was complemented by their outfits, which included a checked shirt, jeans and a pair of tasseled boots

Girl power: Lakoda Rayne also proved popular and their country version of Come On Eileen by Dexy¿s Midnight Runners was complemented by their outfits, which included a checked shirt, jeans and a pair of tasseled boots

While Simon added: 'There is a gap in the market for people like you. Paula you have done an incredible job on these groups, which is really annoying.'

The girl group even reduced Paula to tears who gushed: ' You made me really proud because you have a lot to prove tonight.'

End of the line: The Brewer Boys were booted out of the competition but Paula told them that she didn't think their dream of stardom were over

End of the line: The Brewer Boys were booted out of the competition but Paula told them that she didn't think their dream of stardom were over

Paula found the decision to chose which act would be leaving the competition and she explained: 'I’ve become very close to them and I've worked them really hard. I don’t know Steve.'

Brewer Boys failed to make the cut and were axed from the competition but not before Paula told them she didn't think this was the end for them.



As a judge Nicole Scherzinger faced the toughest criticism from her peers and was most critised for her work with her group.

Nicole's first contestant to perform Dexter Haygood  sang Womanizer by Britney Spears and I Kissed A Girl by Katy Perry but the amalgamation of the two song proved unpopular.

LA said: 'I think you found Dexter...I'm proud of you,' before adding: 'I don’t know what she was thinking about giving you this song.'

Big introduction: While Nicole put plenty of vigor into introducing Dexter he failed to impress compared with her other acts

Big introduction: While Nicole put plenty of vigor into introducing Dexter he failed to impress compared with her other acts

Mixed up mashup: Nicole's first contestant to perform Dexter Haygood  sang Womanizer by Britney Spears and I Kissed A Girl by Katy Perry but the amalgamation of the two song proved unpopular

Mixed up mashup: Nicole's first contestant to perform Dexter Haygood sang Womanizer by Britney Spears and I Kissed A Girl by Katy Perry but the amalgamation of the two song proved unpopular

Simon also criticised the song but said: 'It's like the weirdest milkshake in the world.... but I kind of like the taste of it.' 

Next up was Le Roy Bell in the over 30s category and the 60-year-old said: 'I need to show that you are never too old.'

Once again Mr Reid was left underwhelmed by the song choice of Nobody Knows by Pink and Start Over Again by Dave Kozand and said: 'Really good. I would have given you a better song I really would have the thing that confuses me is that you have everything I don’t know why you haven’t become a big star anyway.' 

How old? Le Roy, 60, impressed the judges and LA Reid told him: 'I don¿t know why you haven¿t become a big star anyway'

How old? Le Roy, 60, impressed the judges and LA Reid told him: 'I don¿t know why you haven¿t become a big star anyway'

Simon also slammed Nicole's ability as a mentor and said: 'I think you have one of the best voices in this competition. I don’t believe you have quite got what you needed from Nicole.... I wish I was mentoring you I think you spent too much time on the silly choreography.'

But newly single Nicole defended herself and quipped back to Simon: 'I don’t know whether you would put in every day in the two weeks.'

Harsh critic: Simon told Le Roy he wished he was his mentor and he didn't think that Nicole was doing a good job

Harsh critic: Simon told Le Roy he wished he was his mentor and he didn't think that Nicole was doing a good job

Stacey Francis was next up and belted out George Michael's Teacher which surprisingly LA Reid approved of.

But Simon was less impressed with the rendition and said he didn't like her outfit the song or the way it was put together.

He added: 'You are a church singer I would have done something of the kind of song you could be making....This needs a massive shift in the right direction.'

Mixed reviews: Stacey Francis was next up and belted out George Michael's Teacher which LA loved but Simon once again criticsed Nicole

Mixed reviews: Stacey Francis was next up and belted out George Michael's Teacher which LA loved but Simon once again criticsed Nicole

But Miss Scherzinger ignored Mr Cowell's comments and told Stacey: 'This moment it all gave you wings. You look gorgeous you sound gorgeous.'

Josh Krajcik was the last of Nicole's acts to perform and took on Forever Young by Bob Dylan and he did the classic justice with plenty of praise for his efforts.

While LA gushed: 'Josh you are one of the greatest singers in this competition.' 

High praise: Josh Krajcik was the last of Nicole's acts to perform and took on Forever Young by Bob Dylan and he did the classic justice with plenty of praise for his efforts

High praise: Josh Krajcik was the last of Nicole's acts to perform and took on Forever Young by Bob Dylan and he did the classic justice with plenty of praise for his efforts

Tough decision:

Tough decision:

Paula echoed the music boss and said: 'You voice is the favourite I have heard in this past decade.'

Even Simon who proved so confident later said: 'You are the artist I fear because you have got it all going on.'

Finishing off the lashing of praise Nicole enthused: 'That was a soul-stirring performance that was so beautiful. Your voice to ripped out into the air.'

Thankful:
Thankful:
Thankful:

Thankful: Stacy and Josh were put through first before Nicole saved Le Roy meaning Dexter was out

Nicole was faced with making her decision on who she would be sending home she told the audience that it was a hard decision for her because the category is so special to her.

However after saving Stacy and Josh, host Steve had to push her for an answer before she reluctantly chose Le Roy meaning Dexter would be leaving the competition.

The 12 remaining acts will be performing on next Wednesday's show and it will now be down to the public as to who will progress through the competition.

The Final 12

The Girls mentored by Simon Cowell

Saved: Melanie Amaro, Rachel Crow and Drew Ryniewicz

Eliminated: Tiah Tolliver and Simone Battle

The Boys mentored by LA Reid

Saved: Brian Bradley aka Astro, Chris Rene and Marcus Canty

Eliminated: Phillip Lomax

The Groups mentored by Paula Abdul

Saved: Stereo Hoggz, InTENsity and Lakoda Rayne

Eliminated: The Brewer Boys

The Over 30's mentored by Nicole Scherzinger

Saved: Leroy Bell, Stacey Francis and Josh Krajcik

Eliminated: Dexter Haygood

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