The Comet’s very own Idolholic, an industry insider who chooses to remain anonymous, offers us analysis and insight into latest X Factor results show. Who gets sent home?

Lenny Kravitz and Mary J. Blige set the stage for an exciting countdown to the four contestants who would move to the next stage of the competition. So let’s just cut to the chase.

As I predicted, Josh Krajcik easily made it through. Somewhat surprisingly though, Chris was the next contestant to move on to the semi-finals, I say somewhat surprisingly because this competition has appeared to be pretty close in terms of the singers’ equally meaningful and heart-wrenching back stories, the fan bases and the overall range of talent. Last night, Chris made a very bold move in singing an original song without any production elements and showing a completely different side of himself that stopped the show. He is not the best singer, by a long shot, but his raw and real presence obviously resonated with viewers and voters.

The remaining two girls, Melanie and Rachel, nervously waited to see who was assured of a spot. And perennial bottom finisher Marcus Canty looked on apprehensively. How could anyone but Marcus go home?  Well, we find out that Melanie is safe. If it had been otherwise, the show would have suffered irreparably.

So now it’s Marcus and Rachel who have to prove they deserve the chance to go for the $5 million brass ring. Even before they sing, is there anyone who thinks the votes will not go Rachel’s way? The performances are somewhat prophetic as Marcus sings, “I’m going down…” Perhaps a poor choice of lyrics? I’ll give Marcus credit for his continued resilience week after week of winding up in this unenviable position. Rachel too followed with the words, “Something told me it was over…” as she reprised one of her earlier performances “I’d Rather Be Blind.” But Rachel rose above those words and belted out an incomparable and stunning performance that should not have been denied.

Nicole unfortunately demonstrates again that she should not be on this panel. She simply does not have the strength to send Marcus home (clearly the weaker performance) and votes to send Rachel home. Now deadlocked, the viewer vote will carry the decision. Rachel stoically tells Nicole not to cry because she is clearly confident the vote will go her way. But the audience did not get to see these final performances. And, sadly, Rachel got the lowest number of viewer votes and leaves the show, collapsing in hysterics and reaching for her mother’s assurance that everything will somehow be all right. Drowned out by a loud chorus of boos, Nicole refuses to comment. She should be sent home too…permanently.

The final four…Melanie, Chris, Josh, and Marcus will go head to head next week.

If Melanie wins, she will reverse a pattern of male domination in TV talent competitions that has lasted for nearly five years with guys taking the top prize on American Idol, America’s Got Talent and even The Voice. The last female winner was Jordin Sparks in May 2007!