The Comet’s very own Idolholic, an industry insider who chooses to remain anonymous, offers us analysis and insight into latest X Factor episode. Who does the Idolholic predict will go to the Semi-Finals?

This week’s performance show was divided into two rounds. First, contestants were tasked with singing a dance-oriented song. Second, they were supposed to sing songs selected by fans as part of the omnipresent Pepsi Challenge sponsorship. When a mystical “communication snafu” precluded the Pepsi Challenge from happening, finalists were given 24 hours notice to choose another song. Originally, they would have only sung this song on the Results Show if they were in the Bottom 2. Grumbling and pressure aside, it was a good test of the kinds of roll with the punches situations entertainers must face in the real world. Based on the the outcome, who will make it into next week’s Semifinal Round?

Melanie Amaro
In the first round, Melanie came on stage and started singing the first few bars of Adele’s current hit “Someone Like You.” A dance song? We all scratched our heads. But then in true Disco diva remix style, the tempo picked up and the dance troupe appeared. It was a completely unexpected and creative approach to the theme. In the second round, Melanie stepped into two other divas’ shoes and essayed the Oscar-winning Mariah Carey/Whitney Houston duet “When You Believe” from The Prince of Egypt soundtrack. The gown, the make-up, the back-up choir, were all perfectly blended and Melanie showed she can rise to any occasion.

Prediction: Unquestionably a semifinalist.

Marcus Canty

In the first round, Marcus tried to deliver a contemporary version of the Chaka Khan classic “Ain’t No Body” and at the risk of eliciting groans with a really bad pun, “Canty” ever sing on key? It was another showcase for his positive attitude, his winning smile and his likeable stage presence. But the guy is not a very good singer and the whole thing seemed a bit dated to me. Well, not so fast. Finally, after all these weeks, Marcus redeemed himself on the second performance of Leon Russell’s “A Song For You.” This was his best performance to date, hands down. He was poised, controlled, honest, and restrained…and it all worked.

Prediction: Too little, too late. After back-to-back weeks in the bottom, Marcus will likely find himself there again.

Rachel Crow
In the first round, Rachel chose the Bruno Mars’ chart-topper “Beautiful Girls” and with quick wit and savvy told LA she was singing to Nicole and Paula when he questioned whether the lyrics of the song were right for her. Once again, she showed that she is both a throwback to a simpler Motown era, as well as a potential role model for today’s teen girls. Speaking of Motown, there have been suggestions that she’s a bit like a female version of Michael Jackson when he was this age. And her second song, MJ’s “Music And Me” fit that comparison like a glove.

Prediction: It’s clear that her back story and likely fan base of book-end generations will probably assure her a place in next week’s battle for the finals.

Josh Krajcik
In the first round, Josh clearly had to step out of his singer/songwriter or Rock Star comfort zone to attempt a dance-oriented song. Who knew he’d go for such a major risk in trying Rihanna’s current “We Found Love” on for size. Guess what? It worked for me. And when he stepped up to the mic in the second round he hit the Beatles’ “Something” way out of the park. It was fierce and fearless, yet fresh and familiar

Prediction: Josh has had the top prize in his sites all along and I don’t see that changing now.

Chris Rene
In the first round, Chris picked TI’s well-known “Live Your Life.” I didn’t like anything about it. It did not fit the theme as far as I am concerned and the vocals were just not strong enough for this stage of the competition. But this kid does have an X factor you just cannot deny…the sincerity, the smile, the cute looks. Imagine my surprise when he took the stage for the second round, sitting on a stool with guitar in hand to sing an original tune entitled “Where.” That’s what I was saying to myself, “Where has this singer been up to this point?” Drop the Rap, or at least change off a bit, because the vocal quality and showmanship you demonstrated on this song was unforgettable.

Prediction: Based on tonight’s performances, I’m going to say Chris will join Marcus at the bottom but will ultimately make it into the final four.