The Comet’s very own Idolholic, an industry insider who chooses to remain anonymous, offers us analysis and insight into the ‘before and after’ changes the mentors, and stylists, offer the “X Factor” finalists. Who will be the first to get voted off?

So, now we really get down to the competition, not just among the singers, but among the judges (and I use that term very loosely) and the show’s creative team as they try to make the contest more about their success as they guide the finalists than about the performers themselves. It has turned out to be one of the undoings of the show in my eyes (even though Fox announced that it will be back next season).

First, a few random observations…

Where are the constructive critiques for the SINGERS? We either get inane or effusive praise, begrudging compliments or nasty banter about their own efforts from the panel.

Since he has apparently decided that Paula has earned her credibility to be on his level, Simon (maybe contractually if Paula’s reps had anything to say) is actually lauding her efforts. So the snide, dismissive and sometimes rude remarks are now directed squarely at Nicole. Maybe it is to create some media fodder that will spark viewership. But, it’s just turning me and I am guessing many others, way off.

Here’s how the performances went down:

Stereo Hogzz: Their original take on Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” was a show-opening showstopper. They already have the full-blown capacity to fill a stage with dazzling entertainment.

Chris Rene: He has a compelling back story, attitude and look but, unfortunately, he is in way over his head vocally.

LeRoy Bell: He has a seasoned, mature voice with tone and phrasing on an unlikely Country song “I’m Already There,” not unlike a contemporary of his, Michael Bolton. But he may just be too dated, even though there is a likeability that is hard to pass over.

Rachel Crow: She is a baby-faced charmer with a personality that just shines, so essaying “Walking On Sunshine” (and even adjusting the lyrics) made perfect sense. But, there is something disconcerting about the way she is being presented that belies her years.

Lakoda Rayne: Combine the best of Taylor Swift and Dixie Chicks into a telegenic, harmonious ensemble. I’d obviously give the quartet four stars for this sweet, but strong, rendition of the Stevie Nicks classic, “Landslide,” (even though the choreography was a bit pageanty).

Josh Krajcik: He has been cleaned up and coiffed, not unlike Idol’s rough-around-the-edges Casey Abrams. Like Casey, Josh is soulful and sincere. He’s got a really appealing voice, but I did not feel the magic begin in “Jar Of Hearts” until he was nearing the end of the song.

Melanie Amaro: She will hopefully not meet the same fate as Idol’s Pia, appearing to be a sure thing viewers do not need to vote for, and maybe even skewing a bit too mature in her song choices and styling. But her version of “Desperado” was unexpected and powerful, so maybe just maybe we will finally get the big-voiced Pop female winner all of these shows have hoped for since Kelly Clarkson won Idol almost a decade ago.

Astro: Say what you will about whether middle America will embrace a teenage rapper and vote for him in a singing competition show generally designed to find a new Pop (or sometimes Country) superstar. This kid is a next generation talent who cannot be denied, even if he does not end up going very far in this contest.

InTENsity: Seems out of place in this show. There are too many of them. They are more a cast than a singing group and maybe America’s Got Talent would have made more sense. Nice but totally forgettable.

Drew: From the staging starting out lying on her back among paper flowers, to the unusual choice and arrangement of Nelly’s “Just A Dream,” to her clearly natural ability to playfully grab the audience and take them with her, this girl apparently knows what she wants and makes it happen effortlessly.

Marcus Canty: He tried on Bobby Brown’s “Every Little Step” for size, but he struggled, as predicted, with the singing and choreography with his inexperience. He does have star quality, but I thought he was off-key a lot of the time.

Stacy Francis: She took a page from the book (apparently the hymn book) that Simon, not her official mentor Nicole, suggested. Her spiritual side rose up in spectacular fashion and stirred the emotions that will like inspire America to keep her going for the top prize.

Who will be the the first to exit the competition? The Idolholic predicts it will be Chris, Leroy, Astro, or InTENsity.