The X Factor: Season 2 Finale

The final three remaining teams took The X Factor stage last night to compete for America’s vote and become the second winner of the series. While America’s first winner, Melanie Amaro, has failed to impact with her first single, the UK version has delivered international success with acts including Leona Lewis, Cher Lloyd and One Direction.

Tate Stevens, the country crooner from Team L.A. Reid, has consistently topped the leaderboard this season. No surprise considering the devotion of a country audience and Stevens’ loyal family-man quality. His performances last night were mediocre at best and his pairing with Little Big Town on “Pontoon” was awkward, but I won’t be surprised if it still won him the votes.

Carly Rose Sonenclar, mentored by Britney Spears, has been a lead contender throughout the entire series with her unbelievable vocal ability and young innocence. The 13-year old’s version of “Feelin’ Good” was one of the best I’ve ever heard and her final performance of “Hallelujah” was stunning. Unfortunately her paring with controversial country singer LeAnn Rimes was tragic. Rimes seemed disoriented and her vocal acrobatics were poorly timed and unfortunate. And even though the performance was tough to watch, the 13-year old handled it like a true professional. Watch the train wreck below.

Fifth Harmony, the last of the groups, started as the underdog to Simon Cowell‘s favorites Emblem 3, but I saw the potential from their first performance of “Impossible” as a group. Their performances last night were all on point, including “Give Your Heart a Break” with judge Demi Lovato and a fun, well produced version of Ellie Goulding‘s “Anything Could Happen.” And just like that, the underdogs proved that anything could in fact happen when they pulled ahead as the frontrunner.

Tonight, the three finalists take the stage in the 2-hour live finale awaiting their fate. Will Britney’s huge social influence be enough to Carly Rose the votes? Will country fans pull it out for Tate Stevens? Or will Fifth Harmony be the Cinderella story of the season? Tune in tonight for the results, where One Direction and Pitbull will also take the stage, on FOX.

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