The X Factor USA first live show kicked off in the US last night for the top 17 acts selected by the judges at the judge’s houses stage of the competition.
As the hopefuls take to the stage for the first time, they are informed that their numbers will be cut from 17 to 12 on the night. They must therefore prove themselves yet again to their mentors Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, LA Reid and Nicole Scherzinger, who must eliminate five contestants at the end of the show.

With the stakes being so high, the hopefuls gave their all in a bid to secure a place in the competition,  where upon it will be the public who will decide their fate each week.

Girls Category

In the girl’s category, mentor Simon Cowell must choose three of his five girls to return for the second live show. They are:

1. Simone Battle
2. Drew Ryniewics
3. Tiah Tolliver
4. Rachel Crow
5. Melanie Amaro.

The three he eventually decided on are Drew, Rachel and Melanie. This meant it was the end of the road for Tiah and Simone. They must be regretting Simon’s decision to reinstate Melanie who he original dropped at judges house, but after this stage of the competition,  he went to visit Melanie at her home and invited her to come to the live show.

Boys Category

In the boy’s category, mentor LA Reid must choose three of his four boys to return for the second live show. They are:

1. Brian Bradley
2. Phillip Lomax
3. Chris Rene
4. Marcus Canty.

The three he eventually decided on are Brian, Chris and Marcus. This meant it was the end of the road for Philip Lomax.

Groups Category

In the group’s category, mentor Paula Abdul must choose three of her four groups to return for the second live show. They are:

1. The Brewer Boys
2. Intensity
3. Lakoda Rayne
4. StereoHoggz.

The three she eventually decided on are Intensity, Lakoda Rayne and SteroHoggz. This meant it was the end of the road for The Brewer Boys – I am sure these boys will have a career in music, perhaps they may even get signed by Walt Disney.  

Overs Category

In the over 30s category, mentor Nicole Scherzinger must choose three of her four over 30s to return for the second live show. They are:

1. Josh Kracjik
2. Dexter Haywood
3. Leroy Bell
4. Stacy Francis.

The three she eventually decided on are Josh, Leroy and Stacy. This meant it was the end of the road for Dexter Haywood. We hope someone out there will see some potential in Dexter so he no longer has to live in his car.

On the whole we believe the judges made the right choices. The only question mark we have is with Phillip Lomax. We would have loved to see him remain in the competition because he is quite different to everyone else in the competition. However, we do like the remaining boys too, so it’s a tough one.