Garcia’s “X Factor” Fate Hangs In The Balance…

Posted on October 11, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

The X Factor’s Jennel Garcia is thisclose to heading to the Fox singing competition’s live shows… But she’ll have to knock off two talented young adults to get there.

During the final day of boot camp, X Factor judges Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Britney Spears and L.A. Reid whittle down the number of remaining contestants/acts from about 60 singers to 24.

Garcia, who wowed the judges during auditions with her first spicy rendition of Grace Potter & The Nocturnal’s “Paris (Ooh La La),” and the rest of the singers/groups were brought on stage in their respective categories (teens, young adults, over 25s and groups) with the 18-year-old half-Puerto Rican singer finding herself in the super competitive group of 17-to-24-year-olds vying for one of only six spots.

Despite losing some of her luster during her sing-off against the more classically trained Tara Simon, Garcia was picked as one of the teens to advance to the next round and audition all over again at Lovato’s house in Los Angeles, where the X Factor judge – with help from her friend and guest judge Nick Jonas – would pick four singers to take to the live shows.

“I really am like praying that this audition goes well and that I nail it,” said Garcia, adding that her first audition with the judges was probably the best day of her life. “I’m just one step away from making everything I ever wanted happen.”

Prior to taking the stage, or in this case the floor in Lovato’s living room, Garcia received a visit from Lovato, who complimented her on her Incredible stage presence, but advised her to watch nerves.

Shortly after proclaiming it “the audition that matters the most,” Garcia performed her rendition of Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl” for Lovato and Jonas. Despite a solid performance, it seemed that Lovato’s advice to not nervously over flip her hair seemed to mute Garcia’s standard sauciness.

Facing stiff competition from her fellow competitors, will that performance be enough to move Garcia, the lone Hispanic solo artist left in the competition, to the next round? We’ll have to wait ‘til Thursday night to find out.

Garcia’s “X Factor” Journey Continues…

Posted on October 4, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

The road to stardom continues for Jennel Garcia on The X Factor…

The 18-year-old half-Puerto Rican singer from Rochester, Massachusetts, who impressed the judges during the audition round with her rendition of Grace Potter & The Nocturnal’s “Paris (Ooh La La),” was one of the 120 singing contestants hoping to sing their way into the next round on Fox’s reality singing competition. Their first task at boot camp: preparing a new song to perform in front of the judges and their competition.

During Wednesday night’s first boot camp episode — which took place in Miami — Garcia wowed onlookers with her oh-so-sexy rendition of Gavin DeGraw’s “Sweeter.”

“Crazy sex appeal,” declared X Factor judge Demi Lovato.

Meanwhile, fellow judge L.A. Reid was overheard calling Garcia’s performance “very spicy.”

But the reaction wasn’t so positive for another Latina who wowed the judges with her initial audition…

San Antonio’s Jessica Espinoza, who had previously performed Pink’s “Nobody Knows” to rave reviews from the judges, was cut from the competition after a less than stellar cover of “When You Believe” by Whitney Houston.
“Not as good as I remember,” said Lovato, who had earlier proclaimed that Espinoza was one of the only contestants whose first and last names she remembered. “I’m pretty disappointed.”

The X Factor’s Boot Camp continues this Thursday, October 4 at 8:00 pm on Fox.

Lopez to Co-Host Fox’s “The X Factor”?

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

He’s already beefed up his resume with a slew of producing credits… But Mario Lopez may soon be adding yet another on-camera gig to that already impressive document…

The 38-year-old Extra host and actor is reportedly in talks to co-host Fox’s The X Factor, as the show prepares to possibly go with a two-host format in its second season, according to several media outlets.

According to Perez Hilton, Khloe Kardashian is Simon Cowell‘s top pick to lead the show, with Lopez locked in to co-host.

TMZ, meanwhile, reports that singer/actor Corbin Bleu is also circling the coveted role, but he’ll have to wait and hope that the negotiations with either Lopez or Kardashian fall apart to nab the job.

The sophomore season of the American version of The X Factor is currently in audition phase with Demi Lovato and Britney Spears sitting at the judges’ table alongside L.A. Reid and Cowell.

Espinoza Gives Heart-Wrenching “X Factor” Audition

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Talk about saving the best for last…

In the final audition of Fox’s The X Factor on Wednesday night, Jessica Espinoza managed to get a tough-to-impress Simon Cowell to declare his love for her on national television.

“I didn’t like it… I loved it,” declared Cowell after Espinoza’s emotionally charged rendition of Pink’s “Nobody Knows.” “I love you. I love everything about you… Favorite audition of the day.”

Prior to taking the stage, the 22-year-old Mexican-American singer talked about her family’s hardships growing up on the south side of San Antonio.

“Growing up I didn’t have much, I’ve always done what I could with what I have,” admitted Espinoza in her pre-audition interview. “I know I look well-fed, but trust me: It’s a dollar menu.”

But Espinoza explained before her audition, “Everything that ever hurt me, made me happy, it comes out on stage.” And boy was that evident from the first note.

“Wow, you are really special,” professed judge L.A. Reid. “Really, really special.”

“You have a sparkle in your eye that you only see in people that have the X factor,” professed new judge Demi Lovato. “And, I really believe that you’re amazing.”

Following her rave reviews, Espinoza was visibly humbled.

“This is such a dream. You don’t know… Coming from such strong women and admirable men, thank you!”

Garcia Dazzles the Judges on “The X Factor”

Posted on September 13, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

It looks like The X Factor has it’s first “most promising” Hispanic act… and her name is Jennel Garcia.

The 18-year-old Rochester, Massachusetts native, who recently graduated from high school, wowed the judges during this week’s premiere episode of the Fox singing competition.

Garcia, a sweet, soft-spoken teenager, proved to judges Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Britney Spears and L.A. Reid that you can’t judge a book by its cover.

She showed up on stage at her Providence, Rhode Island audition looking like a petite flower. But after telling the judges that she looked up to artists like Pat Benatar, Garcia burst into a rock-sexy rendition of Grace Potter & The Nocturnal’s “Paris (Ooh La La).” Her performance had all four judges smiling, clapping and saying “yes, yes, yes!”

“Feisty little firecracker!” declared Reid, who launched the careers of Justin Bieber and Rihanna. “I am so feeling you!”

Lovato, who was grinning from ear to ear, declare the combination of Garcia’s voice and personality a win-win.

“What I find really, really interesting is that you have such a cute face, you are really likeable and all of a sudden you are like ‘I’m on fire,’” expressed Lovato, who called her one of the night’s most promising acts. “I literally wrote down in my notes ‘Hot.’ You are awesome.”

Meanwhile, Cowell, considered a tough judge to impress, seemed utterly impressed.

“Jennel, let me tell you sweetheart, you are on the money because right now what’s missing on the pop charts is a young Pat Benatar or someone like that,” Cowell said enthusiastically. “I love the idea of making a pop record or rock record. You are different you are exciting I really, really like you.”

So how did Garcia react to the kudos from all four judges?

“Oh My God! That was so cool!” said Garcia. “I didn’t expect them to like me that much! … I lived in a small town, in a small house, in a dead end street and life has always been really quiet,” Garcia said. “Life starts right now. Today!”

Garcia has been singing from a young age, first on American Juniors at age 10, and later in a singing troupe that performed at nursing homes. She was even featured on America’s Most Talented Kids, according to South Coast Today.

Lovato to Mentor the Tweens on “The X Factor”

Posted on August 26, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

She’s a former Disney star with plenty of experience as a tween sensation… And, now Demi Lovato will be sharing her knowledge to help other potential artists realize their tweenage dreams…

In her new role as a judge on Fox’s The X Factor, the 20-year-old part-Mexican American singer/actress will serve as a mentor to solo singers between the ages of 12 and 16.

And Lovato, who ranked as one of Billboard.com’s 21 Under 21 last year, will be getting an assist from her former Camp Rock co-star, Nick Jonas. He’ll mentor Lovato’s team during the judges’ house round, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

During this phase, the judges will mentor 32 acts who are divided into four different categories (8 acts in each category).

Along with Lovato handling the solo singers ages 12 to 16, Britney Spears will mentor singers ages 17 to 24, L.A. Reid will guide contestants ages 25 and over, and Simon Cowell taking on the groups.

The second season of The X Factor will premiere Wednesday, September 12 at 8:00 pm on Fox.

Lovato Begins Filming on “The X Factor”

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

It’s been a busy week for Demi Lovato… Along with making her first official The X Factor walk, she’s also taken part in the first of the talent show’s auditions…

The 19-year-old part-Mexican American singer/actress, who has signed on as a new judge on Fox’s reality singing competition, appears in the show’s first promo.

The clip, which debuted during the American Idol finale on Wednesday, features Lovato and her fellow rookie judge Britney Spears, as well as head judge Simon Cowell saying “What was I thinking?” about hiring the girls.

On Thursday, The X Factor‘s first day of auditions was the talk of the Twitterverse for a good portion of the day. Along with leaked audio of Lovato and Spears offering clashing commentary to an aspiring singer, grainy cell phone photos and video of the panel at work surfaced throughout the day.

In addition, Fox has released the first official photo of the season 2 judges, with Spears seated snugly next to Simon Cowell‘s right and Lovato to L.A. Reid‘s left.

According to reports from inside Austin’s Frank Erwin Center on the University of Texas campus, the “Give Your Heart a Break” songstress exhibited plenty of spunk for her first day on the job.

Lovato to Become “X Factor” Judge…

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Following weeks of speculation, it appears that Demi Lovato will be factoring into Simon Cowell’s plans to revamp his hit reality singing competition series…

The 19-year-old part Mexican American singer/actress has officially signed on as the fourth and final judge for the upcoming season of Fox’s The X Factor, according to E! Online.

When X Factor returns in September, the former Disney Channel star will join newly appointed judge Britney Spears, who reportedly signed her deal last week, and last season’s judges Cowell and L.A. Reid.

Earlier this year, X Factor producers cleaned house by dismissing the show’s host Steve Jones and judges Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul. In March, Reid and Cowell confirmed the two open judges spots would be filled by women.

It appears the “Give Your Heart a Break” singer and Spears beat out some stiff competition for the coveted judging spots, including Janet Jackson, LeAnn Rimes and Miley Cyrus.

As reported last week, Spears is said to be receiving $15 million for the season.

No word yet on the details of Lovato’s contract, but she is expected to appear at Fox’s upfront presentation on Monday with Spears, where the formal announcement will be made.

Lovato to Serve as X Factor Judge?

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

There’s no denying Demi Lovato has the ‘It’ factor… But she may also have The X Factor.

The 19-year-old part Mexican American singer/actress is reportedly thisclose to closing a deal to join Britney Spears on the second season of Fox’s The X Factor, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Lovato and Spears would fill the seats vacated by Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul after Season 1. X Factor creator Simon Cowell and Epic Records chairman L.A. Reid, both returning judges, round out the panel.

While the deal isn’t signed, sealed and delivered yet and could fall apart, sources say Lovato’s team is in final negotiations for the job.

Lovato could help bring in a younger audience, especially since Spears—while still a force in pop music—is 10 years older than the former Disney Channel star.

Reps for Fox and Lovato would not comment and a spokesperson for the show refused to confirm talks to The Hollywood Reporter, although there’s a good chance Cowell and crew could make an X Factor-related announcement at the Fox upfront event for ad buyers on May 14.

Meanwhile, auditions with the new judges in place are scheduled to begin at the end of the month.

Lopez Preparing to “Dance Again”…

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

It looks like Jennifer Lopez is hoping to get you back on the floor this spring and summer…

The 42-year-old Puerto Rican singer, actress and American Idol judge is getting ready to release “Dance Again,” a brand new single featuring Pitbull.

Following the success of Lopez’s “On The Floor” single, it’s no surprise the former-dancer-who-still-moves-like-Jagger even teamed up again with the Cuban American rap superstar on the new track.

The Q’Viva host & producer tweeted information on the due dates of the single and its upcoming music video, “#DanceAgain hits March 30th and video premieres April 5th on #idol.”

Her label boss, L.A. Reid, added, “Has a hot new single ‘Dance Again’ available on Monday, 4/02.”

Along with preparing a video for “Dance Again”, la Lopez will sing and appear in a music video for a song called “Follow the Leader” with Wisin & Yandel. The clip was filmed in Acapulco, Mexico.

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