"The X Factor" USA 2013 semi-finals on Wednesday night was a mix of powerful and emotional performances, with the remaining top four contenders - Alex & Sierra, Carlito Olivero, Jeff Gutt and Restless Road - belting out hit numbers to stay in the competition.
The semi-finals was divided into three rounds, in which each contestant sang the song chosen by the audience, a duet, and another song chosen by their respective mentors.
ROUND 1:
Carlito Olivero sang audience's choice, "Boyfriend" by Justin Bieber, earning praises from all the coaches, especially Demi Lovato and Kelly Rowland. "So you are not going to be messing around tonight..you are here to get into the finals...I can tell that after that performance," Simon Cowell said.
VIDEO: Carlito Olivero performs "Boyfriend"
Restless Road, consisting of Andrew Peter Scholz, Colton Lane Pack and Zach Ryan Beeken, sang Luke Bryan's "That's My Kind of Night" chosen by the audience. His performance was not that convincing, failing to impress Paulina and Demi. However, their mentor Simon said that the show would not be the same without them.
VIDEO: Restless Road performs "That's My Kind of Night"
Lovebirds, Alex & Sierra hit the stage with Of Monsters and Men's "Little Talks" chosen by the audience. They not only moved the audience but also the judges with their emotional rendition. Demi said that she was looking at the winner, while Simon said, "You are not performing songs, you are making records every time you come out here."
VIDEO: Alex & Sierra perform "Little Talks"
Jeff Gutt belted out the song, "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley. Though people showed apprehension ahead of the performance, after Matthew Schuler's great rendition of the song on The Voice season 6, Gutt didn't disappoint the audience. In fact, the rock feel to his rendition came out very well, and perhaps more matured than Schuler's performance. However, it's not fair to compare them as both have their unique styles. He got a standing ovation from all the four mentors for the performance, with Simon saying "that was one of the best versions I have ever heard."
VIDEO: Jeff Gutt performs "Hallelujah"
ROUND 2:
Carlito Olivero joined Alex & Sierra for the song "Falling Slowly" by Glen Hansard. The mentors were all praise for the artists but Demi thought Carlito did better.
VIDEO: Carlito Olivero Joins Alex & Sierra in a duet of "Falling Slowly"
Jeff Gutt joined Restless Road for the second performance of the semi-finals. They sang the song, "Every Breath You Take" by The Police.
VIDEO: Jeff Gutt and Restless Road Perform "Every Breath You Take" by The Police
ROUND 3:
Carlito Olivero hit the stage for his final performance of the night, singing his mentor Paulina Rubio's choice "I Need To Know" by Marc Anthony. It was a good rendition, and he received a standing ovation from his mentor.
VIDEO: Carlito Olivero Seeks the Truth with "I Need To Know"
Simon's group, Restless Road sang the song, "Wanted" by Hunter Hayes, chosen by their mentor. They received praises from all the mentors, and Demi thought it was an incredible performance.
VIDEO: Restless Road is "Wanted"
Alex & Sierra sang their mentor Simon's choice "Gravity" by Sara Bareilles. It was an emotional rendition, and Demi couldn't hold back her tears after watching them perform. They got standing ovation from all the mentors.
VIDEO: Alex & Sierra perform "Gravity"
Jeff Gutt hit the stage with the song, "Demons" by Imagine Dragons. He received a standing ovation from the mentors for the second time in the semi-finals and his mentor Kelly shed tears after listening to his rendition.
Simon said, "...an incredible song, an incredible performance...and I have got to say to all the contestants tonight (that) this is being by far the best show we have made. Your moment has arrived this week Jeff..you just gave everything, and that's exactly the kind of song you should make when you make an album..it's perfect for you."
VIDEO: Jeff Gutt Wrestles with "Demons"
Ellona Santiago and Rion Paige from Demi Lovato's "Girls" category were sent home last week. One of the remaining contestants will go home on Thursday's elimination round, based on America's vote.
Who do you think will be eliminated this week? Carlito Olivero, Restless Road, Alex & Sierra or Jeff Gutt? America will decide who goes to the grand finale next week!
