The final countdown for the announcement of "The X Factor" USA 2013 winner has begun, and so speculations are rife as to who would walk away with the title on Thursday.
Carlito Olivero, Alex & Sierra and Jeff Gutt entered the finals after being saved in last week's elimination round. Restless Road, consisting of Andrew Peter Scholz, Colton Lane Pack and Zach Ryan Beeken, was sent home in the semi-finals after getting least votes from viewers.
According to a betting site, lovebirds Alex & Sierra are the favorites to win the title, followed closely by Jeff Gutt. However, betting odds has placed Carlito Olivero in the bottom.
Interestingly, betting odds on Bovada has put Alex & Sierra on top with a 5/4 odds in their favor, while Jeff stands at 9/2 and Carlito at 13/1.
Alex & Sierra moved the audience and the judges alike with their emotional rendition of Of Monsters and Men's "Little Talks", "Gravity" by Sara Bareilles, and "Falling Slowly" by Glen Hansard with Carlito. Their rendition of "Gravity" moved Demi Lovato to tears. Simon Cowell heaped praises on them saying, "You are not performing songs, you are making records every time you come out here."
Jeff stole the hearts of the judges with his rendition of "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley and "Demons" by Imagine Dragons, receiving a standing ovation from all the four judges on both occasions. He also outperformed Restless Road while rendering "Every Breath You Take" by The Police.
His mentor Kelly shed tears after listening to his rendition of "Demons". 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."
Carlito Olivero sang audience's choice, "Boyfriend" by Justin Bieber and "I Need To Know" by Marc Anthony in the semi-finals, earning praises from the mentors. "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," said Simon Cowell after his first performace.
He received standing ovation from his mentor for his rendition of "I Need To Know" and shone during the rendition of "Falling Slowly" by Glen Hansard with Alex & Sierra.
Even as speculations go wild ahead of the finals on Thursday, the three finalists will hit the stage again on Wednesday for their last live performance this season and try to woo the viewers. A good show can change their prospect all together.
