Who's Got the X Factor?

I'll admit it: I'm a bit of a talent show junkie. Ok, maybe more like a full-blown addict. With shows like American Idol, X Factor, and So You Think You Can Dance showcasing ridiculously amazing talent, it's hard not to get swallowed by the whole phenomenon. It's reality television without the scripted drama; just REAL people with REAL talent taking to the stage with the entire world as their audience. It's hard not to be mesmerized when you live in a time where it feels like everything has been contrived, produced and then packaged to sell. Sure, producers and record execs will be banking on these future stars, but for now, we can just ogle them as the newbies they are and cross our fingers that their feet stay planted firmly on the ground.

I had to post a video of the incomparable Rachel Crow, who's rendition of Etta James "I'd rather go blind" had me spell-bound. With a voice resembling that Michael Jackson baby voice we fell in love with back when the Jackson 5 reigned supreme, and tons of SOUL thrown into the mix, it's hard not only to believe that Ms. Crow is only 13 years old, but that she also was so shamefully let go of on the show. Ms. Crow, I think I may just wait to turn on the radio dial for upcoming smash hits. For now, I'll just hit the replay button.