Country Music Hopefuls Breeze Through ‘The X Factor USA’ Auditions

Written by Ryan Ernde
Country Music Hopefuls Breeze Through ‘The X Factor USA’ Auditions

Country singers ruled the south in the second week (9/18 & 9/19) of auditions for “The X Factor USA” as four country hopeful contestants moved on to the next round after auditioning in Charleston, SC.

Colton Pack

First up was Colton Pack. Pack attended the audition with more than his family… he took his entire town! The small town loaded up on a bus and drove all the way to the audition to cheer on the 18-year-old. “Everyone (270 some people) decided to get a charter bus and experience it with me,” he said. Pack’s people even sported “I <3 Colton” t-shirts! The “added pressure” was nothing for Pack. The judges gave him the go-ahead with Demi Lovato adding “you have a natural stage presence.” Pack could show a lot potential as a major contender this season.

Brandie Love

Self-proclaimed country singer and diehard fan Brandie Love took to the stage shy but confident. When asked “why haven’t you been discovered so far” by judge Simon Cowell, she responded “I don’t think I’ve been in front of the right people.” Though she admits it’s not a country song, Love nailed an extremely moving cover of “Up The Mountain” by Patty Griffin. “The fact that you allowed the music to set you free is so beautiful ” said judge Kelly Rowland. She got “four big fat yeses” and moved on in the girls category.

Andrew Scholz

Also passed through this week was 18-year-old “corn-fed country boy” Andrew Scholz. He started his audition singing “Too Close,” the dubstep hit by Alex Clare, but wasn’t favored by the judges. Cowell however gave him the chance to perform a second song. For his shot at redemption, Scholz chose Little Big Town’s “A Little More You” and immersed himself in the song. His heart clearly lied in country music and moved on to the next round. “That totally changed everything,” said judge Demi Lovato’s as Cowell sat with his arms sprawled in a cocky fashion.

Yellow House Canyon

Finally, the duo Yellow House Canyon was moved along in the groups category with their cover of Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman.” (See the duo at 1:54)

Check out the first two country music hopefuls to make it through. Click HERE for Rion Paige and HERE for Rachel Potter.

“The X Factor USA” returns with a two-hour episode Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 8/7c on FOX.