The X Factor Recap: The Final Four

Written by Lauren Laffer
The X Factor Recap: The Final Four

Restless Road X Factor Final 4 - CountryMusicIsLove

After a shocking double elimination that sent Rion Paige and Ellona Santiago home, The X Factor USA geared up for the final four. Left in the competition is country group Restless Road, duo Alex and Sierra, Jeff Gutt and Carlito Olivero.

The final four’s first songs were chosen by the viewers at home.

Restless Road, who has been working at blending their voices as a new group, was up second and took on one of Luke Bryan’s latest hits, “That’s My Kind of Night.” The Over 25 mentor Kelly Rowland told the group that their performance was a lot of fun. “It was fun to watch and I like the fact that the style of the song, that’s the perfect sound for you. That was great.” Girls mentor Demi Lovato disagreed with Rowland. “It didnt do it for me. Yes, it was fun, but it was awkward. You guys just need to open up. I felt like this performance was nervous.”

Boys mentor Paulina Rubio agreed with Lovato, saying that the group needs to have more fun. Restless Road’s mentor, Simon Cowell, was not thrilled with the judges commentary and told the group that the thunderstorm had gone away. “You’ve been together three or four months. This is the most important night of your life. The vocals were a little shaky in the beginning, but then you got more confident. I thought the song was briliantly chosen by America. I’m really proud of you guys.”

The second round had finalists sing a duet. Restless Road sang with Over 25 contestant Jeff Gutt. The acts sang “Every Breath You Take,” by The Police (written by Sting).

Rowland was impressed with both acts, though Jeff is her contestant. “I thought that both performances were really good, but Jeff, and I mean this wholeheartedly, the Gutt killed it.” Cowell rooted for his own team, Restless Road. You know what, I told you, don’t fall into the trap of trying to out sing Jeff. But the boys stuck to their roots.The finals would not be the same without them.”

Paulina added “I think you guys did terrific. With the boys blending their voice and Jeff did amazing.” “You guys, your style, on point. You look so good,” Demi told Restless Road. “I liked it because it was different. I’ve never heard a country version of that song before. I thought that Jeff had better vocals and stole the performance.”

For their third and final song of the night, Restless Road performed “Wanted” by Hunter Hayes. With a standing ovation from all four judges, Rowland kicked off the commentary. “Can I be honest? While you were performing that song, I was actually sitting here thinking ‘they’re singing to me. thats so cute.’ I just love y’all.” Lovato was finally won over by the boys and said “This was comfortable. This was confident. When you fight for it, you fight for it. This is mainstream. This is incredible. This was great.”

Rubio agreed with her fellow mentors. “Finally, you guys did a great vocal. Each one of you had your own voice and then together as one voice. Congratulations.” Cowell was beaming with pride over his latest group creation. “You saved the best to last, guys. This is exactly the type of record you should make. The three of you sounded great together.”

Tune in tonight at 8pm EST on FOX to see if Restless Road will make the top three.

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SPOILER ALERT: Results revealed below…

Tension was high as the four final acts and their mentors waited to hear their fate. After a joint performance, it was announced that Carlito Olivero would move on.

Shortly following, Alex and Sierra were told they’d be joining Carlito in the finale.

The final two acts, Restless Road and Jeff Gutt were equally anxious awaiting the final results. With no sing-off and judges decision, the results were final. Host Mario Lopez announced that Jeff Gutt would move on to the finale.

Mentor Simon Cowell was proud of his group and told them he was sure this wasn’t the last of them.

Are you sad to see Restless Road fall short of the finale?