‘X Factor’ likes Orlando’s sound
Orlando has a starring role when “The XFactor” goes live tonight. Three acts from Central Florida are among the Top16 that will perform at 8 p.m. on Fox.
“It goes to show that Orlando is the best-kept secret,” said Rachel Potter, 29, who lived in Orlando for six years. “I played at TheAbbey over the summer. I hired a band to be my musicians. I’ve worked with musicians in New York and Nashville, and they blew themout of the water. There’s so much talent in Orlando.”
Alex Kinsey, 22, of New Smyrna Beach agrees. “It’s pretty amazing,” he said. “Our area has so much talent to share.”
Kinsey and Sierra Deaton, 22, of Winter Springs perform as Alex & Sierra. Thetwo— sheis aUniversity of Central Florida grad; he is a UCF student — are mentored by Simon Cowell.
“He makes you feel comfortable so you can give the best performance,” Deaton said. “He helps you grow.”
Cowell’s best advice? “Stay true to whowe are,” Kinsey said. “We’ve taken it to heart.”
Potter and Lillie McCloud, 54, of Orlando are mentored by Kelly Rowland. “She knows how to get the best out of you,” McCloud said. “She’s a diva, but she’s not distant. I’ve never met a diva so full of love.”
Tonight’s show will end with the field being reduced to the final 12 as each of the four mentorsdropsoneact. Thepublic starts voting in the singing contest Nov. 6.
McCloud acknowledges that experience from a previous recording career as Nicole McCloud gives her an edge, and that there have been complaints that “The X Factor” hid that previous career.
“They’re letting it out little by little,” McCloud said. “They have their own strategy. A lot of people don’t understand what ‘TheXFactor’ is about. They’re about bringing back careers that didn’t make it. Not everybody has to be brand-new.”
Potter performed on Broadway in “Evita” and “The Addams Family” before jumping to Nashville to concentrate on country music.
“I’ll say that my performance on Broadwaygivesmeanedge,” Potter said. “Through that time, I’ve had such a lovely opportunity to figure out who I am. I’m so grateful I’m entering this phase of my life when I’m confident in my own skin. It’s a lot of pressure.”
Potter, a UCFgraduate in advertising, also credits Disney World. “When people ask where I studied for musical theater, I say Disney World,” she said. “I would sometimes do 14 shows in a day, seven shows as the Little Mermaid, then do seven shows of ‘High School Musical.’ Your stamina gets built up.”
Kinsey said the practice time has been a lot of fun, and Deaton said she wasn’t feeling pressure. The show has made their relationship stronger, both said.
“We’ve been dating two years. We had an amazing bond,” Deaton said.
“It’s a wonderful experience to share with your best friend,” Kinsey added.
And their friends in Central Florida will be sharing it, too.
“I think it’s time for Florida to shine,” McCloud said. “One of us has to come through shining.”