Schools

UPDATED: Cari Fletcher Sings For Survival on X Factor

Lakoda Rayne continues on in competition, but barely

Lakoda Rayne, X Factor girl group sensation featuring Wall Township High School singer Cari Fletcher, sang for survival on the Simon Cowell show tonight after the group received among the lowest number of audience votes Wednesday.

It came down to the final seconds of Thursday's show. And to the final judge -- the judge who has been the most critical of the group since they have performed together.

But in the end, Fletcher's group was allowed to continue when Simon Cowell's deciding vote went in favor of Lakoda Rayne. They will perform live again next week.

Find out what's happening in Wallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The group, formed from four singers previously cut from Simon Cowell's singing competition, performed live on Wednesday singing Keith Urban's hit "Somebody like you.''

But the group received the among the least votes from the television audience, and was forced into a "sing-off'' with the other group that received the lowest votes.

Find out what's happening in Wallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The girls sang the Jordin Sparks tune "No Air,'' Thursday. The performance was not flawless and the girls' nerves were apparent.

Each judge weighed in. L.A. Reid went for Fletcher's group. Nicole Scherzinger did as well. Judge Paula Abdul, who mentored both Lakoda Rayne and the other group in the sing-off, at first refused to vote, then, under pressure, voted against Lakoda Rayne.

Simon Cowell, however, pulled the group from the brink, allowing them to continue on to the $5 million recording contract grand prize.

The judges all had praise for the foursome after their performance Wednesday.

"You're becoming the group I always hoped and prayed you'd become,'' judge Simon Cowell said following the performance.

"Your presence together continues to be so natural and effortless,'' said Nicole Scherzinger. "And I got to hear you each individually shine.''

Paula Abdul, the group's mentor, became choked up while heaping the group with praise.

"I am so proud of you,'' Abdul said. "Each week you're clearing a path to an imminent Pepsi spotlight.''

In addition to the $5 million recording contract grand prize, the winner of the competition will appear on a Pepsi commercial to be shown during next year's Super Bowl.

Prior the the performance, Fletcher was featured in a video montage of Wall High School students and other supporters cheering on Fletcher as she continues her quest for the grand prize.

live before a television audience of millions and received a mixed bag of compliments and criticisms from the show's celebrity judges.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here