After over a month of FOX airing pre-taped “The X Factor” episodes, the top 16 finalists finally got the chance to perform live in front of America on Wednesday. After facing judges Simon Cowell, Britney Spears, Demi Lovato and L.A. Reid in a brutal three rounds, the talented hopefuls tried to prove to the judges why they should advance to the top 12.

Although live episodes will from now on allow the nation to vote for their favorites, the judges were put in the hot seat this week. On “The X Factor,” each judge acts as a mentor for four contestants divided into groups; Spears has the teens,  Lovato has the young adults, Reid has the over 25s and Cowell has the groups. By the end of the night on Thursday, each judge had to pick one of their contestants to say goodbye to.

Boy, those decisions had to have been tough. Since the second season began, I have watched every episode and have grown pretty fond of some of the contestants. This season’s batch of aspiring artists is definitely a step up from the show’s first season’s. Each of the 16 finalists, now narrowed down to 12, bring something awesome to the table. There are some clear standouts, such as 20 year-old CeCe Frey who reminds me of pop singer Ke$ha, 13 year-old Carly Rose Sonenclar who is reminiscent of Spears in her childhood days and Lyric 145, a rap group with a refreshing sound.

Before I get too enthralled in all of the talent and accidentally spoil the 12 contestants advancing in the competition, I’d like to shed light on the judges and hosts. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a diehard fan of Spears and, trying to be unbiased here, I have to say she looked amazing and exuded confidence. Spears and Lovato are both new judges to the panel and Lovato, as well, did a great job in her first live week. Both Cowell and Reid appeared as judges last season and I don’t have much to say about either of them, besides for the fact that, yes, Simon did wear the same plain-colored T-shirt he has been flaunting since his “American Idol” days. Also new to the show were hosts Mario Lopez and Khloé Kardashian Odom, both big names that helped the live show go smoothly.

I’m eager to see what the contestants have up their sleeves for next week. The show isn’t called “The X Factor” for no reason; the contestants have just that and I know it will make for great entertainment in the weeks to come.