Arts & Entertainment

Emery Kelly Makes Top 40 on X-Factor

Kelly gets a second life in the show after being moved into the groups category.

When Sachem East Sophomore Emery Kelly was waiting outside Nassau Coliseum to audition for X-Factor, one girl told him she could "see him in a boy band." 

Well now that has come to fruition. 

First, Kelly, from Holbrook, auditioned for judges Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Paulina Rubio and Kelly Rowland. He chose the song "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz, which had the judges impressed.

"I think you’re so cute, and you have a great voice,” Lovato said. “I think you’re what we’re looking for."

"I love your charisma, your voice and your appearance," Rubio added.

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Simon Cowell noted that he didn't like the song, but he's excited about Kelly's potential.     

"You’re like a little unpolished diamond," Cowell said. "I think you’re someone who can grow. You’re like a real pop star."

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After Kelly got four yeses and qualified for the competition, he and the other contestants found out that the judges would pick the top 40, consisting of 10 boys, girls, groups and over 25's. Initially, Kelly wasn't chosen for the top boys, but then the judges decided to put him with two other boys in the groups category, which keeps him in the competition.

"It’s a feeling I could get used to," he said. "Oh my god…I got four yeses."

The X-Factor continues on FOX Wednesday and Thursday at 8 p.m. 

What do you think of Emery Kelly? How far can he and his groupmates go on the X-Factor? Tell us in the comments section below.


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