The X Factor

Jessica Espinoza is only 22 years old. She's unemployed. She grew up in difficult, poor circumstances on the south side of San Antonio.

In other words: this hopeful definitely possessed the sort of sympathetic backstory producers look for on The X Factor. But could she provide the vocals that would take her to the next round?

You tell us, THG readers: Watch Espinoza belt out a version of Pink's "Nobody Knows" and decide if you'd want to see more of her on the Fox competition...

Jessica Espinoza X Factor Audition

How would you compare Espinoza to a pair of other Wednesday evening standouts, CeCe Frey and Diamond White?

She clearly has the name to be a star: Diamond White.

But did this 13-year old X Factor contestant prove last night that she possesses the talent? In two words: Heck. Yes.

Reminding viewers of last year's young sensation, Rachel Crow, Diamond listened to Simon Cowell, avoided singing Adele and settled on "It's a Man's World" instead, amazing attendees and viewers with her strong voice.

You've gotta watch this one:

Diamond White X Factor Audition

Between White and CeCe Frey, the women were represented very well on The X Factor last night.

The second time was the charm for CeCe Frey on The X Factor last night.

Having not exactly blown away the judges are "Unchained Melody," the panel asks Frey to select a different single if she wanted a chance to remain in the competition.

Enter Christina Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man," some serious attitude on stage and a booming voice that brought the crowd to its feet. It's safe to say we'll see more of CeCe in the future.

Watch her winning audition now:

CeCe Frey - "Ain't No Other Man"

Three hours of The X Factor Season 2 are in the books.

What did everyone think? Are you shocked that Britney Spears seems coherent so far? Impressed by Demi Lovato's heart and attitude? Sick of Simon Cowell's t-shirts?

Looking forward to more talent taking the stage? Convinced we've already seen the winner cross our television screens?

Or have you simply been watching The Voice?

Jennel Garcia on The X Factor

After one week of this Fox competition, it's time to stop and evaluate the two most important aspects of it: the judges and the contestants. Weigh in below and let's find out who made what grade...

GRADE BRITNEY SPEARS AS A JUDGE:

GRADE DEMI LOVATO AS A JUDGE:

TELL US: WHO HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE SINGER SO FAR?

Carly Rose Sonenclar treated X Factor viewers to a case of shock and AWWWW last night.

This 13-year old - the second act of that age to blow attendees away, following the premiere performance of Reed Deming - may have looked sweet and innocent prior to belting out her first note, but she proceeded to simply own the stage during a rendition of "Feeling Good."

Don't merely take our word for it. Watch for yourself:

Carly Rose Sonenclar X Factor Audition

Following up its two-hour opener with an episode half that long, The X Factor only presented us with about half as many impressive contestants last night.

Aside from Carly, Jason Brock definitely caught our attention. Who was your favorite?

Jason Brock talked a very good game on The X Factor last night, nervously chatting up the judges for a long time before actually singing a note.

The self-described "nerd herder" was easy to mock as a result... until he got going on "New York State of Mind" and proved he croons and even better game than he talks.

Showing unexpected strength and range, Brock was likely the most impressive contestant on a lackluster premiere follow-up. Take a look and a listen to his audition now:

Jason Brock X Factor Audition

Where do you rank Brock when compared to talented acts from Wednesday night, such as Jillian Jensen?

The Voice vs. The X Factor. Christina vs. Britney.

TV's infatuation with singing competition shows reached its pinnacle last night, with NBC's Voice airing its third episode of the week in what was widely interpreted as a deliberate maneuver to blunt X Factor's season premiere on Fox. To a point, it worked.

Both programs averaged similar ratings (3.3) in the key 18-49 demographic, but The Voice outdrew The X Factor overall, 10.7 million viewers to 7.5 million.

The Voice did lose 17 percent of its audience from its Tuesday show and even more from its Season 3 premiere Monday night, while X Factor is back on tonight.

A few more auditions like Jillian Jensen or Jannel Garcia and Simon Cowell's much-hyped, revamped project could be back with a vengeance ... but stay tuned.

Ratings aside, there's certainly been some tension, even gamesmanship between the two shows, with Cowell calling out The Voice on more than one occasion.

Most importantly, which singing competition do you like better? Vote!

Darn you, The X Factor. You got us.

Sometimes, even when we're know we're being emotionally manipulated, we can't help but give in to the waterworks. Case in point from last night's season two premiere of The X Factor:

Jillian Jensen, a young woman whose history of being bullied gave her a clear connection to Demi Lovato. Watch Jensen give it her all during her initial audition and then break down in the arms of this new judge:

Jillian Jensen X Factor Audition

Other contestants that stood out from the premiere:

• Reed Deming, a 13-year old with shaggy, Justin Bieber-like hair.
• Paige Thomas, a favorite of L.A. Reid's.
• Jennel Garcia, a young rocker who closed the show on a very positive note.

The X Factor tracked down the next Rihanna AND the next Justin Bieber last night. Amazing, we know!

Perhaps a bit hyperbolic on its opening night of Season 2, the Fox competition introduced the world first to Paige Thomas - who L.A. Reid compared to the "We Found Love" superstar - and then to Reed Deming, a 13-year old with shaggy hair who, of course, reminded the panel of another young sensation.

Over the top praise? Or does Deming really have that kind of career in front of him? Meet the teenager now and also be sure to take a listen to Jennel Garcia. She was our favorite contestant of the night...

Reed Deming X Factor Audition

Does The X Factor have the next Rihanna on its hands?

Granted, it's early; and, sure, that's rather high praise for 21-year old Paige Thomas after just one audition.

But the single mother - who was moved to tears last night before even singing a note of Mary J. Blige's "I'm Going Down" - clearly made an impression on both L.A. Reid and Britney Spears, the former of whom made the above comparison.

Watch Paige's audition now and see if you agree:

Paige Thomas X Factor Audition

Among other Season 2 premiere hopefuls who we could envision going far: Jennel Garcia. Her audition closed the two-hour show and it was fantastic.