'X Factor' Elimination: Astro's Outburst Disrupts Show
Astro, the 15-year-old phenom on “The X Factor,” was one of the bottom two contestants up for elimination Thursday and managed to upset Simon with his attitude in the process.
The young rapper is the first to appear on a major television music competition, but was ready to quit when placed against Stacy Francis, 42, in a performance battle for a spot in next week’s show.
When it was announced that he would be in the bottom two, Astro went on stage visibly upset.
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"I really don't wanna perform,” the rap phenom said. “I feel like it's unnecessary."
The Brooklyn native turned to judge L.A. Reid for advice when his emotions got the best of him on stage.
"But I'mma leave it up to you. You're my mentor,” Astro said. “Do you think I should perform?"
Reid seemed a bit disappointed in Astro’s attitude on Thursday.
"You acted a little bit like a quitter, and it upset me," the music mogul told the young rapper.
However, Judge Simon Cowell seemed even more unsettled by Astro’s outburst.
"Look at me, and think about your mum watching the show," Cowell said. "Because you are showing disrespect to your mom. You are showing disrespect to the audience at home, and I don't like people with this attitude."
Astro attempted to explain his behavior by saying he felt unwanted.
"No disrespect to you or this show, but I just feel like if you're going to put me in the bottom two, I don't want to perform for people who don't want me here, you know what I'm saying,” Astro explained. “That's it."
His response was met with booing from the live audience that resulted in a breaking through of his seemingly tough armor, causing a tear to stream down his face.
"Honestly, man, it's cool," he told Simon when asked if he would repeat the behavior if placed in the same position next week.
Ultimately the judges voted off Francis who said she would take responsibility for performing poorly.
"I don't believe I did great last night. I go with that, and I have to suck up my pride and take responsibility for the performance I gave," Francis said. "I just want to thank Simon Cowell for giving me a chance, because I'm 42 years old, and he allowed me to sing for the world week to week."
