Arts & Entertainment

Gilroy's Austin Corini Wows Britney Spears on 'X Factor'

Austin Corini was featured on Wednesday's episode of 'The X Factor' on Fox.

We knew it was coming. We found out earlier this month that Gilroy but we didn't know when we would finally see his performance on TV.

—————————————————————————————————————————————
Want the news as it happens? Sign up for breaking news alerts, the daily newsletter and like us on Facebook!
————————————————————————————————————————————— 

On Wednesday night, it finally happened. Corini, adorned with a bleach-blond fauxhawk and a blue v-neck shirt, walked on stage and proudly announced he was from Gilroy, California and that he'd be singing "Wanted" by Hunter Hayes. 

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

SEE CORINI'S PERFORMANCE BY CLICKING THE PLAY BUTTON ABOVE.

Of all four "X Factor" judges, by far the most exuberant about Corini's performance was pop legend Britne Spears.

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

"I definitely think you have an amazing voice," she gushed. "I love you hair and I think you're adorable. I think you have the whole package. I loved it."

Record executives L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell were less exuberant about Corini, but lauded his potential.

"My first reaction was that I think I've seen a kid like this 25 times," Reid said. 

"Austin, I think what you're used to is performing and getting a good reaction because you're a cute, good-looking boy — nice songs," Cowell said. "You're always going to get that kind of reaction. I kind of want a bit more. I think that was 80 percent. To do well in this competition is 110 percent, which is taking a song and really doing something original with it. More vocal lessons — you're going to need a lot more. You've got to be remembered not for your hair, but for your voice."

But despite the criticism, the Garlic City teen, a junior at Christopher High School, got a "Yes" from all four judges, sending him to the next round of the competition.

Stay tuned to Fox and Patch to see how Corini does going forward. 

What did you think of Austin's performance? Do you think he has a shot at the prize? Tell us in the comments!


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