I am with the gorgeous Kelly Rowland. Hello.

Thank you. So we were just talking about that she was just in our studio and a lot has happened since then. Yes, yes. So you've got Jeff. He's your your loner standing.

I'm still got Jeff. You have no idea what it feels like to stand up there and you're like, okay, what is gonna happen? What is gonna happen? And me and Demi and Paul and Simon are all looking at each other while the eliminations are happening. And some of us are in shock, some of us are you know, just completely floored when the name is finally called. It's a lot. So tonight was interesting. I mean, Alona of all people was shocking. Yeah, that was bad. I would have liked to have seen her being able to sing off one more time. I think if she had, she would have we would have probably kept her in to be honest with you. Especially, you know, she um I thought she could take this entire competition and when she went home, um I think there's been a lot of of opinions about the voting this year. Um, but America, it's y'all's fault. So, don't complain. Truth is the truth is right here. You guys should have voted. Um, I got backstage and my team was like, oh my God, you should have seen your face when they called Alona's name. And it's only because I was like, what? You know, completely in shock and disbelief. So.

So, how was just the whole journey for you? I know it was a little bit shocking tonight. For everybody, we all were.

I mean the whole entire journey in the X Factor was just amazing. I mean, it's crazy. I mean, we never stop working. But I mean it's just amazing to work with Demi to have to perform in front of Kelly, Simon and Paulina every weekend, get those constructive criticism and try to make each week better and better.

The other two was difficult because I liked them both and I genuinely could not make up my mind at the time. But I don't think either of them could have won the show. I think the fact that they're in the bottom twice kind of tells you all you need to know. So you've got to give somebody a break, you know, and I went with Carlito.

I'm really glad that Carlito make it to the finals. Um, Ryan is such an inspiration, her mom. Um, the competition is like this. We don't make the rules. It's hard for everybody. And I'm just glad for her because she is such an amazing soul. So young, she has such a huge future ahead of her. She's a spark, she's pure light.

What was the whole just journey like for you? Second guest: Well, I mean, it was just such a blessing even think that I had the opportunity. I mean, from all those audition cities and all those people who have tried out just to be able to, you know, be like the youngest in the competition. I was the final girl remaining. I mean, that's crazy and

That is crazy. Second guest: thinking about, you know, I am 13 years old and to be able to make it this far. It's just phenomenal. Just the opportunity.

And what is your strategy with Jeff moving forward to keep him in, keep the votes coming?

We're still staying focused. We're working hard. We're still having a good time while we do it. And, um, we are just really focused. He's got a fighter spirit in him. And you got to admire it, respect it. And the fact that he knows already who he is as a artist. I love that.

And so what's your, you know, strategy moving forward with him?

I just wanted to be focused into people perceive Carlito in a way, he's a fighter, he's a workaholic. He is very uh into any single detail. I want him to enjoy and to give it all.

Alex and Sierra, we have to talk about this thing. Destiny's Child.

Destiny's Child.

And how you were

We were rocking out.

their own version of it. What's it like? What were you expecting with that? Was it totally different from what you expected?

It was totally different, uh from what I expected. I mean, which I I guess is a good thing, you know what I mean? Because I'm just happy they they didn't do the exact same thing, of course. They don't ever. I think everything's always so unique. I think that with them, they really have found their niche as a group and I think that there's a place in the market for them too.

So, who, obviously besides Jeff, I mean, are you who has the X Factor in your opinion?

Alex and Sierra do have an X Factor. I think they all have the X Factor. And the truth is, is there were so many people that made it into the final the you know, the live shows um that will go on and have successful careers. They are they all deserved this. It was hard it's hard letting go of people when they're all talented, but they all deserve to be here. All of them have something unique. I think uh Alex and Sierra and wrestler road, they're great.

Well, you've got two groups, Alex and Sierra, Wrestless Road. You said Alex and Sierra. They have it. They have the X Factor. And you think that they can win it?

I saw something last night when they did Say Something. That song. She was at the piano. And all I was thinking about was they don't look like people in a competition. They're like people who are already established. The song was sensational. It was beautifully sung. And then we watched it all last night on iTunes. And then we landed at number one today.

I was gonna say, I mean, that's crazy.

Yeah. And, uh, and it gave them a lift and it just shows you that there's a reason why we do these shows, you know? Um, because we want them to succeed outside of these competitions and I think they've got a great career ahead of them.

How do you feel like as a judge that you've evolved now that the show is down to the top four? Have you changed? Are you sort of getting harder, easier?

Um, I I think that it's it's a bit harder. I think by now you've really grown connected with with the contestants period, not just your own but with the contestants. So when you see someone go, it is very emotional when you see someone go. When you see someone go, you're like, what can I do to help, you know what I mean? So, it's it's definitely that feeling or those thoughts that come in your head. As a judge, you know, I I feel like I've become I'm able to set kind of boundaries with myself and last year I was like when Cece went home, I was like sobbing. And I learned, you know, that it's it's kind of it was my duty to be a mentor and to be a role model for them and in my personal life. I'm really really embracing the fact that girls look up to me and the decisions that I make influence other people. So, um, I think I've just it's helped me learn to be a better mentor, better role model, um, and you know, I I learned something every week.

We are looking forward to seeing what happens with your team and the entire show and congratulations on everything.

I think we're going to be I think I'm going to have both groups in the final. That's my gut.

You heard it here. We'll see. Nice. Thank you. Nice to see you.