Carly Rose Sonenclar advances to top 12 on 'The X Factor'

Thursday November 1, 2012 10:27 PM By Chris Serico

Photo credit: Fox | 13-year-old Carly Rose Sonenclar considers Bruno Mars an influence and admires former "American Idol" contestants Jennifer Hudson, Constantine Maroulis and Kelly Clarkson.

Carly Rose Sonenclar of Mamaroneck made her case to advance on Wednesday night's live episode of "The X Factor"... and was the 8th contestant voted into the top 12 Thursday.

After two judges -- Demi Lovato of the young-adult team and L.A. Reid of the singers older than 25 team -- each eliminated a contestant (Willie Jones and David Correy, respectively), it was time for Britney Spears to pick her top two from the teen team.

First to make the final 12, she chose Beatrice Miller. Second, she chose Carly Rose! Arin Ray and Diamond White had to sing against each other to stay on the show, and after they each performed, Britney eliminated Diamond White. Simon Cowell eliminated Sister C.

Looking back to Wednesday night's first live performance, Sonenclar sang a rendition of Etta James' "Something's Got a Hold On Me," whose familiar refrain of "Oh, sometimes I get a good feeling" is more recognizable these days in hits by Avicii ("Levels") and Flo Rida ("Good Feeling").

The judges offered mixed reviews of her performance. Reid said she has "a really beautiful voice," but noted, "it didn't feel like you were having fun." Lovato said Sonenclar "obviously [has] one of the best voices in this competition" but added, "I'm worried that it's not your time right now, but there's no doubt that you will have a future in the music industry." Cowell appeared to disagree with Lovato about Sonenclar's stardom potential, but acknowledged that Sonenclar did look uncomfortable during her perfomance; "It would be criminal if you were to leave the competition tonight," he added. Spears said Sonenclar's "vocals were amazing" and that she "did a great, great job."

Now that Carly has solidified her spot in the top 12 and is on to rounds where the audience will vote if she stays or goes, how far do you think Carly Rose Sonenclar will advance on "The X Factor"? Let us know in the comments.

 And if you want to relive Sonencalr's first live "X Factor" performance, check out the video below.

Tags: Mamaroneck , Carly Rose Sonenclar , The X Factor , Westchter , TV , reality TV