What you trippin' on, music fans? Did the first episode of 'The X Factor' make a believer out of you? After months (nay, years) of hype, the reality juggernaut finally rolled onto Fox last night with a whole host of talented -- and not so talented -- performers vying for at least three yeses from Simon Cowell and his fellow judges.

The good, the bad and the ugly were out in full force, but does this feel like 'Idol' redux, or will 'X Factor' be able to carve out its own niche in the crowded reality marketplace once we get down to the mentoring rounds? Only time will tell -- but in the meantime, we've assembled our top five most memorable performances, inspiring and horrifying, for your perusal within.

What's that? No, of course I'm not crying -- I've just got something in my eye ...

1. Chris Rene
I've heard of saving the best until last, but hot damn, 'X Factor' definitely closed their inaugural show with a bang thanks to the unique musical stylings of Chris Rene. He made me bawl during a preview screening of the show, and I was just as affected the second time around. Usually I'm a cynic when it comes to the carefully crafted "sob story" component, craftily designed to emotionally manipulate viewers, but in this case, it was a well-deserved victory for the trash collector. Not only does he have a beautiful, original voice, but he's also sickeningly talented in the songwriting department. It's only week one, but I already want to see this guy at the top.


(Be honest, were you as worried as I was that he was going to suck when he first announced the name of his original song? The judges looked terrified. This is why we must never judge a book by its cover, kids!)


2. Nici Collins
From the best to the worst in one fell swoop; there's one in every season (heck, there's one in every episode) -- the tragic case who just won't take no for an answer, so assertively, brazenly, consistently deluded that they truly believe they're god's gift to music, even when they actually sound like someone throwing a bag of weasels into a wood chipper (you're welcome for the mental image). This week, that honor went to Nici Collins, a screechy, scowling young woman with excellent taste in shoes but terrible taste in everything else, who was so perplexed by the judges' assertions that she sucked that she proceeded to stalk them around the arena so that she could argue with them some more. Yikes.



3. Marcus Canty
Who doesn't love an underdog? The 'X Factor' producers clearly saw an opportunity to use R. Kelly's 'The World's Greatest' and they would not be denied, gosh darn it! Luckily, despite the cheesily uplifting song, Marcus was thoroughly deserving of the adulation he received. Almost at the end of his two year attempt to break into the music industry, with the threat of (gasp) A Real Job looming on the horizon, this was Marcus' last ditch attempt to realize his dream, and his charisma immediately charmed both the crowd and the judges. I can even forgive the show for that infuriating teaser of him collapsing before the break, if only because the payoff was so sweet. I'm hoping Marcus Wonders all the way to the finale.



4. Geo Godly
And now we come to utter, blood-curdling ugly, courtesy of Geo Godley and his penchant for exposing himself in front of thousands of people. (Isn't that kind of illegal?) It was certainly too much for Paula to stomach, literally, as she ran from the judging table looking like she was about to throw up, and I can't exactly blame her. There are just ... no words for this.



5. Stacy Francis
Let's end on a high note with another deserving candidate, the earnest single mom Stacy, who thankfully freed herself from an abusive relationship and wants to support her kids. She wasn't necessarily the strongest voice, but the way the crowd responded to her definitely gives her the 'X Factor' -- I just hope she doesn't get lost in the shuffle as the weeks go on.


'The X Factor' airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8PM ET on Fox.

Who was your favorite performer? Did you think anyone was worse than Geo or Nici (the adorable Dan and Venita, perhaps)? Share your reactions below!