It seemed as though the 'X Factor' mentors had a far better grasp of this week's nebulous theme of "songs that give thanks" than they did of "rock" or "songs from movies," but were you thankful for the performances?

Paula spent two hours in a perpetual state of teary-eyed incoherence (no change there), Astro was ... vaguely repentant over last week's "incident," and were it not for Paula and Nicole, I think Simon and L.A. would've started a slap-fight over Drew's performance. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Hit the jump for our verdict on this week's especially tearful thankful installment, and weigh in on your favorite performances.

After weeks spent shaking our heads at the judges' questionable contestant choices, the power is finally in America's hands this week, with the Top 12 'X Factor' finalists competing for your votes to remain in the competition. And, since the show was officially renewed for a second season earlier today, expect to see a whole lot more of those questionable contestant choices to come.

We got a taste of the production value and format last week, but that was just a dry run, and this week, a mediocre performance could score any act a one-way ticket back home.

Which acts brought their A-game and which were content to coast on audience goodwill in the first week of voting? Will Stacy Francis' negative press affect her chances, or are audiences more likely to target Astro for being the only rapper in a singing contest?

Join us after the jump for our verdict.

There were some controversial choices made during the judges' houses round of 'The X Factor,' but our mentors had the chance to right many wrongs with this week's live elimination show, as each category had to narrow their finalists down to three in order to proceed to America's vote next week.

Up until tonight, the groups seemed like the weakest category by a mile, but smart song choices and confident choreography helped Paula up the ante and raise her category to the standard of the soloists -- though I doubt even the smooth moves of the Stereo Hogzz can compete with the likes of Drew, Josh or Stacy.

Join us after the jump to find out who made it into the top 12 to compete for your votes next week.

Already an international sensation, Simon Cowell finally managed to bring 'The X Factor' (Wed., 8PM ET on FOX) stateside, and while it's expected to get massive ratings for this premiere, featuring the returns of Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul together, along with L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger and ever-so-briefly Cheryl Cole.

But as much as Cowell might wish it weren't so, it's about the contestants they manage to find. And while Chris Rene, who was 70 days sober and trying to turn his life around, blew everyone away with a heartfelt original performance, it was another contestant who perhaps best personified what makes 'The X Factor' different.