"X Factor" finalists back to roots with audition songs

LOS ANGELES: The three finalists of TV contest "The X Factor" went back to their roots on Wednesday, each performing their first audition songs as they battled for votes and a $5 million recording contract.

Power ballad singer Melanie Amaro, 19, belted out Beyonce's hit "Listen," while 30-year-old rocker Josh Krajcik played guitar for a pared-down version of the Etta James classic "At Last."

Recovering drug addict Chris Rene, 28, performed his original rap song "Young Homies" that captivated judges at his September audition and has since racked up more than 10 million views on YouTube.

The winner will be decided by public votes and announced at the end of a two-hour live show on Thursday that will feature performances by teen idol Justin Bieber, rapper Pitbull and R&B singer Ne-Yo.