I actually really liked it.

I agree that she oversang it at the end, but I realise she was also trying to prove what she can do, even if a song like Purple Rain doesn't need the theatrics that she brought in at the end.

It makes me a little sad to see her put her heart and soul into the performance - to put everything, creatively, on the line - and then to see Enrique sit back and talk about whether or not she could sell records in today's market.

It's not really a criticism, I get that it has to work that way. It just seems a little heartless. But then, "this is bidness" I suppose

Good luck to her - I really hope she gets the support and guidance she needs to go all the way with that lovely voice and spirit.

That was very very good

Me likes.....

Chiquetet said:

She sounded good imo.

Meh. X Factor UK had this a few years ago.

CALL ME WHEN SHE PLAYS THE SOLO.

PurpleChi said:

I must say that it was one of the best non-Prince performances I've seen of that song. I thought it was actually better than Patti LaBelle's version at the 2010 BET Awards. I agree that because it was a condensed version, she didn't have the space to bring it to its full potential, but she definitely worked with what she had.

On a side note, I tear up listening to the lyrics of that song. Even though its the most overplayed Prince song, it still touches my heart when I hear it. Thanks Prince for making such a powerful song.

I thought she did a good job too.. I was a lil nervous at first but she brought it home

davetherave6767 said:

O lord not again.........Thank fuck eye dont watch it......

Well, Dr. Funkenberry posted about it and has the vid on his site..

Stacy Francis Performs & Kills Prince’s “Purple Rain" on X-Factor

http://www.drfunkenberry....-x-factor/

Covering Prince is not the easiest thing to do, but Stacy Francis covered "Purple Rain" on X Factor pleasantly last night.

Nicole Sherzinger picked this song for Stacy, which was a ballsy call because, as I said, it is hard to cover Prince. She brought it. She has the vocals and in some places, she used her voice where it wasn't exactly needed, but it was great.

Many have tried to cover "Purple Rain" and failed. Badly. Yes, Leann Rimes, I'm talking about you. Stacy is on to the next round. No. Doubt. About. It.

Stacy Francis gets the funk pass.

Let's see; A Prince wannabe in the first few rounds of X Factor. A former protegé auditioned. Now, Stacy Francis covers "Purple Rain" by Prince. 3 Princely things in 4 weeks. I am saying it again. I will be surprised if we do not see Prince on X Factor sometime during this season.

& he knows it, I don't know Y.-.-DocFB

Diagnosis: She Can Guide Me Anywhere...For A Few Hours....

[Edited 10/14/11 7:39am]

banks said:

PurpleChi said:

I must say that it was one of the best non-Prince performances I've seen of that song. I thought it was actually better than Patti LaBelle's version at the 2010 BET Awards. I agree that because it was a condensed version, she didn't have the space to bring it to its full potential, but she definitely worked with what she had.

On a side note, I tear up listening to the lyrics of that song. Even though its the most overplayed Prince song, it still touches my heart when I hear it. Thanks Prince for making such a powerful song.

I thought she did a good job too.. I was a lil nervous at first but she brought it home

She sure did, and according to Dr. Funkenberry's report, it was Nicole Schwerzinger who picked that song for Stacy to sing.

That shit was good! That girl can SANG.....She is exactly like JHud.....give it time and she will get it. She is so excited to have this chance...you see it with every performance.

DAV123 said:

That shit was good! That girl can SANG.....She is exactly like JHud.....give it time and she will get it. She is so excited to have this chance...you see it with every performance.

That's who I thought of when Jennifer Hudson sang "I'm not going" in the Dream Girls' movie. I remember Simon Cowell basically told Jennifer Hudson, when she was a contestant on American Idol, that she basically didn't have what it takes, and after her success in the Dream Girls' movie, and an Oscar to follow, he ate his words and apologized.

[Edited 10/14/11 9:39am]

2elijah said:

I don't think he was being harsh, as he made a good point because of the the kind of bubble gum, copy~cat, talent that lasts 5 minutes these days, which the music industry seems to be promoting as talent. She'd probably be marketed in the R&B sector, and given some good songs, I think she can do well. She has that gospel voice, the type that gives you chills, when given a good song to sing, because she puts her soul and emotion into her singing, so that you can feel her vibe, at least from what I've heard from her singing since she's been on the show. Had she sang Purple Rain in front of an audience, she would have received a standing ovation. So far she's proven she has some pretty good range in her voice. I enjoyed her cover of Purple Rain. [Edited 10/14/11 7:46am]

You know, that may be why she doesn't make it all the way. Don't get me wrong--I am routing for her too, but I am not sure that R&B is going to sell that well. Look at Fantasia. She has a following, but she doesn't sell the number of records that one would expect a person holding a $5 million contract to sell. It seems like society is not into regularly listening to that kind of soulfulness these days. Even Jennifer Hudson is not as popular in the music industry as one would expect. Her second album hasn't even gone gold, has it? It just seems that people are more into edgy, fun-spirited artists. Traditional R&B just doesn't fit that mold.

As probably the only person who never liked "Purple Rain", I think she did a really good job. She definitely has to curb the screaming though. The begining of it was great, she almost made me like the song. But I guess if you really love the song, you wouldn't want anyone to touch it.

I have 2 say I enjoyed that tremendously and she killed it. This song is EXTREMELY difficult 2 perfom because it is so stongly associated with the artist and also like I have said before, if U can't play guitar U have no buisness trying to perform this song.

PurpleChi said:

2elijah said:

You know, that may be why she doesn't make it all the way. Don't get me wrong--I am routing for her too, but I am not sure that R&B is going to sell that well. Look at Fantasia. She has a following, but she doesn't sell the number of records that one would expect a person holding a $5 million contract to sell. It seems like society is not into regularly listening to that kind of soulfulness these days. Even Jennifer Hudson is not as popular in the music industry as one would expect. Her second album hasn't even gone gold, has it? It just seems that people are more into edgy, fun-spirited artists. Traditional R&B just doesn't fit that mold.

Well the views on that clip of Stacy, will probably reach 10,000 plus views in the next 2 hours or so, and that's less than 24 hours after she sang 'Purple Rain', According to some folks here, 'Purple Rain' was trending on Twitter last night. I don't know what you mean about 'not make it all they way" though She definitely has the voice, as she demonstrated well when she sang 'Purple Rain' by singing it in her own style, and putting a real, soul emphasis on it, that could give you chills. Also, don't be fooled that there's not a lot of of people listening to R&B, just because it's not at the top of the industry's list right now or being played on the radio at the level it used to be. There's so many talented, R&B/soul singers, that can really sing, and they are not like the watered-down version of R&B singers today trying to pass off as real R&B.

Jennifer Hudson was told by Simon Cowell, that he basically wasn't inspired by her singing, and doubted her heavily, and next thing you know she brings home an Oscar, for her acting/singing skills in a movie with Beyonce, in which Beyonce is known to be a popular artist in the music industry, sings fun songs.. but she didn't win, Jennifer Hudson, the r&b singer--whose singing skills was once doubted on Simon's show won.

Fantasia, I do believe did well with her first single, although struggled with the second one, and she probably does well with her music in the southern states, moreso than in the northern states.

As far as Stacy, whether she wins on X-factor or not, I believe she will do well. If she makes an album, I'm definitely buying it. I love music that moves me, where I can feel the emotion/vibe in a song.

[Edited 10/14/11 11:24am]

2elijah said:

PurpleChi said:

You know, that may be why she doesn't make it all the way. Don't get me wrong--I am routing for her too, but I am not sure that R&B is going to sell that well. Look at Fantasia. She has a following, but she doesn't sell the number of records that one would expect a person holding a $5 million contract to sell. It seems like society is not into regularly listening to that kind of soulfulness these days. Even Jennifer Hudson is not as popular in the music industry as one would expect. Her second album hasn't even gone gold, has it? It just seems that people are more into edgy, fun-spirited artists. Traditional R&B just doesn't fit that mold.

Well the views on that clip of Stacy, will probably reach 10,000 plus views in the next 2 hours or so, and that's less than 24 hours after she sang 'Purple Rain', According to some folks here, 'Purple Rain' was trending on Twitter last night. I don't know what you mean about 'not make it all they way" though. She definitely has the voice, as she demonstrated well when she sang 'Purple Rain' by singing it in her own style, and putting a real, soul emphasis on it, that could give you chills. Also, don't be fooled that there's not a lot of of people listening to R&B, just because it's not at the top of the industry's list right now or being played on the radio at the level it used to be. There's so many talented, R&B/soul singers, that can really sing, and they are not like the watered-down version of R&B singers today trying to pass off as real R&B.

Jennifer Hudson was told by Simon Cowell, that he basically wasn't inspired by her singing, and doubted her heavily, and next thing you know she brings home an Oscar, for her acting/singing skills in a movie with Beyonce, in which Beyonce is known to be a popular artist in the music industry, sings fun songs.. but she didn't win, Jennifer Hudson, the r&b singer--whose singing skills was once doubted on Simon's show won.

Fantasia, I do believe did well with her first single, although struggled with the second one, and she probably does well with her music in the southern states, moreso than in northern states.

As far as Stacy, whether she wins on X-factor or not, I believe she will do well. If she makes an album, I'm definitely buying it. I love music that moves me, where I can feel the emotion/vibe in a song.

[Edited 10/14/11 11:15am]

I just meant that one of the judges' main concerns last night was whether an artist would have commercial success. I am by no means questioning Stacy's gift--she is truly gifted. But no respectable music industry mogul is handing out $5 million contracts in hopes to sell 300,000 albums, which is where most R&B albums are topping out on the charts these days.

Jennifer Hudson winning the Oscar speaks to her success as an actor, not necessarily a singer. She has an amazing voice (again, I am not questioning the gift), but her latest album sold under 400,000. Her debut sold double that in the U.S., but that was released off the heels of winning the Oscar.

I would also buy Stacy's album as well, whether she wins this competition or not. All I am saying is that Simon is looking for the next top-selling artist, not just a phenomenal voice.

Holy smokes! That was freakin great! I approached the vid with a lot of apprehension but she blew me away! That was awesome.

2elijah said:

DoffieParker said:

she sounds amazing!. it takes a lot to pull off a purple tune, she did a great job

Agree.. She took me straight to church the way she sang it. Awesome job.

[Edited 10/13/11 21:51pm]

I thought her version was 10 times better than Ms LaBelles.

Does any one else think she's the new Patti LaBelle? I think Stacy is great.

2elijah said:

^ She was a bit nervous at first, but I have to disagree with you. She did good and that song is definitely in her lane, because she can definitely carry that song. Loved it, especially at mark 2:54, where she began to take it out of the ballpark. She did a good job. Fantastic voice. I think Prince would be proud of her.

[Edited 10/13/11 21:28pm]

PurpleChi said:

2elijah said:

Well the views on that clip of Stacy, will probably reach 10,000 plus views in the next 2 hours or so, and that's less than 24 hours after she sang 'Purple Rain', According to some folks here, 'Purple Rain' was trending on Twitter last night. I don't know what you mean about 'not make it all they way" though. She definitely has the voice, as she demonstrated well when she sang 'Purple Rain' by singing it in her own style, and putting a real, soul emphasis on it, that could give you chills. Also, don't be fooled that there's not a lot of of people listening to R&B, just because it's not at the top of the industry's list right now or being played on the radio at the level it used to be. There's so many talented, R&B/soul singers, that can really sing, and they are not like the watered-down version of R&B singers today trying to pass off as real R&B.

Jennifer Hudson was told by Simon Cowell, that he basically wasn't inspired by her singing, and doubted her heavily, and next thing you know she brings home an Oscar, for her acting/singing skills in a movie with Beyonce, in which Beyonce is known to be a popular artist in the music industry, sings fun songs.. but she didn't win, Jennifer Hudson, the r&b singer--whose singing skills was once doubted on Simon's show won.

Fantasia, I do believe did well with her first single, although struggled with the second one, and she probably does well with her music in the southern states, moreso than in northern states.

As far as Stacy, whether she wins on X-factor or not, I believe she will do well. If she makes an album, I'm definitely buying it. I love music that moves me, where I can feel the emotion/vibe in a song.

[Edited 10/14/11 11:15am]

I just meant that one of the judges' main concerns last night was whether an artist would have commercial success. I am by no means questioning Stacy's gift--she is truly gifted. But no respectable music industry mogul is handing out $5 million contracts in hopes to sell 300,000 albums, which is where most R&B albums are topping out on the charts these days.

Jennifer Hudson winning the Oscar speaks to her success as an actor, not necessarily a singer. She has an amazing voice (again, I am not questioning the gift), but her latest album sold under 400,000. Her debut sold double that in the U.S., but that was released off the heels of winning the Oscar.

I would also buy Stacy's album as well, whether she wins this competition or not. All I am saying is that Simon is looking for the next top-selling artist, not just a phenomenal voice.

No argument really, but I get what you're saying. You never know, some new artist might storm in and make a difference in getting people back interested in R&B. I don't believe there aren't people interested in R&B anymore, just that the music industry don't have long-lasting artists today, that will have classics remembered down the road, like many of the R&B singers that contributed so much in the 70s/80s. I guess that's why so many new artists today try to sample their music. The music industry can't keep them long. They get one so-called sensation, overdo them to death, and move on to the next one, and then you see so many copycats following, because they think that's what the industry wants. Just like the Beyonce clones. (i.e, Keri Hilson Ciara, Ashanti--all 3 tried to go blond like Beyonce at one time or another. )

To be honest though, about Jennifer, in my opinion she won that Oscar because of the way she sang "Jennifer Holiday's" song "I'm not leaving", which was the main part of the movie that blew everyone away, and brought tears to the moviegoers eyes. You know why? Because they felt the 'vibe' of her singing and the emotion she put into it, effortlessly, just like how Stacy's voice is. Stacy's voice is powerful, and she brings out her emotions in the way she sings a song. People like to be touched by the sound and words of a song.

Secondly, Stacy is pretty much the strongest, female constestant in that group so far. Now as far as the groups in the contest, I think "Lakoda Rayne" and "The Answer" harmonize very well, and may end up being on the list of the last, standing contestants left to compete, along with Stacy. I think record producers see some potential in Stacy's powerful voice, and both those groups I mentioned. I remember in Stacey's first audition in front of an audience she received a standing ovation, and made a whole lot of people cry. I love her singing. I'm a new fan of hers. Anyway, we'll see how it goes.

[Edited 10/14/11 13:32pm]

kewlschool said:

2elijah said:

Agree.. She took me straight to church the way she sang it. Awesome job.

[Edited 10/13/11 21:51pm]

I thought her version was 10 times better than Ms LaBelles.

Does any one else think she's the new Patti LaBelle? I think Stacy is great.

I think so. A new Patti is born. I'm sure I'm going to watch that clip a few more times. I love the way she sang "Purple Rain' so spiritually. That clip has surpassed 11,000 views so far in less than 24 hours.

[Edited 10/14/11 13:36pm]

I'm not a fan of this show (or any of the talent shows either), BUT I thought she did a really nice job with the song.. Somewhat overdone, but I guess that comes with the territory.

Nice job Stacy, best of luck.

I dunno if anyone's made this connection, but this is the same Stacey Francis that used to be in the early 90's girl-group Ex-Girlfriend.

She also performed with Prince a few times in the '90s (see the 3/22/95 performance at the Emporium).

Chiquetet said:

I actually really liked it.

I agree that she oversang it at the end, but I realise she was also trying to prove what she can do, even if a song like Purple Rain doesn't need the theatrics that she brought in at the end.

It makes me a little sad to see her put her heart and soul into the performance - to put everything, creatively, on the line - and then to see Enrique sit back and talk about whether or not she could sell records in today's market.

It's not really a criticism, I get that it has to work that way. It just seems a little heartless. But then, "this is bidness" I suppose

Good luck to her - I really hope she gets the support and guidance she needs to go all the way with that lovely voice and spirit.

I could not agree more with U.....She puts a tear in my eyes...every time she sings...This woman has a gift..and even tho throughout her life she was put down...she believed...What a great soul...Hope she continues on her path and that SOMEONE will take her under HIS wing...and so..she can finally flyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

She sings rather good, but that musical arrangement is so plastic and overblown sounding.

[Edited 10/14/11 15:33pm]

WOW!

She brought tears to my eyes!!!

Sing it GIRLLLLLLLLLLLL

Best cover of Purple Rain I've ever heard. That was friggin incredible.