Krajcik’s Magic: Josh Krajcik Advances to The X Factor’s Semifinals

Photo by Fox Broadcasting NetworkThroughout The X Factor's first U.S. season, Josh Krajcik's fans have had to endure long, dramatic pauses, excruciating commercial breaks and reality television theatrics before discovering that the soulful singer was selected once again as a favorite by America's viewers, a fact that has not escaped mom Lisa Pim's attention. 

"It's been tough," said Millersburg's Pim last week from her leased Los Angeles apartment. "He hasn't been called first at all."

But on Thursday night, Dec. 8, the energetic elbow-to-elbow Krajcicians gathered at the Olde Jaol in Wooster didn't have to wait long to find out if their beloved hometown finalist had soared above the previous night's criticism by judges Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid to advance to the competition's final four competitors. As a matter of fact, thanks to the Olde Jaol Tavern, who made special arrangements to air the show though it had been postponed until after 11 p.m. due the Cleveland Browns versus Pittsburgh Steelers game, Wooster fans were some of the first in the world to hear the results.

It had been a challenging week for Krajcik who had endured discouraging comments from both Cowell and Reid regarding the show's themed performance where Krajcik was asked to step outside of his comfort zone to perform a club hit, delivering his own raspy rendition of Rhianna's dark dance number, We Found Love, which Reid "didn't buy" and Cowell deemed an "inappropriate" song choice. Fans in the audience loudly disagreed, and when Krajcik returned to perform his second song of the night, the Beatles' "Something," it was clear that the former burrito slinger would not go down without a fight. And neither would his dedicated fans. 

"This is it, in no particular order," announced The X Factor host, Steve Jones as the Olde Jaol crowd hung on his every word, "the first act you voted into the semi-final is…Josh Krajcik!"  

Millersburg father and son The X Factor fans Tim and Kevin Roth were a full two blocks away, walking to the tavern from the corner of Liberty and Walnut, when the Olde Jaol erupted in exuberant celebration. 

"When I heard that, I knew Josh was in," Kevin Roth said. 

Thirteen-year-old sweetheart Rachel Crow was sent home in that last dramatic moments of the show.

As Krajcik continues into the final two weeks, he will vie for the spot as the very first winner of The X Factor USA, securing a recording contract and a $5 million prize. 

The X Factor next airs on Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 8-9:30 p.m., and Krajcik's success will continue to depend on viewer voting. The results show will air on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 8-9 p.m. The Olde Jaol owner Jerry Baker has made his warehouse on Enterprise Parkway available for the upcoming viewing parties to make room for the ever-increasing crowd. Contact The Olde Jaol at 330-262-3333 for details. The X Factor voting information can be found at http://www.thexfactorusa.com/faq.