Christopher Dean "Chris" Rene (born December 25, 1982) is an American singer-songwriter, musician and producer from Santa Cruz, California. He had been in a band called Diversion and also had a solo career, including the album Soul'd Out. Chris auditioned for the first season of The X Factor USA with one of his original compositions "Young Homie" and was one of the finalists during season one, with LA Reid as his mentor. He finished third overall in the competition, behind winner Melanie Amaro and runner-up Josh Krajcik. He is most popular in New Zealand, with his single "Young Homie" reaching number one in the New Zealand charts.
X Factor Performances[]
Performance
Theme
Song
Original Artist
Result
Audition
Free Choice
"Young Homie"
Chris Rene
Through to Bootcamp
Bootcamp 1
Judge's Choice
"Sexual Healing"
Marvin Gaye
Advanced
Bootcamp 2
Judge's Choice
"What's Going On"
Marvin Gaye
Advanced
Bootcamp 3
Free Choice
"Every Breath You Take"
The Police
Through to Judges' Houses
Judges' Houses
Solo
"Everyday People"
Sly and the Family Stone
Through to Live Shows
Week 1
Judge's Choice
"Love Don't Live Here Anymore"
Rose Royce
Saved By LA Reid
Week 2
Judge's Choice
"Superstar"
Delaney & Bonnie
Safe (7th)
Week 3
Songs from Movies
"Gangsta's Paradise"
Coolio/L.V.; Dangerous Minds
Safe (7th)
Week 4
Rock
"No Woman No Cry"/"Everything's Gonna Be Alright"
Bob Marley & The Wailers/Sweetbox
Safe (5th)
Week 5
Giving Thanks
"Let It Be"/"Young Homie"
The Beatles/Chris Rene
Safe (5th)
Week 6
Michael Jackson
"I'll Be There"
The Jackson 5
Safe (3rd)
Week 7
Dance Music Hits
"Live Your Life"
T.I./Rihanna
Safe (2nd)
Week 7
"Save Me" Songs
"Where Do We Go from Here"
Chris Rene
Safe (2nd)
Semi Finals
Pepsi Challenge Songs
"Fly"
Sugar Rush
Safe (2nd)
Semi Finals
N/A
"No One"
Alicia Keys
Safe (2nd)
Finals
Celebrity Duet
"Complicated"
Avril Lavigne
Third Place
Finals
5 Million Dollar Songs
"Young Homie"
Chris Rene
Third Place
Finale
Christmas Songs
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
Judy Garland
Third Place
Trivia[]
He had been 70 days out of rehab when he auditioned and has remained sober ever since.
His job before X Factor was a garbage hauler.
He was the oldest contestant in the Boys category.
