X Factor Shocker: Chris Rene "Young Homie" Shines

An "X Factor" shocker already in just one episode? You didn't really expect FOX to put a lid on one of the best auditions we've seen on such a show in recent memories, did you? Chris Rene didn't provide just one shocker of an audition-he absolutely shined with his original song "Young Homie." When viewers want to know what happened on "X Factor" last night-they'll need to know just two words-Chris Rene.

In case you missed it, you can see the entire Chris Rene audition here on YouTube. Surprisingly, the Chris Rene YouTube audition only had around 6,000 hits by this morning. Perhaps that's because there are already several versions of his sparkling audition on YouTube. That might mean that the talkability of this young performer will grow by leaps and bounds as he continues to perform. It was that good.

Rene, who said he hauls trash for a living, is a former drug addict who just recently became clean and exited rehab(by his own confession.) Rene says he's from Santa Cruz, California and is hoping to win the 5 million dollars to help support his 2 year old son. Rene, who was accompanied by his brother on the show, was absolutely the highlight of an otherwise average opening night. There were several terrific auditions-but nothing close to the finish of the show with Rene.

His original song "Young Homie" seemed to move the judges and audience to an extent we haven't seen on shows like this in some time. Rene was certainly introspective with this tune that seemed to reflect the hardships he has faced(whether brought on by his own mistakes or the overwhelming obstacles we all face in life.)

"It would mean stability for me(and my son," Rene said about possibly winning the 5 million dollar grand prize. Rene admitted to using drugs at an early age and battling the consequential disease of addiction. But his performance was squeaky clean and surprisingly more refreshingly original than most who seem to just mimic other singers.

"Life is too precious to waste," Rene said as he explained why he wants to win "X Factor." Rene certainly didn't waste much time impressing the judges with his rap/pop song which mirrored a confession of his past mistakes. It was honest, enjoyable and the story of a man who admits his mistakes and hopes to now move on for a brighter future. The story was, in this case, eqivalent to the quality of the music.

The judges easily sent him on to the next round. America probably won't be asking "who is Chris Rene" much longer after his incredible shocker of a performance on the "X Factor" debut. He'll be one of the favorites in the predictions and picks made by analysts(such as myself) in the weeks to come-especially if he continues to improve and bring "real" performances to the stage. Perhaps the only question for this young performer is what will he follow up "Young Homie" with?

L.A. Reid, a rap and pop producer who has worked with Kanye West and Jay-Z, provided Rene with some inspiring words after his performance. "You are the truth," Reid said as the audience applauded with delight. Simon Cowell echoed the thought. "Always my favorite feeling in the world as I sit in this chair," he said, "and I meet a star for the first time."

You can watch the "X Factor" shocker of a performance here on YouTube. If this Chris Rene performance is any indication of what is to come, we are in for a treat this year on "X Factor." Overall, the debut was interesting and had some decent performances-but Rene was easily the best and producers of the show utilized the "Young Homie" original as the final act(as if to leave us waiting for more). I'll have to admit it seems like the next Chris Rene performance will certainly worth waiting for. And by the way-the answer to that question, "who is Chris Rene?" He's the guy who just catapulted himself into the role of "X Factor" favorite-at least for now.