Watch CBS News

Westchester County Teen A Semi-Finalist On 'The X Factor'

MAMARONECK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - A local teenager is a semi-finalist on this season of the popular singing competition show 'The X Factor.'

Carly Rose Sonenclar, 13, is from Mamaroneck and has been blowing the judges of the Fox show away with her vocals. Some have called her a prodigy with God-given talent.

Sonenclar is part of Britney Spears' team.

WCBS 880's Sean Adams reports

Podcast

"It's been a pretty surreal experience and I've just been trying to enjoy every moment," Sonenclar told WCBS 880's Sean Adams.

The eighth grader has already been on Broadway, performing in Les Miserables.

"For me, I'm lucky enough to have the correct training so I know when enough is enough and basically, my restrictions of my voice. So, it's taken a lot of work to get to this point, but I feel very happy that I did that now because I think it's helped me a lot," Sonenclar told Adams.

'Carly's Angels,' the teen's voting bloc, has been calling and texting in votes each week.

The teenager said her nerves have not gotten to her, despite performing each week in front of a national television audience.

"If you're not connecting with the song, then you'll be thinking about each word, singing it a certain way and singing the note a certain way. But I try not to do that because that's when I get too much in my head. I try just to trust the fact that I've rehearsed enough and then just let myself go," Sonenclar told Adams.

Sonenclar is one of four acts left in the competition. America's votes following Wednesday's performance show will determine which contestants will move on to the finals.

The winner of season two of 'The X Factor' will be announced on Dec. 20 and will win a $5 million record deal.

Have you been watching "The X Factor" this season? Do you think Carly will win? Share your comments below...

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.