Arts & Entertainment

Will Michigan's Jeff Gutt Grab $1 Million 'X Factor' Prize?

Michigan is fired up for Thursday's finale of "The X Factor," where Detroit area musician Jeff Gutt is one of three finalists for a $1 million recording contract. You can still support him.

If you’re a fan of music – or just dreams coming true – set your DVR for part deux of the “The X Factor “ finale tonight. Before the two-hour show is over, your neighbor Jeff Gutt may have claimed a $1 million recording contract.

There’s still time to support the hometown guy: Vote here.

Gutt, 37, is among three finalists competing for the contract. Also in the hunt are Carlito Olivero and the duo Alex & Sierra. The winner will be crowned tonight. Watch it locally at 8 p.m.  on Fox (WJBK-TV, Channel 2).

Find out what's happening in Birminghamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Or head down to a watch party.

“The X Factor” is livestreaming shots from Ciccarelli’s Sports Bar Theater at 46793 Hayes RD, Shelby Twp., MI 48315, beginning at 8 p.m. tonight. Details here.

Find out what's happening in Birminghamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In Clinton Township, The Detroit Pub at 33401 Happer Ave., will host a watch party, and LiveDetroitTV will broadcast.

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Do you know of another watch party? Tell us about it below in the comments.

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MTV said Gutt “didn’t do himself any favors” with younger voters by choosing classics from decades before they were born, including "Dream On" from Aerosmith’s debut 1973 album, and “Creep,” a 21-year-old song that “even its artist, Radiohead, has all but disavowed.”

But judge Simon Cowell praised his authenticity.

"For me, this is the very, very first time where I actually believe that you believe that you can win the show. Everything just felt authentic," he said. "Sometimes when we get these rockers on these shows, they're like fake Rolex watches you buy in Hong Kong, right? And I know the real thing. And I think you're the real thing."

"That was amazing," Demi Lovato said after she and other judges gave Gutt a sanding ovation. "I feel like this is a stadium performance. It was incredible. I think you have what it takes."

Gutt's mentor, judge Kelly Rowland, drew from her experience working with the artist and said he gave a life-changing performance for his son, Talon.

"Watching you grow the past couple of weeks has been my heart's joy ... Take home that win for Talon ... You can change that life."

Talon is Gutt’s son.

A single dad, Gutt’s is a familiar voice in the Metro Detroit music scene, appearing several nights a week as the frontman for Band With No Name at Tin Fish in The Mall at Partridge Creek.

He took then 3-year-old Talon to “The X Factor” auditions in Greensboro, NC, where the toddler heard Dad sing for the first time.

“I really want him to grow up and be proud of his father,” Gutt told Patch at the time.

A recording contract would help him secure a better future for his son, he said.

And, he added, “This is my last chance to make all my dreams come true.”

>>> Read Jeff Gutt’s bio, watch videos and learn more here.



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