Chris Rene, (28, Santa Cruz, CA) stunned the judges and audience of X Factor alike with a rendition of his original melodic hip-hop track “Young Homie.” Songfacts reports that his rendition earned him a standing ovation from the audience and three of the four judges. Rene was mentored by Epic Records CEO L.A. Reid during the competition’s live shows and sang “Young Homie” again during the final. He finished third overall in the competition.