Lazar's Halls Buzz with Talk of InTENsity

Join a live chat about "The X Factor" on Montville Patch at 8 p.m. Warren Patch readers, who have in the group, also are invited to join the conversation.

eighth-grader Emily Michalak has been appearing each week on Fox TV's "The X Factor."

First, Emily, 13, by . Then—in an "X Factor" twist—judges combined her and other stand-out singers ages 12 to 17 in a 10-member group called InTENsity.

The group impressed their mentor, Paula Abdul, at her home. They made the cut again during last week's show, the first episode to feature live performances.

The hallways at Lazar Middle School have been buzzing with talk of the show.

"Everyone is talking about it," said Lazar principal Sharon Carr, who has been watching and rooting for Emily from home. She said they are proud of her and wishing her well.

"She has been blessed with an incredible talent," Carr said.

InTENsity has made it to the semifinals, but now they have to impress a different group: the viewers.

Beginning with Wednesday's broadcast, viewers can vote for their favorite performers up to 50 times.