Welcome to Music Friday when we feature fabulous songs with jewelry, gemstones or precious metals in the lyrics or title. Today we shine the spotlight on X Factor contestant Panda Ross singing Sam Cooke’s “Bring It on Home to Me” during the talent competition’s 2012 auditions.
Ross’ vivacious personality, fabulous voice and unabashed crush on X Factor judge Simon Cowell made her appearance a memorable one. Her audition, which included two light-hearted jewelry references, was seen by a TV audience of eight million. The viral video of her performance attracted 12 million views on YouTube.
Ross flirted with Cowell as she introduced herself to the judges. “Hi Simon,” she purred. “You're my boo. I wore this necklace that says ‘Single’ just for you.”
Ross then proceeded to wow the judges with her powerful, soulful rendition of Cooke’s 1962 hit, a song is about a rejected lover hoping for a second chance. As she neared the end of the song, she injected a clever jewelry reference directed at “her boo.”
In the transition between the second and third verse, she breathlessly said, “Check this out, Simon. If I win that $5 million…”
And then, flashing a large ring on her left hand, she powered into the rest of the song, “I'll give you jewelry, money too / And that's not all, all I'll do for you / Oh, oh, bring it to me / Bring your sweet loving / Bring it on home to me.”
The studio audience went wild, the judges cheered and Cowell, seemingly embarrassed, grinned ear to ear. Judges Cowell, Demi Lovato, Britney Spears and L.A. Reid were unanimous with their “Yes” votes. Cowell told Ross she “sang like a legend.”
Ross’ wild ride to the national stage was hardly a smooth one. Born in a Huntsville, Texas, prison and raised by her grandmother in Hobbs, N.M., Ross’ troubled youth was colored by drug use and poor decisions. She served prison time and was “so near death so many times,” she said.
When she found her faith, her life turned around. Since appearing on the show 2½ years ago, Ross has lost more than 100 pounds, has furthered her vocal training and has sung in churches and other venues all over the U.S.
“I don’t have a lot of education, I don’t have a lot of anything,” she explained on her web site, “but I have a lot of personality, and it’s the gift God gave me. I just like to use that gift to brighten up people’s day.”
Ross’ performance of “Bring It on Home to Me” is guaranteed to make you smile. The full video of her X Factor appearance and song lyrics are below…
“Bring It on Home to Me”
Written by Sam Cooke. Performed by Panda Ross.
[Chorus]
If you ever change your mind
About leaving, leaving me behind
Oh, oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me
You know I laughed when you left
But now I know I've only hurt myself
Oh, oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me
I'll give you jewelry, money too
And that's not all, all I'll do for you
Oh, oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me
You know I'll always be your slave
Till I'm dead and buried in my grave
Oh, oh, bring it to me
Bring your sweet loving
Bring it on home to me
[Chorus]
Screen captures via YouTube.
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