Chris Rene Makes Simon Cowell a Believer on 'X-Factor'

After in the live arena on FOX's "The X-Factor," this week was a chance for Santa Cruz garbage man Chris Rene to either break through the threshold into the show's group of front-runners, or to fall into the group of second-tier mediocrity.

After a remixed version of Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" in the top 11 show on Wednesday, it appears Rene is sitting just where he wants to be in the competition.

In a video package before his performance, viewers saw Rene with his mother who had come to Los Angeles to visit her son.

"It was heartbreaking for her to watch me go through my addiction," said Rene, who now has more than six months of sobriety. "She's just proud that I made it through the struggle and I'm a stronger man today because of it."

Donning his signature fedora along with a black leather jacket and white t-shirt, Rene took on "Gangsta's Paradise," replacing the chorus refrain with Stevie Wonder's original "Pastime Paradise" and his own lyrics throughout the verses.

"Skater boy, Santa Cruz, that's how I'm livin'," he said in the first verse, though most of the song referenced his recent lifestyle change.

While the vocal moments of the chorus were the lowlight compared to his stellar rap delivery in the verses, the judges were ecstatic nonetheless.

"It's glorious seeing you in your element," Paula Abdul said. "Tonight you were real, you were honest and you were amazing."

Simon Cowell, who had earlier been explicit in hoping to see Rene back in his , was equally as excited.

"All I can say is welcome back Chris Rene because this is what we loved about you," he said.

Tune into "The X-Factor" on Thursday at 8 p.m. to see if Rene advances to the top 10.

What did you think of Rene's performance? Do you think he deserves to make the top 9? Tell us in the comments!