Chris Rene Tackles 'I'll Be There' on Michael Jackson Week

On the same day that Conrad Murray, the man convicted of the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson, was sentenced to four years in jail, FOX celebrated the King of Pop with a night of his music on "The X-Factor."

With MJ's kids in the live studio audience, Santa Cruz garbage man performed "I'll Be There" by the Jackson 5, a hit that was later famously covered by Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz.

"When I heard it was Michael Jackson week, I was really excited because my family has a connection to him," Rene said in a video package before his performance. "My grandfather was a songwriter. He wrote 'Rockin' Robin' and then the Jackson 5 picked that song."

In a bedazzled letterman jacket with an M on the left breast, which judge Paula Abdul called his best look of the season, Rene crooned the lyrics over a hip-hop beat. As has become standard, he kicked in with a self-penned rap second verse, before jumping back in with the "Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter" final refrain.

With the exception of Simon Cowell, the judging panel was once again pleased with Rene's showing.

"What's so amazing about Michael Jackson is that you always feel his spirit though his music, and I felt your spirit tonight and it was so beautiful," Nicole Scherzinger said.

In his criticism, Cowell called on Rene's Santa Cruz faithful to keep him in the competition, into next week's top five round.

"The vocal was a little shaky at the top," he said. "When the rap kicked in, it was much, much better. I think you're going to need a lot of support from your home town tonight."

To vote for Rene, call 855-843-9306. Watch his performance by clicking the play button above. 

Did you watch Rene's performance? Do you think he'll make it to the next round? Tell us in the comments!