Will Chris Rene 'Fly' into the 'X-Factor' Finale?

We've been here before: an unlikely Santa Cruz man comes out of the woodwork and makes a big splash on a FOX singing competition.

Last time it was James Durbin, who in May ." Now , the recovering drug addict and former garbage man, has reached the But can Rene surpass Durbin's fourth place finish? Wednesday's performances were his best effort at doing so.

Each contestant sang twice throughout the show's 90-minute span. For his first number, chosen by online voters, Rene sang Sugar Ray's late-90s hit "Fly," to mixed reviews.

Judges Paula Abdul, Nicole Scherzinger and LA Reid all gave positive feedback. Predictably, Simon Cowell was more critical.

"I love the choice of song, but it wasn’t your best vocals yet," he said. "My advice: There is $5 million on the line. Come back out with more conviction and more focus."

And with his second showing, a take on "No One" by Alicia Keys, he attempted just that.

Before the song began, Rene revealed his final memories of his father, who had tried to help him get clean. Then, dressed the most dapperly that we've seen him yet, Rene began his song behind a piano. As the second verse kicked in, so did the energy, as a gospel feel with a hip-hop beat took over.

"You delivered big time," Cowell said. "Your dad would be incredibly proud. You've got heart."

Do you think Chris Rene deserves a spot in next week's finale? Will he garner enough fan support to get there? Vote in the poll below and tell us what you think in the comments!