'X Factor': InTENsity Brings It, Advances

In the first live episode of "The X Factor," the 10 members of InTENsity performed a high-energy rendition of "Footloose" that producer Simon Cowell called a "music miracle."

The group includes Emily Michalak, an eighth-grader at who became a member of the group after auditioning for the show over the summer and as a solo artist. The judges told the young performers they were getting booted from the show, only to bring them together as a group.

In Montville, classmates, parents and the school principal say they are rooting for Emily and InTENsity—which

After InTENsity's performance Tuesday, the judges were impressed.

"For a group that's been put together, I felt like you guys have grown together really well, you've gelled and that was thoroughly entertaining," said judge L.A. Reid.

Judge Nicole Scherzinger told the group, "You're like my little pumpkin patch of yummy pumpkins."

"That was the equivalent of a music miracle," Cowell said. "Here are all of you who've been thrown out of the competition, you've got a couple of weeks to get together. ... I love the fact that you included 'Footloose,' which is very current right now. From a record company perspective, I'd look at you and say, 'I've got the new, young "Glee" in front of me.' ... I think there's a fan base for you. You bring energy."

Their mentor, Paula Abdul, told the group they rose to the occasion after hours of training and she was very proud.