Before stepping onto The X Factor USA stage, Emblem3 had already developed a unique sound that blended pop, reggae, rock, and hip-hop. The trio—made up of brothers Wesley and Keaton Stromberg along with their friend Drew Chadwick—arrived at the auditions determined to stand out from the crowd. Instead of performing a well-known hit, they chose to sing their original song, “Sunset Blvd,” immediately showing the judges their creativity and musical identity.
Their audition quickly captured the attention of the panel. The group’s laid-back California vibe, catchy harmonies, and confident stage presence made them one of the most memorable acts of the season. The judges praised their originality and potential, and the performance earned four enthusiastic “yes” votes, sending them through to the next stage of the competition.
The audition became the beginning of an incredible journey for Emblem3 on the show. They continued to impress throughout the competition, eventually reaching the live shows and finishing in fourth place. Even though they did not win The X Factor, their audition introduced them to millions of viewers and helped launch a successful music career, making “Sunset Blvd” one of the most iconic original-song auditions in the show’s history.
