Austin is out!
01 Nov 08
Austin is the fourth act to exit The X Factor.
Another week, another dream is over.
And for Austin, now evicted from the competition, this is truly a bittersweet week.
All bets were off as Austin and Rachel found themselves in the bottom two and no-one could have imagined that those two acts would have ended up there this week!
Austin stood on stage and graciously accepted Dermot's commiserations. But in an amazing twist, he will almost certainly discover that, along with the show's other acts, he will top the charts in the UK this week.
The Essex boy knows that his X Factor journey will go no further. But tomorrow's chart is expected to reveal that the single Hero, on which he performs a solo, will become the nation's best selling single of 2008.
Nevertheless the bottom two acts had to sing for survival.
A shell-shocked Austin told Dermot his survival song would be Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow by The Shirelles.
And steeled for the trauma to come, Rachel announced her choice would be No Drama by Mary J Blige.
It's true, that Rachel's performance early in the evening has seen her stumble over her words - and she has never quite found her feet as far as song choices are concerned. No-one would argue, however, that she has one of the strongest natural talents in the competition.
Austin, on the other hand, has hardly put a foot wrong on-stage in the preceding weeks. Nevertheless, Louis made a point tonight of saying he lacked "The likeability factor".
Stepping up for her survival song, Dannii announced Rachel "Really, really, appreciates the chance she has". Shoes off, Rachel strode across the stage and left behind the fancy stage antics in a bid to show off her considerable voice.
Equally, Austin kept things simple as he sang the Dirty Dancing favourite. He was singing for his showbiz life - and he knew it. By the end he was in tears - and the competitors shared a hug.
The judges earned their money in the decision. Simon said, "This is the worst case scenario. I am very fond of you and you are a talented girl. I have to keep my own artist in the competition I have to send home Rachel".
Cheryl said, "The last performance of Rachel's there was the best I've heard you sing. Rachel you haven't had a moment to shine yet - I'm going to send home Austin".
Dannii, Rachel's mentor, said, "That was a fantastic song choice. But the act I'm sending home is Austin".
And Louis held the power: he said, "Both have a lot to give the show. But I'm going to save the person who deserves a second chance. I'm have to send home Austin".
Knowing that his fate was now sealed, Austin said, "I know people haven't seen the best of me yet. And I got to sing to my mum tonight. Thanks to everyone".
Austin is out of The X Factor. And next week, just eight acts will perform in the competition.
Can you believe this week's result? Why did Austin get voted out?