Rachel is out!
22 Nov 08
A horrible week gets even worse for Rachel
It's certainly been an eventful show - and with the judges continuing to get under each other's skin right up into the results show, it was almost too easy to forget the real reason we're hosting The X Factor tonight. No matter what happens, the competition field must be narrowed again, from six acts to five, as we send one more broken-hearted act home.
Same Difference and Rhydian performed in The X Factor results show. With these X Factor success stories about to release debut albums, it served as a reminder as to how high the standard must be. Everything is at stake on this show.
Finally, it was time for Dermot to announce which acts were saved on the show. The names came - Ruth (she screamed), Eoghan (he pogo'd), Diana (she wept), and Alexandra (she hugged Cheryl. And wept).
So Rachel found herself in the bottom two again, and for the first time, JLS stood looking worried by her side.
JLS told Dermot they would sing Stand By Me mixed with Sean Kingston's Beautiful Girl, "Because we need the whole country to stand by us," explained Marvin.
A tongue-tied Rachel said her song was "I'm not leaving". (It's actually And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going, from Dreamgirls).
Louis introduced JLS: "Four of the nicest people I've ever worked with in this competition - singing their hearts out, it's JLS".
Their mix of songs not over reached kids and grannies alike, it showed their vocal harmonies well.
Rachel, on the other hand, seemed nervous and fluffed her words but she gave a truly enormous vocal performance nevertheless.
The time for the verdicts came.
Louis said, "I totally believe in JLS and I totally believe they should stay in the competition the act I am sending home is Rachel".
Dannii said, "Rachel that was THE performance; the act I am going to send home tonight is JLS".
Cheryl said to JLS, "I love what you did guys". And she said to Rachel, "I thought that was the best I've heard you sing in the competition - but I'm going to have to send home is Rachel".
Finally, Simon huffed. "This is tough. Rachel, I've been a fan of yours ever since you came on the show but it's been three times".
"JLS, I don't think you should have been in the bottom two; that was a brilliant song choice tonight. The act I am going to send home, and I really, really, really don't like saying this, is Rachel".
Rachel, was stunned but was gracious in defeat. "I'm fine," she said. "Someone has to go home".
And her mentor Dannii was loyal to the end, saying, "An amazing girl. We've had a great time. I'm really sad to see you go".
Only five acts remain in the competition. And next week, Alexandra, Diana, Eoghan, JLS and Ruth will rely on your vote and your vote alone to keep them in the show.
Did the right act go? Have your say below!