Take a generous helping of soaring soundtracks, a handful of spectacular sets, a pinch of outrageous props and enough Hollywood glamour to rival the red carpet and what have you got? The perfect recipe for movie week!
So, with a bucket full of popcorn in one hand and a giant coke in the other, we switched off our mobiles and sat back to discover what the script had in store for our final eight acts...
The first leading lady to get the proceedings off to a slick start was Stacey Solomon with Son of a Preacher Man. The 21-year-old, embracing the sexy song choice, belted out the Pulp Fiction classic with style and proved once again that she can work a stage.
“It’s lovely to see you looking so sexy,” said Cheryl. “I think that was your most confident looking performance you’ve done so far.”
Simon disagreed however, claiming he didn’t “feel anything” afterwards. “I felt good!” was Stacey’s rapid response.
Essex’s other hope in the competition, Olly Murs, followed in a flurry of upbeat energy and once again the cheeky charmer was surrounded by a flock of flexing dancers. The trademark ‘Olly shuffle’ was in full swing as he danced his way through Twist and Shout, leaving his mentor delighted but sparking some debate amongst the other judges.
“Simon, why the silly song?” was Louis’ first response. Simon was quick to defend his star pupil and his choice of tune; “He put on a great show… It’s called entertainment!”
Next up and with no sign of the throat difficulties that hindered him last week was, heartthrob in residence, Lloyd Daniels. The Welsh warbler came across with renewed confidence as he sang his way through Stand By Me and demonstrated a certain flare for charming the ladies as he serenaded his beaming mentor.
But unfortunately for the 16-year-old it seems most of the panel hadn’t succumbed to his powers, with both Louis and Simon claiming he was “out of his depth” and Dannii describing it as “nice”. Ouch!
From the youngest to the most mature of our finalists, it was time for the man with the ‘fro to take to the stage with his version of Roy Orbison’s Crying. Dressed in a white t-shirt and jeans combo possibly raided from his mentor's wardrobe Jamie delivered a heartfelt rendition and once again had Simon on his feet and the compliments flowing.
“I think it was your best performance yet,” decided Louis before ranting about Simon cheating. Again.
“It was not the pub rocker,” added Dannii to Jamie’s obvious joy.
And with that it was intermission time. Four down and four to go… what could the sequel hold in store?