We’ve got to hand it to the X Factor judges – they picked some really good singers for the live shows this time around.
So much so, we were a bit gutted when Dermot O’Leary announced on Sunday that FOUR acts would be leaving the programme this coming weekend.
But wait – in traditional X Factor fashion, Simon Cowell and co have performed a massive about-turn that’s sure to please the hopefuls as they prepare to hit the stage again.
The number of contestants being booted off the series this round has been halved – with one being axed on Saturday night, the other on Sunday night.
“Simon thinks it’s unfair to cut the numbers so drastically when contestants are doing so well,” a source told The Sun.
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“The talent this year is exceptional, and with less weeks of live shows, producers want to give them more time to shine and more time for the audiences to pick their favourites.”
Spencer Sutherland, Talia Dean, Leon Mallett and Tracy-Leanne Jefford have all been voted off the show so far.
Grace Davies received the highest number of public votes after the first live show, but it remains to be seen whether she can maintain her popularity following negative comments in a tabloid newspaper this week.
A source told the Mirror that the 19-year-old “acts like she has already won and is a big star.
“All her manners seem to have gone, and since winning the opening week she has developed a bit of an attitude. It needs to stop.”
Another contestant who’ll be pleased about this week’s elimination twist is Lloyd Macey.
The Welshman, 23, has wowed fans with his velvet tones and semi-operatic delivery. But he has no illusions about the task ahead.
Speaking at last night’s ITV Gala event in London – before the elimination news had been announced – he said: “It’s tough and the competition is strong, but hopefully I won’t be one of the four to go.”
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This week’s theme is the songs of the late, great George Michael, and Lloyd will be singing A Different Corner.
We’re sure he’ll be different class.