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X Factor Wrap Party: Scuffles, Faux Jobs and a Load of Pants
Not a huge amount of pants, to be fair; Kitty's were on display for a change, while Frankie (yes, he was invited for some reason - most likely to create a news story, and he did) got his entire arse out while partaking in the scuffle mentioned in the title.
Here he is being held back from doing an undignified dance with a photographer by Jonjo. If Jonjo was so concerned, you'd think he would've given his best mate a hand and reefed up his trousers. He'll get a cold in his kidneys.
As it happens, Jonjo got questioned by the police 'cause he "kicked a snapper, and broke his camera and finger. The police were called, but after speaking to Jonjo for over 30 minutes, they let the singer carry on with his night." Which is nice, particularly for Marcus, who Jonjo then treated to a faux job.
Winners Little Mix were nowhere to be seen, probably tucked up in bed in their jammies singing harmonised lullabies.
Also featured: Misha B, Craig, Amelia Lily, No Vibe, James, Sophie and a man friend, The Risk, Dermot, Caroline, Bip Ling, and Tulisa and Fazer.
Sheena McGinley
Tulisa Wins The X Factor. Well, Pretty Much
Little Mix, by way of Tulisa, made X Factor history last night by being the first girldband to ever win the competition. That appears to be the opening line most news outlets are going with this morning.
Tulisa's "little muffins" (is it just me that finds that moniker wrong) seemed to be the only shocked people on the planet when Dermot made the announcement. Then he made the mistake of shoving the mic firstly in Leigh-Anne's face, who looked at it for a while, before uttering "oh my god, wow". Then he swiftly moved it along to one of the more articulate members of the group, Jade, who said: "We are just so so grateful and thankful to everyone who voted and to everyone backstage", while Jesy added: "Oh my god this is never going to sink in. We cannot thank the public enough."
In hindsight, Leigh-Anne had every reason to be flabbergasted. Only a few months back, nobody knew who she was and last night she found herself standing onstage in Wembley Arena, singing in front of an audience of 10,000 people, without losing the run of her bodily functions. That's commendable.
To be honest, I didn't watch the whole of the final as a Christmas tree urgently needed wrestling down from the attic in a relative's house. Then the local needed visiting. Luckily for me, it took four hours spanning two days to announce that Little Mix had won the X Factor, so I managed to catch the final hour last night. Apparently I missed Simon Cowell ringing from sunny LA; Goldie Cheung putting on a(n a)rousing performance; Dermot's last dance, some very impressive leapfrogging from Jesy; several (well dodgy) outfit changes; and Amelia Lily getting her marching orders on Saturday night. Leona Lewis's contribution was also missed, which was most unfortunate *punches air*
Never fear, though, I did catch Westlife's performance. Yay. I also got to marvel at Louis Walsh and his ability to look like the interior of a jewellery box, as well as Chris Martin profusely sweating after one amazing light show. And, joy of all joys, I got to listen to Damien Rice's Cannonball no less than three times. Never been a fan of Damien's. Whenever I hear any of his drones, I'm greeted with the image of him in a massive wooly jumper languishing across the reception desk in Windmill Lane (might've mentioned I worked there once or 29 times). Not sure why this was surprising, but it was. There he was, physically lying across the desk moaning about something or other for about half an hour. Then, to stop the groaning, one of the sound engineers chirpily asked him where (then girlfriend) Lisa Hannigan was, he mumbled "She's out in the car." "Bring her in!" I said. "Meh, she's grand." Soooound. Anyway, he's going to make a lot of money this Christmas, fair play to him. See, you didn't get a blow by blow review of The X Factor final, but you did get a useless Damien Rice anecdote.
Caroline, our official X Factor mouthpiece, is currently sifting through 300+ emails, 'cause that's the downside of going on holidays. She might throw her two cents in regarding the final, as she actually watched it, later this afternoon. Until then, there's a load of photos for your viewing pleasure.
Sheena McGinley
Little Mix take X Factor crown
Little Mix have made X Factor history by becoming the first group to win the title.
Mentored by Tulisa Contostavlos, the band scooped the crown in front a 10,000-strong audience at Wembley Arena in north London with millions more watching the ITV show live on television.
The band, made up of Jade Thirlwall, 18, Perrie Edwards, also 18, Jesy Nelson, 20, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 19, beat Liverpudlian Marcus Collins to the title.
The girls and their mentor looked stunned when host Dermot O'Leary announced the result with Leigh-Anne only managing to say "oh my god, wow".
Jade added: "We are just so so grateful and thankful to everyone who voted and to everyone backstage."
Asked when the news would sink in, Jesy said: "Oh my god this is never going to sink in. We cannot thank the public enough."
Runner-up Marcus said the band "really deserve" the title, adding that they are "amazing".
The girls, who had never met before being put together as a band, are representing different parts of the UK within the group with Jesy from Essex, Leigh-Anne from London and Jade and Perrie from South Shields, Tyne and Wear.
They have walked away from the talent show with a recording contract and will now release their winner's single, a rendition of Damien Rice's Cannonball, in a bid to top the charts with a Christmas number one.
The two finalists reunited with other acts from the series, including Janet Devlin, Misha B and Craig Colton to kick off tonight's show.
For their first solo performance the two acts sang their favourite song of the series and Marcus, a 23-year-old hairdresser from Crosby, kicked off with Jackie Wilson's Higher and Higher.
Marcus, wearing a fuschia pink shirt and jacket, was accompanied by a gospel choir.
He said: "This is such an important song to me, it really gives me a boost everytime I listen to it. It made me realise, clear as day, that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life."
Following the performance judge Louis Walsh said: "You are a born little pop star. Soulful, amazing, likeable, you've got it all, man."
Tulisa added: "That definitely was your best song of the series and it is even better now than the first time you performed it. You look like a star standing up there tonight and I predict a very bright future for you."
Kelly Rowland said she hoped he know how "bright and big" his future was and she was "so happy" he had made it to the final.
His mentor Gary Barlow added: "Once again well done and congratulations on another amazing performance. You can sing, you can move and actually in the history of the X Factor I can't remember a finalist or a winner that takes hold of a stage like you do and shines even amongst 40 people."
Marcus said he was "so grateful and so lucky" to be in the talent show's final.
Little Mix chose Don't Let Go by En Vogue as their favourite song, which reduced Kelly to tears.
She said: "I'm sorry crying but I'm just so happy for you all because I remember where you started. The public needs to vote for Little Mix. Love you guys."
Louis predicted that by this time next year the girls would be the biggest girl band in the UK "by a mile".
He added: "You've the vote, you've got the chemistry, you've got the work ethic, you've got Tulisa and the public are going to love you."
Gary said: "I'm so happy you came back tonight with that song. This is definitely your direction. Great performance tonight, well done.
Their mentor passionately pleaded with the public to pick up the phone and vote for the group to help them lift the title.
Following the performance Jesy said: "Never ever in a billion years did we think this would be happening, we are so lucky to be here, we are so thankful to be here."
The next theme was Christmas songs and Collins performed Last Christmas by Wham!, with Little Mix choosing the classic Silent Night.
Both acts then made a final bid to win the public's vote with their rendition of the winner's single.
Before he performed Marcus said: "Standing outside and doing my first audition I never dreamt I would get this far.
"I can't believe the things that I have achieved in such a short space of time. It really has just turned my life around. I really want to make sure I go on to win this. I've worked so hard, I don't want to let anyone down."
Louis said: "Every week you've never let us down. If I was looking for the perfect pop star and put everything into a computer I would get Marcus Collins. You've got everything and you've done everything you can possibly do."
Tulisa said: "Marcus, you really do have everything, the voice, you have the star quality, you have the personality and most of all you have one of the most beautiful smiles I have ever seen. That performance was as beautiful as your smile."
Kelly added: "That was such a beautiful, emotional performance tonight and I can tell how bad you want this and I want it for you so I want everyone to vote."
An emotional Gary looked to be welling up following his act's performance.
He said: "Wow, what a performance that was. So strange, I would never have picked that song for you and you sing it so beautifully. I really hope that's not the last time we hear that song, that should be the winner's song tonight."
In a video which looked back over Little Mix's X Factor journey Jesy said she had found her "three best friends and being with these girls has changed my life".
Perrie said: "This competition means everything. It's been the best experience of my life. Now that we've got this far we know that we can do it."
Following their performance Louis said: "I'm getting emotional, Tulisa is getting emotional, you are getting emotional. The reason we are getting emotional is because four little pop princesses have been born. This is the next big girl band that can win the X Factor."
Kelly told the girls how "dynamic" they looked together and Gary added that they managed to put a Little Mix twist on the song.
Tulisa said: "Jade, you are the most adorable person I've ever known. Jesy, you are the most inspiring I've met, Leigh-Anne, you remind me of myself years ago, and Perrie, you were just born a star. I love all of you."
Following their final performance the acts were shown a montage of clips from their supporters, including their families and a few famous faces.
Singer Robbie Williams got behind Marcus, while Jessie J and TV presenter Holly Willoughby were supporting Little Mix.
Little Mix are second favourites to take the Christmas number one slot in the charts following their X Factor win, Ladbrokes said.
The girl band are trailing behind the Military Wives, who are 1/2 favourites, in the race to top the festive charts.
The single, written and originally recorded by Irish folk singer Rice, will be released digitally within hours of the end of the show on sites including iTunes, Play.com, Amazon.com and HMV.com.
The CD is expected on shop shelves by Wednesday.
Hair factor Louis' £30k transplant
X Factor judge Louis Walsh has admitted having a hair transplant, it has emerged.
According to the Mirror, the Irish music manager opted for the operation - which costs a reported £30,000 - after show boss Simon Cowell taunted him over his hair loss.
The procedure is said to have involved taking hair from the back of his head and implanting it in places where it was thinning.
Walsh, 59, described it as "maintenance".
He is quoted by the newspaper as saying: "It's not a wig or a syrup of figs or an Irish jig.
"It's just me with my own hair, feeling better.
"It's like going to the doctor and getting something done to your heart before it goes."
Millions are expected to tune into the X Factor final this weekend, but fans may not notice the results of the transplant immediately.
Walsh says it will take about a year before the transplanted hair comes through fully.
He reportedly decided to go public after stars including Wayne Rooney, actor James Nesbitt and Dancing On Ice judge Jason Gardiner all confessed to having the treatment.
Amelia falls at the final hurdle
X Factor finalist Amelia Lily has fallen at the final hurdle in the competition as she was booted out of the show in third place.
Mentored by Kelly Rowland, Amelia got the lowest number of votes from the public following two performances in front of 10,000 people at Wembley Arena, in north London.
Girl band Little Mix and Liverpudlian Marcus Collins will now go head-to-head in tomorrow night's show to battle it out for the X Factor crown in the second instalment of the final.
The 17-year-old comeback kid from Nunthorpe in Middlesbrough vowed that this "wasn't the last of Amelia Lily".
She said: "Can I just say thank you to everyone who voted me back into the competition. My ambition was to get to the final and I did it."
Little Mix and their mentor Tulisa Contostavlos screamed and leapt in the air before hugging each other as their names were called as the first act to go through to tomorrow's show by host Dermot O'Leary.
The band, made up of Jade Thirlwall, 18, Perrie Edwards, also 18, Jesy Nelson, 20, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 19, have made history by becoming the first girl band to make it to the ITV show's final.
Marcus, a 23-year-old hairdresser from Crosby, was swung round in the air by his mentor Gary Barlow when Dermot said his name.
The finalists all teamed up with their mentors on stage tonight to perform, in another first for the talent show.
Marcus said his duet of Billy Joel's She's Always A Woman To Me with Gary Barlow was dedicated to his mother who he "couldn't have done it without".
Following the performance Gary said: "Marcus has been incredible. One of the great things about Marcus is he listens and he takes on board everything you say and he comes back next week even better."
Marcus said the experience had been "an absolute dream come true" and "unforgettable".
Little Mix sang an Alicia Keys medley of If I Ain't Got You and Empire State Of Mind with Tulisa as their "fifth member".
Tulisa described the four girls as "true, honest, genuine and talented" and said they "deserve this more than anyone".
Jade added: "We wouldn't have wanted to duet with anybody else. This has just been the most amazing day of all our lives and we couldn't be happier doing it with Tulisa."
The final pair to perform were Kelly and Amelia who sang the soul classic River Deep - Mountain High.
Amelia said: "I couldn't have asked for a better mentor. This lady has been the biggest person in my life right now and she is just an incredible inspiration to me. To perform on this stage with her tonight was one of the best moments of my life."
Her mentor said she was "a born superstar".
The judges were full of praise for the three finalists following their solo performances.
Marcus sang Hey Ya by Outkast in front of a fake jumbo jet with backing dancers dressed as air hostesses and runway controllers.
Louis Walsh, the only mentor not to have a finalist in the competition, said: "You're what this show is all about - finding somebody young with talent. You tick every single box. I think you're a born pop star."
Kelly added that it was a "great performance" and Tulisa told him to "enjoy every moment of this because you deserve it".
Gary said: "Congratulations for another amazing performance tonight. It's such a pleasure working with you. I love spending time with you. Well done."
Little Mix arrived on stage on the back of motorbikes to sing their version of Candi Staton's You've Got the Love.
Louis Walsh said: "I love everything about you. The voices, the chemistry, the energy and I love the fact that Tulisa loves you more than anybody else. So girl power back in the charts, vote for Little Mix now."
Kelly told the girls they were "something incredibly special" and they should get used to being on stage with people screaming their names.
Gary added: "I think it's amazing that three months ago you guys didn't even know each other and take it from someone who has been in a band for many years, the two ingredients that make a successful band is friendship, which you have. Also, hard work, because being four of you, it's four times the amount of work with vocal harmonies, spacing on stage. You've dealt with it all brilliantly."
Their mentor pleaded with their fans to take them all the way to the title.
Amelia, who reached the final despite being voted off by her mentor in the first week of live shows, sang Christina Aguilera's Ain't No Other Man.
The student returned to the competition when a public vote brought her back to replace disgraced Frankie Cocozza, who was booted off after boasting he had used cocaine.
Louis said: "Amelia, you are the comeback kid in the X Factor. I see something raw, something amazing and it's all about the potential with you. Vocally you are an amazing pop star so Middlesbrough if you want her here tomorrow night you have got to vote."
Tulisa added: "You haven't been here for the whole competition but you did not let that stop you. You came back, you sang on par with everyone else. You gave it 100% and look where you are. You are at the final. That goes to show what a star you are.
Gary told the finalist she performed the song "beautifully", while Kelly said she did a "fantastic job tonight".
The live show also featured performances from a host of big name acts including JLS, One Direction, Leona Lewis and Michael Buble.
The winner will be announced in the live show tomorrow night at 7.30pm.
Mum proud of Little Mix success
Little Mix have "come from nowhere" but are now deserved favourites to win The X Factor, one of their mums has said.
Jade Thirlwall's proud mother Norma will be watching when the 18-year-old student performs in front of a live audience of 10,000 and millions more viewing it on television at home.
Jade, Perrie Edwards, also 18, Jesy Nelson, 20, from Romford, Essex, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock, 19, from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, have become the first girl band to make it to the ITV show's final.
Mrs Thirlwall said: "It is absolutely unbelievable that they have come from nowhere and end up favourites to win.
"There is no-one in the world more proud than me. Strangers come up to me in the street and ask me to wish Jade well and tell her they support the group. It's surreal."
Perrie Edwards is also from South Shields but the girls had never met before they were put together as part of the band.
Her former headteacher at St Peter and Paul Primary School, Ken Devlin, said: "Perrie was just great all round at school. She was a nice kid and really polite. We are all rooting for Little Mix and I think the girls are good role models... They have shown perseverance to get through."
Jesy's former head at Abbs Cross Academy - a specialist arts school where fellow X Factor star Stacey Solomon was a pupil - is "thrilled to bits" for her. Jesy left to attend the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School.
Sylvia Young said: "Jesy was a lovely girl, a nice student with talent and we wish her well. She showed real promise."
Gaynor Comber, headteacher of Sir William Ramsay School, where Leigh-Anne studied, said: "She was our headgirl so we are very proud of her and everything she has done."
X Factor result 'too close to call'
The X Factor final is too close to call, according to bookies.
Girl group Little Mix are narrowly ahead and and could make X Factor history if they become the first group to win the hit ITV1 talent show.
But bookies are reporting a flurry of bets on Marcus Collins, who could cash in on the popularity of his mentor, Gary Barlow, when they perform a duet tomorrow night.
William Hill cut the odds on the young Liverpudlian from 5/2 to 2/1 when it was confirmed that all the acts would duet with their mentors at Wembley Arena.
Spokesman Rupert Adams said: "The duet has played into Marcus's hands - he now has the momentum and it would be no great surprise if he goes on to win this."
The bookmakers put Little Mix at 5/4 to win, while comeback kid Amelia Lily is 5/2.
Even the show's host, Dermot O'Leary, admitted it is impossible to pick a winner.
He said: "It's my first year when we're going into the final and we don't really know who the favourite is."
One act will be kicked off the show tomorrow, leaving the final two to fight it out on Sunday, but all three acts have already recorded a version of the same song, widely expected to be a cover of Damian Rice's Cannonball, due to be released by the winner in time for Christmas.
This year's X Factor has seen falling ratings and a series of scandals including rumoured rows between judges Kelly Rowland and Tulisa Contostavlos and wannabe pop star Frankie Cocozza's reported drug use which saw him booted off the show.
X Factor result 'too close to call'
The final three contestants go into this year's X Factor final with the result too close to call.
Girl group Little Mix are narrowly ahead and and could make X Factor history if they become the first group to win the hit ITV1 talent show.
However bookies are reporting a flurry of bets on Marcus Collins, who could cash in on the popularity of his mentor, Gary Barlow, when they perform a duet.
William Hill cut the odds on the young Liverpudlian from 5/2 to 2/1 when it was confirmed that all the acts would duet with their mentors at Wembley Arena.
Spokesman Rupert Adams said: "The duet has played into Marcus's hands - he now has the momentum and it would be no great surprise if he goes on to win this."
The bookmakers put Little Mix at 5/4 to win, while comeback kid Amelia Lily is 5/2.
Even the show's host, Dermot O'Leary, admitted it is impossible to pick a winner. He said: "It's my first year when we're going into the final and we don't really know who the favourite is."
One act will be kicked off the show on Saturday night, leaving the final two to fight it out on Sunday, but all three acts have already recorded a version of the same song, widely expected to be a cover of Damian Rice's Cannonball, due to be released by the winner in time for Christmas.
The winner's single will be available as a download from tomorrow night and as a CD single from Wednesday December 14, but HMV's Gennaro Castaldo warned it could miss out on the coveted Christmas number one spot. He said: "The X-Factor winner's single should fly off the shelves when it comes out and comfortably reach number one by next weekend.
"However, it's likely to face stiff competition from the Military Wives when their single is released on the 19th, which is the all-important week that counts towards the official Christmas chart this year - so we could be looking at a very close race and perhaps even a huge chart upset come Christmas Day."
Five fight for Strictly final place
Five Strictly stars will fight it out for a spot in the show's final.
This weekend's semi-final will see Holly Valance, Jason Donovan, Chelsee Healey, Harry Judd and Alex Jones compete for just three places next week.
Each of the celebs in BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday will perform twice with their professional partners in a bid to impress judges - and viewers - to get through to the final at Blackpool's Tower Ballroom next Saturday.
And the contest could not be tighter with each of the remaining couples awarded huge scores in the last heat, which saw Robbie Savage given the boot after landing in the bottom two alongside Donovan.
Healey led the field with her highest score yet of 39, matching Judd's effort from the previous week.
But with two couples due to leave on Sunday's results show, each of the dancers knows their footwork must be fancier then ever to make the final.
Judges join in for X Factor climax
The X Factor finalists are teaming up with their mentors on stage this weekend as they bid to win the show.
Judges Kelly Rowland, Tulisa Contostavlos and Gary Barlow will perform with the three acts during Saturday's edition of the ITV1 programme.
Marcus Collins, Little Mix and Amelia Lily will battle it out to be crowned the winner on Sunday night's finale.
They are said to have been rehearsing for days with members of the panel. The fourth judge, Louis Walsh, has none of his acts left in the competition.
Gary told a press conference in Wembley, north London, today that he had planned the duet of Billy Joel's She's Always A Woman so Marcus would get the limelight.
He said: "For the first time ever we have three judges duetting with their acts on Saturday night so thank God Louis didn't get an act in the final."
Louis joked that he wanted to team up with X Factor failure Johnny Robinson in a duet he said would be like Save Your Love hitmakers Renee and Renato.
Kelly and Amelia will duet on the soul classic River Deep - Mountain High, while Tulisa and Little Mix perform Alicia Keys If I Ain't Got You and Empire State Of Mind.
A show spokeswoman said: "This is a first for The X Factor. Our final weekend at Wembley Arena is going to be our biggest ever and the judges performing with their finalists is an exciting addition to the weekend."
This year's competition will end with performances by Coldplay, Leona Lewis, JLS and One Direction. Last year the series ended with slots by Rihanna and Christina Aguilera, but the raunchy performances brought a flood of complaints and were criticised by TV regulators.
Simpson: I'd never do reality TV
Charlie Simpson has slammed The X Factor - saying it "doesn't have much soul".
The former Busted rocker, who is set to embark on his biggest solo tour next March, also insisted he'd never follow the lead of McFly stars Dougie Poynter and Harry Judd and do a stint on reality TV.
"When I look at The X Factor, it's that same churned-out thing and it doesn't have much soul to it," he told The Star.
"It's sad for people who get washed up. They have people controlling it who don't seem to think about that... there's so much great music out there but people don't want to go and find it.
"They're being fed it through a machine."
And Charlie, who achieved some critical acclaim post-Busted with the rock group Fightstar, said shows like Strictly Come Dancing and I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! weren't for him.
"I've told my manager anything that comes through like that I don't even want to hear about it. There's nothing about those that interests me at all."
Cocozza for Celebrity Big Brother?
X Factor reject Frankie Cocozza is reportedly set to compete in Celebrity Big Brother next year.
The party-loving teenager - who was booted off the ITV talent contest last month amid drugs allegations - is said to have signed a five-figure deal to appear on the reality TV show when the new series begins on Channel 5 in the new year.
Frankie allegedly won over show bosses by promising to have sex in the house, The Sun reports
Meanwhile, X Factor finalist Amelia Lily - who was voted back onto the show after Frankie was kicked off - has returned to her home town of Middlesborough to perform at her old school.
The 17-year-old pink-haired singer told The Sun she had been unpopular at Teeside High because of her unusual style and love of rock music.
She said: "It was the best experience to be back there and see girls being so nice to me and supporting me.
"I was always different in school, I was always the odd one out. People just didn't get me. I always liked different music and dressed differently and had my own style.
"Now it's like they understand why I was like that. I was meant to be an artist, I was meant to be a singer. It was hard, we were only young. When you're young you don't understand - it all makes more sense to me now."
Fellow finalist Marcus Collins, 23, returned to his old school, Sacred Heart High in Liverpool, and visited the salon where he worked as a hairdresser before auditioning for the show. Marcus then performed in the city centre for fans.
No text votes for X Factor final
X Factor fans have been told they will not be able to vote by text for this weekend's final, which is expected to feature the finalists performing with their mentors
Text votes returned to the show only two months ago after an absence of several years.
But now show bosses have confirmed there will be no more of the 35p-a-time votes for the final, which is reported to see judges Kelly Rowland, Tulisa Contostavlos and Gary Barlow singing with their acts.
It's been suspended due to the shorter cut-off period for votes, which mean any delays on mobile networks could entail thousands of wasted messages.
Text voting was suspended in 2007 after a number of problems with phone votes during live TV shows. But it returned in October and has been in place since then, including last weekend's semi-final.
However a message on the X Factor website confirmed there will be no texts for the final, featuring Marcus Collins, Amelia Lily and girl group Little Mix.
X Factor bosses explained: "Because The X Factor final includes a vote 'freeze' and therefore a shorter vote period, it is not possible for text voting to be offered, as delays can be experienced within the mobile networks at busy times which could result in text votes not being received within the period the vote is open."
Voting has caused problems for the hit ITV1 talent show in the past.
During the 2005 X Factor final, 13.9% of votes cast by red button and text arrived too late to be included, although it did not affect the outcome of the show. A 2007 report by auditors Deloitte found "serious technical issues" with red button and text voting in a number of ITV shows.
This year's competition will end with performances by Coldplay, Leona Lewis, JLS and One Direction.
Amelia 'on rollercoaster journey'
X Factor hopeful Amelia Lily said her "rollercoaster of a journey" on the show has made her even more determined to win.
The singer, who was voted off in the first week only to be brought back to replace bad boy Frankie Cocozza, said being kicked off had helped her.
The teenager said: "I have had a rollercoaster of a journey. I went out in week one and came back five weeks later but you know what? If anything I think it kind of helped me. I came back stronger, I came back confident and I kind of figured out what kind of artist I wanted to be."
She added she was "really upset" about the slip-up which saw her mistakenly named as the winner by HMV this week, but insisted the show was not fixed.
Her mentor Kelly Rowland backed her, praising her "work ethic". The Destiny's Child star said: "In this music industry you have to work hard to get to a place where you want to be, but you have to work harder to stay there."
Meanwhile, judge Tulisa Contostavlos vowed to "change X Factor history" and make girl group Little Mix the first band to win.
The three final acts will be joined by stars including Coldplay, Leona Lewis and One Direction this weekend as the show comes to a climax.
They'll also perform duets with their mentors, with Tulisa promising to become a "member of Little Mix" on the night.
Gary Barlow promised an "emotional evening" when he joins Marcus Collins to perform Billy Joel's song Always a Woman.
He said the three finalists were the ones who "had grown the most" throughout the competition. He added: "I think they have all moved on incredibly well through the competition and that's why they are here now".
Cliff: I lack the judging X Factor
Cliff Richard has said he wouldn't make a great X Factor judge - because he "could never be the baddy".
The Summer Holiday singer spends most of the year living in sunnier climes, but enjoys catching up with TV singing contest when he's back in the UK.
Sir Cliff, who has enjoyed six decades of success in the music industry, said: "I don't think I'd be a very good judge. I don't like confrontation.
"If I was a judge, I would have to think of something positive so that they don't go away destroyed. For me the losers, sometimes I would vote them better than the winners because they're all of a great quality.
"I would want to cushion it. I could never be the baddy."
Meanwhile, X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos has told the Metro working on the show can be straining.
She said: "It has been a journey and very life consuming. It does become your world. Literally. It takes over your life."
Sir Cliff - whose new DVD, Cliff Richard The Soulicious Tour Live At The 02 is out now - said the contestants who lose out in this weekend's final don't have to hang up their microphones for good.
"The X Factor's given a fantastic boost to a lot of young singers, and I hope that losing that show doesn't mean that they consider their life over. It should be seen as a step up to something else.
"There can only be one winner on those shows and it doesn't mean that all the others were bad singers, there'll be an audience for nearly all of them."
Murs wants Cocozza back for final
Olly Murs reckons it would be "a shame" not to have wild boy Frankie Cocozza back for The X Factor final.
The 19-year-old quit the show following his alleged drug boasts and was also cut from the video for this year's charity single. But Olly confessed he'd like to see the teenager back for the series climax - when the live show contestants reunite on stage.
"It would be a shame not to see him back. Obviously with the charity single, I can fully understand the reasons behind that - with why he left the show, I can understand," The Xtra Factor host said.
"But it is the last night, the final, and we'd like to see Frankie there. We'll find out at the end of the week."
He added: "You've got to take the positives, Frankie did make a massive impact on the show."
Olly also revealed show creator Simon Cowell had been giving him feedback on his hosting skills.
"Simon's been in contact a lot, I've spoken to him myself, and the judges, so he's really given great feedback on how we've done," he added.
"He loves our show and he really thinks The X Factor has been brilliant and he can't fault it, he says it's been fantastic, so that's good to know."
But the Thinking Of Me singer - who this week performed at the re-opening of Nando's at Birmingham's Bullring - doesn't hold out much hope for Simon returning to the UK version of the show.
"I think he's committed with the US X Factor, I think it's going to be for three or four series. We'd all open our arms out and take Simon if he was available, because he's a massive personality, so who knows, he could be back."
Murs may not return to Xtra Factor
Olly Murs has confessed he's not sure if he wants to front The Xtra Factor again next year.
Despite receiving positive feedback for his hosting skills alongside Caroline Flack on The X Factor's ITV2 spin-off show, the singer revealed he may not be returning for a second series.
"It's going to be sad to leave the show at the weekend but we'll see what happens next year. I've not committed to another year, no one's spoken to me yet, so we'll just see what happens," Olly said.
"I might concentrate on the music, or we might do both again, we'll see. Depending on the music, we might not do music next year, we'll just see."
The Please Don't Let Me Go singer, who performed at the re-opening of Nando's Bullring in Birmingham, added: "I'm not sure really. I think it's been brilliant for me, it really has. It's showcased my personality and people I think have really enjoyed me, it's a real positive.
"I don't think that doing a second show will hamper me in any way, but I just want the music to continue to do well and the fact that it has done very well, it's given me a lot of positives. So fingers crossed, we'll see what happens."
And Olly - whose second album topped the charts this week - insisted he doesn't know if co-host Caroline and One Direction singer Harry Styles are dating.
"I don't know the ins and outs of it. Me and Caroline work on a professional level on The X Factor, we just get on really well as mates, I don't know what's going on in her private life."
The former X Factor contestant also said while he enjoyed flirting with his co-presenter, it wouldn't go any further.
"We're just really good mates," he added.
HMV sorry over 'technical issue'
HMV has been forced to apologise after a "regrettable technical issue" on its website led to rumours of an X Factor fix ahead of this weekend's final.
Fans of the show were shocked after HMV's website posted an item under its CD Singles Coming Soon category which read: "Amelia Lily X Factor 2011 Winner's Single".
HMV was quick to deny that it had any insider information on the outcome of the final, which will take place at Wembley Arena this weekend and will be decided by a public vote.
HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo said: "Hmv.com was looking to accept customer pre-orders for versions of the X Factor winner's single recorded by each of the three finalists.
"However, due to a technical issue only Amelia Lily's details were uploaded. These have been temporarily removed so that all three finalists details can go up at the same time.
"This has been the result of an unforeseen but regrettable technical issue, for which we apologise and ask that nothing further be construed."
Caren Davis, head of publicity for the X Factor, said: "This is absolutely nothing to do with The X Factor, HMV have admitted this was due to a technical error on their site."
A source close to the talent show said they were "very annoyed" about the error.
In the final, Lily will face Marcus Collins and Little Mix, the first girl group to make it to the talent show's finale.
Lily reached the final after being voted off by her mentor Kelly Rowland in the first week of live shows. A public vote later brought her back to replace disgraced Frankie Cocozza, who was booted off after boasting he had used cocaine.
X Factor's Misha: I forgive Tulisa
X Factor reject Misha Bryan has revealed she's forgiven Tulisa Contostavlos for accusing her of picking on other contestants.
The 19-year-old, who was voted off The X Factor's semi-final, insisted she harbours no bad feelings towards the N-Dubz singer for suggesting she was "mean" to hopefuls backstage.
"Forgiving is the thing that I have done. I believe that in situations that occur in life, you shouldn't get bitter, you should just get better," she told ITV1's Daybreak.
The Mancunian singer added: "There's a saying that to forgive is to set a prisoner free, and I realised that prisoner was me, instead of getting bitter about a situation - because it's only making you not feel good inside.
"I'm so grateful because it has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. From the beginning I set myself up to expect the unexpected. And regardless of how far I came, I just think it's a blessing me even coming fourth - it's just incredible."
Misha said she is backing girl group Little Mix for success in the final, which will also feature Amelia Lily and Marcus Collins.
The quartet are now 6-5 favourites to win the ITV1 competition with bookmakers William Hill, with Lily the second favourite at 9-4 and Collins' odds at 5-2.
"For me, in terms of a girl group, there's no girl group out there that's like them, and there's a gap in the market that they can fill," she said.
"I think all three of them have a place in the industry, but the ones who stand out for me right now are Little Mix."
Misha: X Factor remarks had effect
Misha B has claimed Tulisa Contostavlos's remarks about behaviour backstage were partially to blame for her exit from the show.
The 19-year-old singer praised the judge as "inspirational" and said she had put the comments - when Tulisa accused Misha of being "mean", while fellow judge Louis Walsh suggested she had been a "bully" - behind her.
Misha said she believed that the remarks "did have an effect" on viewers but added: "I believe everything happens for a reason.
"That chapter of my life is now closed... Tulisa is amazing, she's inspirational."
Misha's final performance at the weekend brought the N-Dubz star to tears, sparking speculation that the judge might be feeling guilty.
But Misha, who was voted out in the semi-final, said: "I don't know why (she was crying). Maybe she connected to the song."
Earlier, the singer said she had forgiven Tulisa, telling ITV1's Daybreak: "Forgiving is the thing that I have done. I believe that in situations that occur in life, you shouldn't get bitter, you should just get better."
Misha did not speak to the judge after her performance, saying: "I was so busy... I spoke to my family and Kelly."
But she said she would stay in touch with her own mentor, Kelly Rowland, who had given her lots of advice.
She denied Kelly had given her more attention than the others in her group and said: "Kelly said 'stay true to who you are.' We are always going to stay in contact."
Misha compared herself to Cher Lloyd, who had a reputation for being feisty on last year's show.
She said: "When I was at home watching the show there were headlines about Cher Lloyd. I made judgments... But I met her and she was absolutely amazing, inside and outside."
She revealed she had been in touch with Missy Elliott and she could end up working with the US rapper.
"A lot of my fans were tweeting her, I didn't know, and she was watching my performances on X Factor clips that my fans sent her.
"So I thought, this is one of my heroes. I tweeted her and we got chatting. Hopefully we can work together."
X Factor judge Gary Barlow predicted the result at the weekend, telling Misha she would not win because of the allegations, which resulted in an apology from Louis, about her off-stage behaviour.
Misha said she was not offended by the comments, saying: "I love Gary. I'm very, very grateful for all his support and everything that he has to say because it comes from his heart."
She denied a rift with Amelia Lily, who has secured a place in the final with girl band Little Mix and Marcus Collins, saying: "She's like my little sister. She calls me her mum."
Misha, who wants Little Mix to win because she connects with their "uniqueness", said of her exit: "When one door closes, another opens....I believe nothing ever happens before its time."
She said of her future:; "I'm just going to continue being myself and enjoy life... When I first auditioned I never in 19 years pictured myself here in the semi-finals.
"This has been an amazing experience, so I'm ready to go and have fun with music."
She added: "I believe there's a positive side to everything."
Misha said that she was concentrating on her music, so didn't have time to think about her love life.
"I'm already married to music," she said.
"I've got to stay focused on that right now. I'm sure that there will be plenty of offers in different departments but my focus is music."
Misha also denied that her style had been toned down over the weeks by X Factor bosses, saying: "It's all about being creative. Why put yourself in one specific box?"
Our X Factor Roundup - the Semiers...
Words: Robin Murray.
Another weekend goes by, yet again dominated by the X Factor. I must say, a lot of people have been saying that this year's hopefuls are the most hopeless in the show's history, but personally, I like all three acts in the top 3 and, for me, that NEVER happens. (Eg. 2008 - Liked Alexandra Burke; liked JLS; loathed Eoghan Quigg. 2009 - Liked Joe; had a love-hate relationship with Olly Murs; was equal parts endeared and irritated by Stacey Solomon. 2010 - Was indifferent to Matt Cardle; was irritated by Rebecca; LOVED One Direction).
This year is interesting because there isn't a clear favourite. That's not to say that I think any of them could win it because Amelia-Lily's going to finish third, end of. But between Marcus Collins and Little Mix, there's no indication as to who's more popular; neither have ever been in the bottom two and both appear to have fanatical support, if the studio audience’s reaction is any indicator. I’m hoping with all my heart that Little Mix win because they’re something the show has never had: a decent girl group that has a shot at becoming properly successful. Marcus is nice and talented, but let’s be honest, he's a prettier version of Joe McElderry. Think about it, they're both tinchy, perma-smiling, overly-groomed and have as much sex appeal as Kermit the Frog.
My prediction is that whether or not Little Mix win the show, they will be the most successful act from this year's batch. Marcus is loveable but he's too bland to sustain interest; I foresee him releasing albums of covers for the mother's day/Christmas market a la McElderry and Mary Byrne in the not-so-distant future.
Anyhoo, that's enough of my speculations, on to Saturday night's show. The whole thing kicked off with Dermot's now-customary dance entrance to The Contour's Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance). It was the best one yet, especially when Dermot referred to the dancers as his 'Dermorettes'. Then - ding ding! - round 1 began, with Motown as its theme. Kelly Rowland introduced 'Miss Misha B' onto the stage. I thought the styling was good, especially the dress made out of vinyls. The hair made her look a little like Jennifer Hudson in Dreamgirls, but that's the era they were going for.
As for her performance, I thought she sang well but some of her trademark Misha-isms grated on me a little ("Wikka wikka remix - what?!" has no place in a Motown number). Overall, thought it was a good performance but not up to her usual standard. As far as her personality is concerned, I find Misha annoying. I hate the way she acts like a giggly child to endear herself to viewers and convince us that she's not really a weapon. I say, if you're a bitch, own it and be the baddest bitch!
Next up was Amelia-Lily singing the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell classic, Ain't No Mountain High Enough. As usual her confidence and commitment to the song was flawless, and she showed great vocal control, not sounding shouty like she's prone to. I wasn't mad about her outfit or her hair - thought she looked like a slapper from Heartbeat, but that doesn’t really matter because I thought the performance was sensational. Then she got her critique; Louis Walsh really needs to stop saying "Everyone in ______ needs to pick up their phones and vote for you", because "You deserve to be in this competition" and the rare "You've lost your mojo" seem to be the only things he says. You'd get more variation if they replaced him with a Furbie.
Third up were Tulisa's 'Lil' muffins' Little Mix. First off, I have to say that Jade, the little Bambi-eyed Geordie, has the cutest accent and face! She could end up being the Cheryl of the group, but let's hope she doesn't. The girls sang the superlative Supremes hit, Keep Me Hangin' On and while things started off well, with cutie Jade looking and sounding great, spawn of Ronald McDonald, Leanne, pulled a Janet and forgot her words. The girls carried on like nothing had happened but the mistake hurt the performance. Afterwards, Gary commented that Perry, as the group's best singer, should sing lead and I have to say I agree with him. Cutie Jade should get solo parts, but Jesy should stick to beat-boxing and Leanne should just do backing vocals.
Bringing round 1 to an end, Marcus took to the stage, singing The Temptations' My Girl. The performance was pleasant and all, but the song is boring and Marcus did nothing new with it. Also, as he very rarely sings any songs released after 1970, Motown was same-old same-old for him. Kelly, clearly oblivious of his sexual orientation, continued to flirt with him, cooing "I was hopin' you was sangin' to me" while pulling on her wig.
Then - ding ding! - round 2 began, with the delightfully lazy theme of "a Song To Get You To The Final". Misha kicked it off with a technically faultless rendition of P!nk's Perfect. Her styling was good and she performed well, but personally I felt she acted emotion as opposed to feeling it. As usual, I was left cold by her 'vulnerable' performance. Next up, Amelia belted out Avril Lavigne's I’m With You. She showed good vocal control in the lower notes before letting rip on the soaring chorus. Yet again, the staging and the styling let her down; if you're going to stand and sing in front of a black background, at least do it in a nice dress. Yet again going retro, Marcus chose The Jackson Five's Can You Feel It as the song to get him to the final. The song was released in 1980 which, in fairness, is as contemporary as he's got. The performance started off well with Collins stomping around the stage and giving strong vocals. However, as the song progressed, the Liverpudlian's pipes showed strain and his voice cracked a couple of times. And then, bringing the night to a close, Little Muffins brought us back to the 21st century with a good-if-not-great performance of Beyoncé's If I Were A Boy. Afterwards, Gary decided to stick the knife in, saying that their vocals simply weren't good enough at this stage of the competition. It smacked of sabotage and Tulisa duly flipped out, striking the desk with indignation while screaming, "You deserve to win this competition!"
Sunday night’s show kicked off with yet another pointless, mimed group performance, this time to Wilson Philip’s Hold On For One More Day. Once that was done with, it was the turn of teen pop phenomenon, Justin Bieber to come on stage. Wearing an oversized, red biker jacket, he looked like a Michael Jackson tribute act, but there the similarities ended as his performance lacked any of MJ's dynamism. I mean, seriously, how is this little s*** so popular? I don't see his appeal, but then again, as a 24-year-old man, that's probably for the best. Of course, Biebs couldn't have got through a performance without coming up to the judge’s desk and flirting with Kelly and Tulisa. Ick - there's nothing worse than a hairless teen acting like they're God's gift...
When the Biebs finally f***ed off, it was then time for head-wreckin’ Kelly Rowland to do some sangin'. After a decent, if breathy, performance of When Love Takes Over, she whipped off her skirt (shocker that) and broke into her latest single, Down For Whoever, ugh, I mean, Down For Whatever. Sorry, Freudian nipple slip there. My mam didn't make much of the song's lyrics, commenting, "So making love on the floor is creative? I’m sure everyone’s done it at some time - is she only discovering it now?" I found her performance decent, but a bit sloppy and A LOT draggy.
With Mama Rowland back on the panel and in some clothes, it was time for results. Sweet Jesus, I was almost sick with the nerves at this point, hoping to God that Little Mix wouldn't be given the chop.
Thankfully, they were called first, with the four girls and Tulisa all jumping up and down and squealing like JLS had visited their school. Then Marcus's name was called, leaving Kelly's girls standing on the stage with their ment-whore. Amelia-Lily was announced as the third act in the final, which meant the very composed Misha B was out of the competition.
I felt it was the right result because, while Misha has had some of the best performances of the competition, I was sick of hearing her speaking voice in VTs. It’s just so whiney and she also suffers from Gary Barlow 'I-speak-so-slow-that-it-makes-everything-I-say-seem-profound-and-then-retarded' syndrome. Her final performance of Jessie J’s Who You Are was nothing short of glorious and it was great to see a contestant leave with such dignity and composure.
So roll on the final! I’m backing Little Mix all the way and feel so strongly that I’m considering voting next week, for the first time in my seven years of watching the show. That's muffin power!
End of Misha B's X Factor dream
Misha Bryan's X Factor dream has been shattered after she found herself with the least public votes yet again.
The 19-year-old was sent home, securing places in next week's final at Wembley Arena for girl band Little Mix, Marcus Collins and Amelia Lily.
The semi-final result, which featured performances from judge Kelly Rowland and teen star Justin Bieber, came as the X Factor finalists, joined by former boyband contestants One Direction and JLS, topped the chart with a cover of the 1970s classic Wishing On A Star.
Misha looked unsurprised as presenter Dermot O'Leary announced the result and did not shed a tear.
"I just want to say thank you to everyone here at the X Factor for making my dreams a reality," she said.
She described Kelly as "the best mentor in the world" and thanked her family and everyone at home for their support, adding: "I love you and thank you so much."
Misha was favourite to be booted off on Saturday night, with odds of just 25-1 from Coral.
Little Mix were the bookies favourites to win the ITV1 competition at 6-4 favourites, with Marcus the second favourite at 7-4 and Amelia's odds at 3-1.
The semi-final result was predicted by judge Gary Barlow on Saturday, who told Misha she would not win the competition because of allegations made about her off-stage behaviour by his fellow judges.
The Take That star said comments made earlier in the series by panellists Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh had damaged Misha's chances of winning the reality show.
In October Tulisa accused Bryan of being "mean" to other contestants. Louis went further by suggesting she had been a "bully", but was later forced to apologise to viewers.
Misha sang Motown classic Dancing In The Street and Pink's hit Perfect on Saturday in a bid to secure her place in the final.
But Gary told her: "I have sat here and witnessed your journey throughout this competition and I can't help but feel a little bit sad.
"You have been wrongfully accused in the past of being someone that you are not.
"The really horrible truth behind this is, even if you're lucky enough to get through tomorrow night, I don't think you can win this competition because of that and that's a real shame."
And Gary was proved to be right, as Little Mix, Amelia and Marcus all got more public votes.
After the results, which saw the audience chant "Misha, Misha, Misha", Dermot told her: "You are one of the most creative acts we have ever had in the competition. Thank you so much."
The remaining acts will face each other at the final at Wembley Arena - which will include a performance by Coldplay - next week.
All three acts thanked everyone for their votes - Little Mix were noticeably emotional, while Marcus said he was "gobsmacked" to be through to the final.
X Factor single tops UK chart
X Factor stars are dominating the UK singles chart.
The show's 2011 finalists, joined by former boyband contestants One Direction and JLS, have topped the chart with a cover of the 1970s classic Wishing On A Star.
The original version by Rose Royce peaked at number three in 1978.
Former X Factor contestant Olly Murs was in second spot with Dance With Me Tonight.
Coming in sixth was the show's judge Kelly Rowland with Down For Whatever.
Christmas songs have begun creeping into the charts, with The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl's Fairytale Of New York at number 47 and Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You coming in at 64.
Murs, the 2009 X Factor finalist and current Xtra Factor presenter, topped the album chart with In Case You Didn't Know, trumping Michael Buble's Christmas.
Rihanna's Talk That Talk, last week's number one, sold more than 100,000 copies to make this week's number three.
After Murs, the next highest new entry is pop-opera quartet Il Divo's Wicked Game which ranked sixth.
Bruno Mars's multi-platinum former number one Doo Wops & Hooligans is up three places at number 10. It has spent a total of 34 weeks in the Official Albums Chart Top 10 this year, having ranked number one in January.
Barlow shatters Misha B's dreams
Gary Barlow has shattered the dreams of X Factor hopeful Misha Bryan by telling her that she will not win the competition because of allegations made about her off-stage behaviour.
The Take That star laid the blame at the feet of panellists Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh, saying that comments they made earlier in the series have damaged her chances of winning the reality show.
Tulisa had accused Misha of being "mean" to other contestants. Louis went further by suggesting she had been a "bully", but was later forced to apologise on the show.
Tonight, after Misha sang two songs to try and secure herself a place in next week's final, Gary told her: "I have sat here and witnessed your journey throughout this competition and I can't help but feel a little bit sad.
"You have been wrongfully accused in the past of being someone that you are not.
"The really horrible truth behind this is, even if you're lucky enough to get through tomorrow night, I don't think you can win this competition because of that and that's a real shame."
Misha looked shocked at his comments and, after a long pause, said: "I am just really grateful I have had the opportunity to make my dreams into a reality."
Tonight she performed Motown classic Dancing In The Street and Pink's hit Perfect.
Judge Kelly Rowland told her: "You know what, win, lose, X Factor, no X Factor, you are a star."
Louis made a gaffe when reviewing her rendition of Dancing In The Street, telling her: "If Berry Gordy was alive he would absolutely sign you". After he made the comment, Twitter users sprung to life, criticising Louis for not knowing that Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, is not dead.
During her performance of Martha And The Vandellas hit, Misha wore a dress made of records and sported a retro beehive hairstyle.
Her mentor Kelly gushed: "I think after this we'll all be dancing in the street."
Gary told her: "This is why I wanted to do this job. This is why I wanted to sit in this seat. Thank you for making this experience a positive one for me."
Amelia Lily was compared to American pop sensations Christina Aguilera and Kelly Clarkson after singing Ain't No Mountain High Enough.
Louis said: "You remind me a little bit of Christina Aguilera and Kelly Clarkson. You are only 17 years old. You absolutely killed that big Motown song. You deserve to be in the final."
Gary added: "I was intrigued to see how you'd get on this week. You are a rock/pop singer not a soul singer, but how wrong was I?"
However, the musician did not like Amelia's performance of I'm With You by Avril Lavigne.
Louis told her it was the "best vocal performance of the night" but Gary said: "Louis, it was not the vocal performance of the night. It was a good performance, it was not amazing."
Louis said: "To me it was the best."
Gary retorted: "That doesn't mean much."
Tulisa added: "That is one of my favourite songs of all time and I would be worried for anyone to sing it, because I always think, can anyone do it like Avril? But do you know what? You pulled it off."
Girl Group Little Mix did not receive rave reviews for their performances.
After their attempt to take on The Supremes, Louis told them "there was something missing".
"It was like you lost your mojo," he said.
"I didn't like the styling. I think you have got a lot more to give."
Kelly added: "I feel like I have seen you guys do better."
However their comments were drowned out by the audience chanting their name.
Gary advised them they needed to use band member Perrie Edwards as a lead performer.
"I think she should be featured a lot more than she is," he said. "That's what's missing for me at the moment - a lead singer."
After they performed Beyonce's If I Were A Boy, Tulisa had to shout to get her point across over the audience screams.
"They are not safe, pick up the phone and vote, I want these girls to win this competition," she told viewers.
Gary said: "Girls, for a semi-final act these vocals just aren't good enough. I'm afraid you have had a bit of a bad night."
Former hairdresser Marcus Collins was told that Motown week was "made for him" after his rendition of The Temptations' song My Girl.
"I am so proud of you," Gary said. "It has been a pleasure to work with you."
Kelly added: "It was a little rough at the start but when you smoothed that thing right on out it was so nice. I was hoping you were singing to me."
For his second performance, he sang Can You Feel It by The Jacksons.
Louis was not impressed with the song choice, telling him "I don't want you to fall at the last hurdle, but it wasn't the right song for me."
Kelly added: "It wasn't one of your best vocal performances."
The girl band are bookmaker's favourites to win the ITV1 competition. Coral has placed them as the 6-4 favourites to take the X Factor crown with Marcus as the second favourite at 7-4.
Amelia's odds stand at 3-1 and Misha is favourite to be booted off with odds of just 25-1.
Tomorrow night, one act will be booted from the show, revealing the finalists for this year's contest.
Rowland: I've got the fun factor
Kelly Rowland has confessed she feared The X Factor audience wouldn't find her entertaining.
The former Destiny's Child singer had doubts before she signed on to the judging panel alongside Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh and worried about her likeability factor.
"I didn't think I had any British humour. Now I get people coming up to me saying, 'Put it down' in British accents. I love it," she told the Daily Star.
Kelly, who has released her third solo album Here I Am, made a surprise appearance at London's Brixton Academy with her X Factor semi-finalist protegees Misha B and Amelia Lily as part of a BBC Radio 1Xtra concert.
"Perseverance and passion is what will make you in this industry. Destiny's Child, Usher and *NSync all came up together and we had to put the hours in," she said.
Evans in wives' choir X Factor plea
X Factor bosses should invite a choir of military wives to perform on the talent show's final as the women go head-to-head with the winner for Christmas number one, DJ Chris Evans has said.
The Devon choir were in London to launch their single Wherever You Are, which has been tipped by bookies to beat the X Factor winner to the top of the Christmas charts .
Chris was at the launch to back the women who have been training with the guidance of choirmaster Gareth Malone on the TV show The Choir: Military Wives.
The BBC2 breakfast DJ said: "I think it would be the most wonderful gesture if the people that run that big show on ITV, the one that Simon Cowell owns, invited the military wives on and literally said 'Guys, this year is your year, we'll do what we can, go ahead, fill your boots, we're happy to be elsewhere'.
"It would be a wonderful gesture and one I think would reflect them in a very good light."
Coldplay set for X Factor final
Coldplay and One Direction are among the star names who will appear on The X Factor final next weekend.
But record-breaking singer Adele - who show bosses hoped would appear following her throat surgery - will not be performing.
The two-part final at Wembley Arena takes place next Saturday and Sunday with the winner being crowned in the second show.
Also appearing during the two programmes will be Leona Lewis and JLS - who both found fame on the ITV1 show - and Michael Buble.
In an interview only this week Michael told how he was not a great fan of X Factor creator Simon Cowell, after the media mogul wrecked his confidence with a dismissive gesture when he appeared on American Idol.
It is the first time The X Factor final has been staged at Wembley and there will be an audience of around 10,000 each night at the venue.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin said: "We're all big X Factor fans so we're very excited to play live on the show."
Judge Gary Barlow added: "This is the biggest final The X Factor has ever done. It's going to be an amazing night."
On Saturday's show on December 10 the three finalists will sing two songs each with the public voting for who they want to win. The contestant with the lowest number of votes will be axed and the two remaining singers go head-to-head on Sunday.
The semi-final takes place tomorrow night between Marcus Collins, Amelia Lily, Little Mix and Misha B.
Food is my enemy, says Barlow
Take That star Gary Barlow, who has often struggled to keep his weight down, has told how he views food as his "enemy".
The X Factor judge revealed he has had to battle constant feelings of guilt about each mouthful for years in case it leads to him ballooning.
He also told the new edition of Esquire magazine that when he sees himself in the mirror, he loathes how he looks.
Gary has piled on the pounds, particularly during the lean years of his career after his solo career foundered. But he has managed to get his weight under control since returning to the public eye and he slimmed for Take That's tour this summer.
He told the January edition of Esquire: "Food's been my enemy all my life. I've been at war with food because I've always loved it and it's always made me feel guilty and I've always starved myself. I've never eaten a mouthful of food for probably 20 years, and not thought, 'I shouldn't be eating this'."
He continued: "It's one thing to loath yourself in your head, but then to look in the mirror and loath yourself physically - where do you go?
"At least hate yourself and look good. Or look s*** and feel great. But to have both, it's a double whammy."
Gary is preparing for this weekend's semi-final of The X Factor, with one of the acts he has mentored - Marcus Collins - still left in the contest.
X Factor's Janet gets Dragon deal
X Factor reject Janet Devlin has been offered a deal by Dragon's Den star Duncan Bannatyne's record label.
The 17-year-old Irish singer was kicked off the ITV show at the weekend, and Duncan's RKA Records were quick to approach her, according to Music-News.com.
Co-founder of RKA Records, Ryan Ashmore apparently told the site: "With Janet's amazing talent and great image I just had to put my offer out there. She is destined for success and I'm sure RKA and Janet can have a great relationship and achieve great things together."
Janet's agent Dean Maynard is quoted as saying: "There is always a demand for an artist who shows true, raw talent and the future for her will be bright. She has the tour then she will weigh up her options, choosing the right path when the time is right."
After being voted off the show Janet said she bore no grudges as she felt she wasn't right for the show.
She said: "I'm not X Factor material, and I've said this from the audition, I'm just who I am. I don't think it's what The X Factor wanted. I'm just glad they still gave me the opportunity to be on the live shows."
X Factor single set to top charts
The X Factor finalists have spoken of their delight at their charity single looking set to get to number one.
The four remaining acts - Misha B, Little Mix, Amelia Lily and Marcus Collins - spoke as they played a secret gig in central London.
The finalists have collaborated on a cover version of Wishing on a Star to raise money for Together for Short Lives, which provides support for children unlikely to reach adulthood, as well as their families.
The single also features the other finalists on the ITV1 show along with previous contestants JLS and One Direction.
The release has been outselling its nearest competitor Olly Murs' Dance With Me Tonight this week by more than two copies to one, according to the Official Charts Company.
Speaking ahead of their performance, Jesy Nelson of four piece Little Mix, said: "It would be amazing if we got to number one. It would be an overwhelming feeling knowing that we're helping so many kids."
Her bandmate Perrie Edwards added: "It's such a good cause. When you meet these children you realise how privileged you are to have your health."
Speaking of being the girl band to have reached the furthest stage in any series of the X Factor, she added: "We are overwhelmed. We can't believe we've made it so far.
"We were favourite to go in the beginning and now we're here in the semi-final. It's just unbelievable."
Tulisa admits to X Factor fears
X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos says she is still dogged by fears she does not "belong" on the show after her troubled childhood.
She said she is still overcome by doubts following her teenage years in which she attempted suicide, self-harmed and was a regular dope smoker.
The star told the Radio Times she has her moments of self-doubt "now and again".
Tulisa joined the show this year as the judging panel underwent a revamp.
But reflecting on her role, she said: "I'll think, 'I don't belong here.'
"I get those moments now and again. Although I can be very feisty, that's a defence mechanism for me. I'm defensive because too many years of my life I was treated like shit."
She said it was a result of "being bullied, feeling weak all the time".
This series of ITV1's The X Factor winds to a close on December 11, but Tulisa said she would be happy to return to the show for a second year if asked.
And the star - one-third of chart act N-Dubz along with her cousin Dappy and boyfriend Fazer - said she has formed the most intimate bonds with the acts she has mentored.
"I get closer to my acts than any other judge. I want them to feel they've got a little family."
Williams has Xtra-terrestial factor
Robbie Williams apparently spent much of his recent visit to The X Factor studios discussing UFOs with axed contestant Johnny Robinson.
The Take That star, who is well-known for his fascination with the paranormal, was backstage at Sunday's results show to support bandmate and judge Gary Barlow.
And Johnny - who was booted out of the contest earlier this month - told The Sun: "Robbie was a gentleman, really lovely. We had a long chat about UFOs as we are both interested in them.
"We've both seen UFOs and I have done a lot of research so Robbie was interested in talking about them."
Robbie reportedly got on so well with Johnny that he encouraged him to visit his new hometown of Los Angeles for an alien-spotting trip.
Gary Barlow fan Johnny, 45, added: "I think I like Robbie more than Gary now. We have more in common. But Gary's still gorgeous."
Westlife's Nicky in X Factor hint
Westlife's Nicky Byrne has hinted he'd love a job on The X Factor.
The Flying Without Wings stars have announced they are splitting next year and 33-year-old singer Nicky told the Daily Star he has been thinking about what it would be like to host or be a judge on the show.
He said: "It's funny with The X Factor because in the past we'd be looking at the bands and how they perform, but this year I'm looking more at Louis and Dermot to see what they do.
"I'm keen to do more TV presenting and I can see myself getting into a Dermot O'Leary kind of role. Presenting a show like that is something I would like to do."
Westlife were once signed to Simon Cowell's record label, so Nicky thinks he has a good chance.
He said: "I've a good relationship with Simon, despite everything. I texted him when we left the label and it's all amicable now.
"Maybe down the road, me doing X Factor would be a very interesting conversation to have with him."
Nicky's former bandmate Brian McFadden is now a judge on Australia's Got Talent and Boyzone's Ronan Keating, who briefly managed Westlife, is a judge on the Australian X Factor.
X Factor star's deportation victory
Former X Factor contestant Gamu Nhengu, her two brothers and her mother have won their fight to stay in the UK.
The teenager and her family, originally from Zimbabwe, had been refused leave to remain in the UK in February by the Home Office.
Earlier this year, the family successfully appealed the decision, but the Home Office then tried to overturn the decision and have the family deported.
The Home Office confirmed a judge at the Immigration Court in Glasgow refused the Home Office appeal - meaning the singer and her family have been granted leave to remain in the country.
The family's lawyer, Frances Farrell, said: "This has come after such a long ordeal. The Home Office has a last resort appeal right to the Court of Session, but I hope they respect the judgment made today. My client has been granted leave to remain in the UK so now she and her family are able to get on with their lives and put this behind them."
The teenager, who lives in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, shot to fame on last year's X Factor when she was controversially booted off the show during the judges' houses round.
Gamu was dropped by judge Cheryl Cole, who took Katie Waissel, Cher Lloyd and Rebecca Ferguson through to the live finals.
The singer's mother had her visa renewal turned down in August 2010, sparking a long battle against deportation to Zimbabwe.
But a UK Borders Agency spokesman said: "We are disappointed with the court's decision in this case and will be looking closely at the judgment.
"The UK Border Agency considers every case carefully and where we do not believe someone has the right to stay in the country, and they do not require our protection, we expect them to return home."
Rowland quiet on X Factor return
Kelly Rowland has hinted she may not reprise her role as an X Factor judge next year - insisting her priority is to go on tour.
The former Destiny's Child star, who has had bust-ups with fellow judges Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh on the ITV1 show, is keeping her cards close to her chest regarding rumours she would be returning in the next series.
"X Factor next year? We'll see," she told the Daily Mirror.
"I definitely would love to go on tour though, so that will be my focus for next year," she added.
Kelly, whose new album Here I Am is out now, admitted she has been taken aback by the show's intensity.
"The competition is so strong. It's really tough," she said.
However, the 30-year-old has enjoyed mentoring her remaining acts Amelia Lily and Misha B and latest evictee Janet Devlin.
"I love those girls, they too are my motivation. To see how they have grown into artists with fantastic voices, I am so proud," she said.
"I'd love to have them sing on tour with me. I mean, they would put it down. The next few weeks are going to be extremely exciting on the show, you just watch."
