We couldn't help but tune in to the X Factor while waiting for Love/Hate's return last night, and we arrived just in time to see Irish lass Melanie McCabe exiting the competition. We just about managed to find her amid the endless shots of people sobbing. You'd swear they were all being put to death for failing to get through.
Whitehall lass Melanie was giving the show a go for the fourth time but, despite banging out a pretty on-point version of Leona Lewis' version of Snow Patrol's classic hit Run (we prefer the original), it just wasn't to be. She says that she won't let rejection stand in the way of her dream though, telling the Evening Herald that while she's "obviously very disappointed not to have got any further in the show" she believes "everything happens for a reason" and is "determined to carry on performing and pursuing my dream."
Nicole also opted to send home Melanie's fellow X Factor veteran Jade, taking Tamera Foster (those producers REALLY want us to like her so they threw in an impromptu Nicole thinking session), Abi Alton (She's my favourite - TV Ed) and Hannah Barrett (the one who worked in a bakery beforehand) through to the live shows.
Meanwhile, Gary Barlow was busy sorting through the groups in New York city with the help of one Olly Murs and, after an agonising night's sleep (we're sure...) he finally chose to bring Kingsland Road (yeah, there was a name change thanks to a copyright issue with an American band), Rough Copy (who got their third member back when they came home to England) and Miss Dynamix (Rihanna, Rihanna and Rihanna) into the fold.
Speaking of Miss Dynamix, band member Sese Foster had more good news to share with the world this morning as she revealed (via The Mirror) that she's actually bringing a fourth member along to the live shows. "I found out I was pregnant at about three and a half months and I'm now at the 22 week stage" said Foster. "The dad, who is looking after my daughter, was thrilled." And what of her Miss Dynamix bandmates? What did they make of her big news?
"My new bandmates have been brilliant, they have been so supportive and really positive," explained. "They're already playing the auntie roles perfectly feeding me up and making sure I eat healthily." And of course, mentor Gary is apparently thrilled for Sese, who he's already been sharing a bit of parenting advice with, apparently.
Sunday night's lucky err, stars, make up just half the line-up for the first live show, which airs this coming Saturday on ITV. In case you missed it, Sharon selected Sam Bailey (the Prison Officer with incredibly powerful pipes), Lorna Simpson (who was all voice and no performance according to Robbie Williams), and Shelley Smith (did you catch the dance moves? Jessica Rabbit ain't got nothin on this lady) for her squad, sending home Joseph Whelan for the second year running.
Meanwhile our Louis with busy with Nicole Appleton, Shane Filan and Sinittia in the South of France. He made the rather controversial decision to send home the seriously talented Paul Akister packing so he could bring Luke Friend (they're not cutting his hair, but giving him a hairband instead), Sam Callahan (he's clearly supposed to be the token hottie) and Nicholas McDonald (who really reminds us of Eoghan Quigg with talent) thoughtto the lives.
So, there you have it. Your X Factor final 13 12. Were you happy with the judges' decisions? And who would be your wildcard choice? We're not even sure they're doing that this year mind you...
