Italian contestant Nicolo Festa and boyband FYD have become the first two acts to be eliminated from The X Factor live shows in a dramatic double eviction. Nicolo made his exit after receiving the lowest number of public votes for his performance of Lady Gaga's Just Dance. That left platinum-haired Katie Waissel and FYD – For Your Direction – fighting for survival as the other contestants in the bottom three.
The two acts battled it out in a sing off, with the judges deciding who should be sent home. FYD performed Rihanna's Don't Stop The Music while Katie sang Don't Let Me Down by the Beatles. In the end, Katie came out on top.
FYD said they were disapointed to be leaving the competition, but would stay together as a group. Sailing through to the next round, meanwhile, was Cher Lloyd, who had raised fears about her ability to take part in the competition after her frail and emotional appearance in the judges houses' section of the competition.
There was no sign of nerves or a sore throat on Saturday night, though, when she had delivered a confident rendition of Just Be Good To Me.Another talked about turn was Tesco worker Mary Byrne's version of This is a Man's World.
Katie's performance of We are the Champions, by Queen, proved less popular with viewers, however. Making his X Factor return on Sunday night's show was last year's winner Joe McElderry, performing his follow up single Ambitions.
Watched by guests including Hayden Panettiere and Spice Girl Emma Bunton, Usher also took to the stage to do a medley of his hits.
X Factor continues next weekend with the remaining acts battling it out for the crown. The final is on December 18.