Possibly one of the most intense rounds of the X Factor competition is the Judges' Houses, where contestants attempt to get through to the live shows, and viewers of the singing competition had a mixed reaction to Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh's antics on last night's episode.
Simon was joined by Spice Girls' Mel B and Emma Bunton, who helped him judge the final performances of the chosen few. While Emily Middlemas, Gifty Louise and Samantha Lavery were all taken through to the live shows by the music mogul, several fans took to Twitter to complain about Simon asking Samantha to remove her make-up, telling the 17-year-old he wants her to "peel away the mask".
Contestants performed at the judges' house
While Mel and Emma gave Simon a telling off for his harsh critique, telling him that she is allowed to experiment with her look, some viewers were unhappy with the situation, with one tweeting: "Imagine being Simon Cowell and thinking it's appropriate to make a 17 year old feel uncomfortable because of her makeup bye."
"Simon Cowell. Who are you to tell someone what they can or can't wear," another added.
The 56-year-old explained his controversial comments later in the show, saying: "I didn't say it to be mean. I actually said it because I hadn't quite connected with you."
Simon judged the performances with Spice Girls' Mel B and Emma Bunton
Meanwhile, fans also revealed their frustration with the acts that Louis Walsh chose to take through to the live shows. The entertainment manager sent three groups Bradley and Ottavio, 5am and The Brooks to the live shows while sending Yes Lad, Skarl3t, duo Tom and Laura and Four of Diamonds home. "We can only pick acts that we believe in and I've only got three places," he told Four Diamonds. "I have made my decision, I'm sorry I'm not taking you to the live shows."
One fan wrote: "So #LouisWalsh making a mockery of #XFactor yet again. Sending home groups with good singers and putting through talentless acts!"
"#LouisWalsh got rid of one of the best girl groups ever to grace the judges houses stage @FourOfDiamons_ have something special #XFactor," another added.