X Factor favourites 4th Impact win place on live shows

Updated

The X Factor's Cheryl Fernandez-Versini has selected 4th Impact, Alien Uncovered and Reggie n Bollie as the first three acts through to the live shows.

In her category, Filipino siblings 4th Impact were the first group selected.

Talking about their progression from the Judges' Houses stage of the competition, they told hosts Olly Murs and Caroline Flack: "We are very grateful."

The girls, who have been the bookies' front-runners for weeks, sealed their place with a performance of Eminem's Love The Way You Lie featuring Rihanna.

Alien Uncovered were the second group announced for the live shows by Fernandez-Versini.

Their raunchy rendition of Usher's Bad Girl impressed the 32 year old and her guest judge in Rome, rising pop star Jess Glynne.

The final group through was a surprise choice: Ghanaian duo Reggie n Bollie, formerly known as Menn On Point.

Their interpretation of Twist and Shout, the song made famous by The Beatles, helped them beat gospel groups Melody Stone and BEKLN Mile and The New Kings to that all-important spot in the live shows.

"We are going to entertain you every week!" they vowed.

Hosts Murs and Flack asked Fernandez-Versini to explain her choices: "Obviously, we have two very different girl groups; I can only do so much with a choir. The people who just left the stage are as talented," she replied.

Meanwhile, Simon Cowell selected Bupsi, Anton Stephans and Max Stone as his three Overs acts joining Fernandez-Versini's Groups when the ITV singing competition goes properly live next week.

The music mogul announced Leeds singer Bupsi as the first of his soloists to progress from the Judges' Houses stage.

One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, who had headed out to the South of France to assist Simon as a guest judge, felt she was a touch "cabaret".

However, the 37-year-old contestant was ecstatic: "I feel absolutely fantastic!" she cried. Her performance of Ginuwine's Pony secured her place.

Backing singer Stephans impressed at Judges' Houses with Superstar by The Carpenters. Emotional all the way through the process, he said he was "over the moon!"

Musician Stone's rendition of Gangsta's Paradise by Coolio secured him the third spot over Kerrie Anne Phillips, Jennifer Phillips (no relation) and Ebru.

Cowell appeared happier with the category he had previously put down. He claimed The X Factor 2015 winner would come from his Overs.

For the first time in X Factor history, the acts judged to have performed best at Judges' Houses were announced live.

BBC Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw took his Boys to the Cotswolds where he made his selection alongside award-winning producer Mark Ronson.

All eyes were on controversial contestant Mason Noise, who made his comeback at Judges' Houses with a performance of Robin Thicke's Lost Without You.

The 21-year-old was thrown off the show for rowing with Cowell during the Six Chair Challenge. However, he impressed on his return. "I didn't know he had a voice," said producer Ronson.

Also hoping to be selected for the live shows is flamboyant Australian Seann Miley Moore, who sang This Woman's Work by Kate Bush.

Simon Lynch conquered his nerves to sing Too Lost In You by Sugababes and Ben Clarke performed Yours by X Factor star Ella Henderson.

The Uptown Funk producer complimented 19-year-old Che Chesterman on his voice: "I loved your performance in the Six Chair Challenge," he said.

The teenager went on to perform Don't Know Much, the hit made famous by Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville.

Mechanic Josh Daniel, who has given up his job to devote his time to X Factor, sang Taylor Swift's Style.

Judge Grimshaw and Rita Ora, mentoring the Girls, will choose their final three when live Judges' Houses concludes on Sunday.

The X Factor is on Sunday October 25 on ITV at 7.30pm.

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