Mixed reaction from X Factor judges to Motown-themed show

The remaining X Factor contestants brought soul to the stage as they performed their favourite Motown pieces in the second week of the live competition.

All 11 acts brought a personal twist to the classic songs that inspired their passion for music, but they were not all so popular with the judges.

Ryan Lawrie's version of Steve Wonder's Superstition was a hit with the audience, but according to Simon Cowell, "it didn't feel real".

After his upbeat performance, the judge told him: "This didn't work. It didn't feel real. This was a mistake."

His mentor Nicole Scherzinger also had words for the young singer over the week following the news that he had begun dating fellow contestant, from the girls category, Emily Middlemas.

But when she expressed her concern over whether the pair would be able to stay focussed on the competition, he assured her: "When I am working, it's the only thing I am interested in."

The Saturday night show kicked off with a welcome back to girl group Four Of Diamonds, as they returned to the show after what host Dermot O'Leary described as a "whirlwind week" for the band.

They said: "It's been crazy but we are so excited to be back in to show everyone what we're made of," and won the audience over with a performance of You Keep Me Hangin' On.

But it was judge Louis Walsh who received the most boos from the audience following his personal comments towards some of the contestants.

Saara Aalto, who just survived last week's sing-off, came back with a powerful rendition of River Deep, Mountain High, but Mr Walsh said: "I don't feel the public warming to you."

He also told singer-rapper Honey G, of the over 25 category, that he had heard her be described as "David Cameron in a wig".

But the other judges slammed his comments after she gave a dynamic performance of No Money No Problems, including a rap she had written herself.

While Sharon Osbourne named her "the best rapper to come out in years", Simon Cowell said: "Honey you shut it down. You have turned it around. You are my guilty pleasure."

Still in the competition in the boys group are Freddy Parker, Ryan Lawrie and Matt Terry, and in the girls are Emily Middlemas, Gifty Louise and Sam Lavery.

The groups include boy band 5 After Midnight, along with Four of Diamonds, and the remaining over 25s are Honey G, Saara Aalto and Relley C.

Voting opened at the end of the show and will close after 24 hours, in time for Sunday's results programme on ITV1 at 8pm.