As Simon Cowell introduces Verity he reminds us that she "is somebody who Louis didn’t actually think should be in the competition and she’s just about to prove him wrong."

We are shown footage of a much more relaxed and confident Verity. Will the new found confidence be with her on stage tonight?

Her song tonight is the classic Whitney Houston number "I Will Always Love You" (penned by Dolly Parton).

Verity looks very composed as she walks on stage. She smiles at the audience and the music starts. Her voice definitely has that smokiness that vocal coach Annie Skates liked so much during X Factor boot camp. There is a little warble on some of the notes and it’s hard to know if that’s because of nerves or not, but it actually lends emotion to a song which needs emotion to sound convincing.

Verity convinces the audience, who give her lots of applause and whistles. She convinces Simon who greets her on stage with a big smile and a kiss. Has she convinced Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne?

Louis: Kate, Verity’s a really, really nice woman. She picked a really nice song...but there’s not that many housewives in the charts at the moment. (Groans from audience) Y’know there’s not. And Verity, I really think Simon is looking for a sympathy vote with you. He did it last year on the other show he did and I think that’s what he’s going for tonight. Y’know you’re a really nice woman, but we are look... it is about talent, and I just think there’s better singers...

Kate: Okay Louis, thank you very much...I think!

Simon: (with his arm around Verity’s shoulder) It’s not thank you actually. Sharon?

Kate: Oy!

Simon: Sorry, I’m annoyed.

Kate: Sharon!

Sharon: Thank you Kate. Verity... I was really worried about you because you’re very, very fragile. You have a great voice and you’re a beautiful woman (looks at Louis) ...no matter about ‘housewife’ right? (applause) Even though I’m an older woman than you I relate to you...(laughter) ...but it worries me because you’re very fragile. You know what, I think you’re too nice to be in this business, because this business is tough.

Kate: Thank you Sharon. It is a tough business. Simon Cowell, you know that better than most. How did she do for you tonight?

Simon: Listen, this is the first time this girl in I don’t know how many years...stood on a stage, sang to the public...8 or 9 million people watching! (Applause) And I wish you could feel Louis Walsh, the...the nerves this girl is going through...and I have to say: You just managed to insult every female viewer watching this show...(smiling) ...so think about that!

So all in all a mixed reaction for Verity, although neither Louis nor Sharon said that she performed badly; in fact they never really made reference to her actual performance at all! Simon will definitely be hoping that, after listening to Louis’ comments, lots of women will show sister solidarity by voting to keep Verity in!