Simon introduces Steve as "on form, back to full health". He’s referring to the laryngitis which Steve had last week which forced him to sing his song in a high, near-falsetto key.

Steve still has a point to prove, especially to Louis Walsh who has consistently been less than complimentary about his star quality. "You remind me of a cab driver that would sing cabaret at the weekends" were Louis’ harsh words last week!

Simon has kept Steve mindful of the need to deliver the goods this week now he has his full voice back "There’s a huge level of expectation now, Steve. I said ‘he’s half as good as he could be’, ...you’re under a lot of pressure now!"

He walks onto the stage smartly styled in black shirt and trousers, looking casual and very confident. It turns out he has reason to be confident, he gives a splendidly soulful rendition of the much loved Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes ballad.

In our book it’s definitely one of the best vocal performances of the night. Simon knows it, and he gives Steve a satisfied nod as he greets him after the performance. But was this enough to persuade the other judges that Steve possesses that elusive X Factor?

Kate: It’s Steve! ...Okay, ladies calm yourselves, please! Louis!

Louis: Kate, I’m a little bit confused. I mean am I judging the choir or am I judging Steve? I think its very, very (boos) ...boo all you want... you can boo all you want Simon is cheating. He’s used a choir with his 3 acts tonight. I mean that’s not fair. We’re...we’re not using choirs!

Sharon: (meanwhile Sharon gives the audience some backchat - or vice versa?) ...Oi!

Louis: We’re not using choirs. (Simon Smiles)

Sharon: ...pipe down!...

Louis: I think the choir are fantastic!

Kate: Yea, but Louis in fairness, the rules are ‘there are no rules’. You can perform with chimpanzees if that’s what you want! (cheers)

Louis: Kate, I think the choir...I think the choir are really, really good. I think Steve did a good job, he picked a very good song...but I just think its unfair to have all those people behind him on stage, that’s all! (boos)

Kate: Okay, thank you very much Louis! Sharon!

Sharon: Nice song great song. You’ve got a very nice voice...(audience shouts out, Sharon addresses the shouts: ) ...’ey, I’m speaking, behave! Please! Oooph!...

Kate: You tell ‘em.

Sharon: (to Steve) very nice voice, but you’re too kind of slick. (Clicks her fingers) You’re kind of Vegas-ey slick. Every middle aged woman I’m sure would love to spend a night with you. (Steve smiles) Everyone but me! ... because you are Mr Slick Vegas and you’re not black, so why try and sing like a black person? ... Cos you aint got soul. You haven’t got soul! You’ve got a very nice voice but you’re Michael Bolton. The English version of Michael Bolton. (boos and cries of rubbish)

Kate: Okay, Simon?

Simon: I...

Kate: It’s a case for the defence.

Simon: I...I (the boos continue) Louis, Louis is...I...I thought it would be impossible for Louis to outdo himself based on banality, but he’s done it again this week. (audience cheers, Louis isn’t impressed)

Kate: So how did Steve perform in your eyes?

Simon: Its obvious he did fantastic tonight. He needed a confidence boost; the audience gave him the confidence boost. I think this guy’s a great singer. (applause)

Kate: Are you happy with tonight Steve?

Steve: Er, yeah, I am.

Kate: Yeah? You happy with the way things went for you tonight?

Steve: Yeah, I’m gonna just say something to err, Sharon.

Kate: Okay.

Sharon: Ohh shush.

Steve: I think you’re lovely but...I’ve got to say one thing. When I was from the age of four, I remember my mum playing Al Green in her bedroom when I was in the other room and I’d be laying there. So I’ve listened to soul all my life! (cheers)

Sharon: Yes (puts her hand up) but...

Steve: ... all my life...

Sharon: ...I’ve listened to soul all my life, but I don’t have the soul to sing like a soul singer... you’ve got a great voice ...

Steve: Don’t sing! Don’t sing then!

Sharon: but I don’t have the voice for it

Steve: don’t sing then....