The X Factor Live Show - The Final Eight

There’s something of a gladiatorial atmosphere in The X Factor studio tonight. The crowd are really pumped up, and whilst they aren’t quite baying for anyone’s blood (except perhaps that of a judge!) they all seem determined that their heroes will prevail.

Kate Thornton, pretty and perky as ever, introduces the prickly panellists one by one.

Sharon is the first to saunter on stage, and once again its to the sound of Aretha’s R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Today she is adorned with her pretty pet bow-wow Minnie, an object of affection and a stylish fashion accessory rolled into one. She assures Kate that she won’t be losing another act tonight because "...this is a talent show, and my kids are superbly talented!"

Sharon is much more relaxed during the 'Final 8' X Factor Show. Can it be the calming influence of her beautiful pet bow-wow Minnie?

Sharon receives plenty of audience approval, but when Louis Walsh enters stage centre the reaction is distinctly mixed. Yes, there are lots of cheers but these are accompanied by some very loud boos. Perhaps these are Verity fans, or maybe as Simon warned last week, they’re the half of the ‘audience’ population that he insulted last week whilst critiquing Verity’s performance! ?

Louis seems not to notice, he mentions how shocked he was when Voices With Soul found themselves in the bottom two last week. Appealing to supporters to pick up their phones tonight he put it simply, "vote for the people you think are the best!"

When Simon takes the stage it sounds like he has hand-picked the audience himself!

Kate observes "They like you more this week!", and chants of "Simon, Simon!" can be heard. Tonight Simon is Maximus, and Maximus seems to be enjoying the adulation to the maximum!

Feeling confident, Simon fires a warning shot across Louis’ bows "Louis, after I’ve seen the rehearsals you should be very afraid this evening."

In her refereeing role Kate reminds the combatants of the rules, "The rules are ‘there are no rules’"! What carnage lies in store, we wonder?

So, with the gloves off, Kate signals the start of the contest.

Let Battle Commence!

There are 9 contending acts and here is the order in which they will be thrown into the proverbial lion’s den...[Click on the links to find out how they fare, including what those gimmicky judges say about the contestants and eachother!]

1

Rowetta Satchell

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

[U2]

2

2 To Go

Always

[Atlantic Starr]

3

Cassie Compton

Without You

[Harry Nilsson]

4

Verity Keays

Wind Beneath My Wings

[Bette Middler]

5

G4

Don't Look Back In Anger

[Oasis]

6

Tabby Callaghan

My Oh My

[Slade]

7

Steve Brookstein

If You Don't Know Me By Now

[Harold Melvin And The Bluenotes]

8

Voices With Soul

(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman

[Carole King]

Click here to find out who leaves tonight!

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