The first of Simon Cowell's two acts performing tonight is Steve.

It would seem that Charlie Chaplin's 'Smile' is a fitting choice of song for Steve. 

After he sang on the first live show he got a bit of a ribbing from Sharon Osbourne over his smile. "Why do you grin at everything?? I don’t get it, you grin. I mean I can slag you here and you’ll just keep grinning".

Tonight Simon gets his little dig in. He makes sure Sharon knows that it is something she has said to Steve that has inspired tonight's song choice.

Sharon also had a go at Steve last week "...you are Mr Slick Vegas and you’re not black, so why try and sing like a black person?"

Steve's pre-performance videoclip shows him chatting with Simon earlier this week. They are discussing Sharon's negative comments. Simon's advice is "You know what, ignore it! Because I think this criticism is meant to play on your mind!".

Steve does seem to forget about it, well at least for 2 minutes whilst on the stage tonight. He gives a near flawless performance, and yes he remembers to smile!

Will he still be smiling though after he hears what Sharon has to say to him?

Kate: (audience cheers) Okay Steve. Steve, Simon. It's time for the judges' verdict. Okay, thank you. Sharon!

Sharon: (long pause - Sharon pulls a funny puzzled looking face)

Kate: Sharon your thoughts please?

Sharon: Oh sorry! I thought I was back in America! (sarcastic tone) I forgot I'm in England (mixed reaction from the audience) Erm, actually Steve...

Simon: It's never too late Sharon! (Steve turns around and shakes his head despairingly)

Sharon: Steve, stop shaking your head cos I'm talking to you darling! (cries of whooo! from the audience. Steve's eyes look up to heaven) ... Listen... You've actually achieved to sing with some soul tonight. You have definitely achieved it... (excited applause from the audience) ...through a familiar song, where you, for the first time listened to the words that you were singing and I felt a genuine emotion. Not trying to be a crooner, not trying to be the little flash guy... you really, really did it tastefully and you succeeded. And you did... (Sharon is drowned out by the studio audience)

Kate: Thank you Sharon. Louis?

Louis: Y'know Kate, two weeks ago he had problems with his voice and I didn't like it, and last week y'know the choir did most of the singing and he got away with it. But tonight I really liked your voice and I really think you pulled it off. (big cheers) But y'know, if people want to hear a really good version of this song it's on the new Westlife album, it's a much better version. (Steve and Simon laugh)

Kate: Who?

Louis:... and it's out tomorrow! (a few mock boos from the audience)

Kate: Thank you! Simon?

Simon: Y'know it's been an interesting time working with Steve. Y'know the first time we met him I wasn't sure how much he wanted to win this competition. I think he was afraid of rejection. I think he's had a tough time from these two (the panel). They were fair tonight. But let me tell you, this guy not only wants to win, I think he deserves to win and I think he's a real talent. (big cheers. To Steve:) I really mean that!

Steve: Thank you.

Kate: Steve? This is the first time you've walked away with really great comments from the panel. How are you feeling?

Steve: (to the panel) Erm, do you know what? I'm just so glad you gave me a break.

Louis: Well you know what its...

Sharon: No, you gave yourself a break!

Louis: It was the first time we actually heard you sing! And I really liked it.

Sharon: As you! As Steve! As You! Not trying to be somebody else! Now we know who Steve is, he's here.

Louis: And we like it.

Steve: Thank you.