By NADIA MENDOZA


Facing the music: Kitty Brucknell triumphed over Sami Brookes and will remain in the competition until next week

Louis Walsh was faced with sending one of his own acts home tonight as Kitty Brucknell and Sami Brookes fought for survival in the bottom two.

The X Factor stars battled each other, with Brucknell's rendition of Lady Gaga's The Edge Of Glory triumphing over Brookes' version of Aretha Franklin hit A Natural Woman.

Walsh's decision proved unpopular with the studio audience, as he was greeted with boos.

Singing for survival: Kitty blew the judges away, getting three votes from Gary, Kelly and Louis

Gary Barlow said both acts were 'unbelievable' and credited Sami for her vocals, although it was obvious who he was going to save having previously called her 'karaoke' and 'a cruise ship singer'.

The Take That star said: 'Sami, your voice is undeniable but I've always found you a little bit dated.'

Kelly also saved Kitty, 26, adding: 'This is really hard. Sami, I absolutely adore you and Kitty I think you're a wonderful entertainer, but I'm sending home Sami.'

Can she win over the public? Kitty is one of the best entertainers, but does she have the personality to match

Tulisa spiced up the vote by opting to send Kitty home, saying: 'I've got to vote with my heart and the person I most connect with, so the act I'm sending home is Kitty.'

This meant that if Louis had chosen to save Sami, Dermot O'Leary would've had to go to deadlock, where the phone-in figures are the deciding factor as the contestants have two votes each.

Disappointed: Louis Walsh looked devastated to send home one of his own acts, or was it just pantomime

Walsh said: 'I love both girls, but Kitty, you're not connecting with the public for some reason. Sami, you were incredible, you sang your heart out. Do I go with my head? Do I go with my heart?

'I'm going to go with my heart and the person I'm going to have to send home is Sami.'

The 31-year-old had the last word, saying: 'I may not be able to sell a million albums, but I am going to sing for the rest of my life.'

Just two remaining: Louis will have to work hard to keep Johnny and Kitty in the competition after Gary accused him of turning his acts into 'jokes'

At the beginning of the show, the opening group ensemble was notably missing, immediately sparking speculation on Twitter that contestants can't stand being in the same room long enough to practice.

In reality, it was most likely due to the fact there were three star guests, including American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, Professor Green featuring Emeli Sandi and Bruno Mars.

Louis also apologised for last night's antics, when he accused Misha B of bullying contestants.

Delighted: Johnny Robinson and Misha B are elated to be through to next week after the public saved them

He swallowed a large dose of humble pie, telling host Dermot: 'We're all so involved in our own acts, but I got a bit carried away.

'I know I shouldn't have used the b-word and I apologise for that. It was the heat of the moment.'

Following his lead, Tulisa also backtracked from her accusations, having previously said Misha's backstage attitude was turning sour.

In what appeared to be rather scripted, she told Dermot that 'Misha stole the show', but her face told a different story.

Golden boy: Craig Colton won the public over again and seems to be proving as the one to beat

Marcus Collins was announced as the first act returning next week, saving his nerves from turning to shreds again after he was the final artist to be called last Sunday.

Despite the dramas last night, Misha B was the second act to be saved, with Johnny Robinson, Rhythmix, Janet Devlin and Craig Colton jumping for joy as Dermot called their name.

Coming out of her shell: Sophie Habibis has succeeded in avoiding tabloid headlines, winning the vote on her voice alone

Sophie Habibis was greeted with a huge cheer from the audience as she was sent through, while Frankie Cocozza received a chorus of boos.

The cocky 18-year-old will no doubt be reprimanded by mentor Barlow for swearing before the watershed on the family show, shouting 'f***ing have it' as his name was called.

The Risk were saved until last before Sami and Kitty were revealed as the bottom two.


source: dailymail