X Factor, live show, week 6

It's Queen week on the X Factor, but before the show gets underway Simon takes the opportunity to have a pop at Sting, who apparently described the X Factor contestants as karaoke no hopers.

"Sting this is an invite come on this show and give your knowledge to contestants who need your help." says Simon. Hmm, we wonder if he will take him up on the offer?

Simon then goes on to explain his decision to go to deadlock last week, saying: "I know I upset a lot of people... but I trust the public decision. I always have and I always will."

Funny that, as we remember him saying he'd leave the country if John and Edward actually won the show.

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Jamie Afro gets Queen night off to a rocking start with Radio Ga Ga.

Dannii says: "You really get the crowd going, they absolutely love you. It was a great performance."

Unfortunately, Louis wasn't feeling the love: "You're out of your depth. You're a very ordinary singer with a small voice and very big hair," he tells him. Ouch!

Cheryl sticks up for the pub rocker but complains about his new hair, saying she prefers it frizzy.

Simon looks shocked at the others' remarks and reminds Jamie what's it really about, saying: "You got an incredible reaction from the crowd. That's what it's about."

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Lloyd Daniels takes on Crazy Little Thing Called Love, accompanied by a bevy of semi-clad lovelies.

The crowd love it, and so does Dannii. "You've arrived. That was your best performance yet," she tells him.

Even Louis had something (half) positive to say: "It was so much better than last week, it looked like you were having a good time."

Simon tells him: "You're a little bit like a puppy taking part in the Grand National... but it was better than last week, maybe because you've started to lighten up a bit.

Cheryl was all smiles: "It's been lovely to see you this week - you've really come into your own!"

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Olly Murs shows off his dance moves to Don't Stop Me Now, reminding us all why he's the bookies' favourite.

"Your dance moves are absolutely incredible," Dannii tells him.

Louis says: "That was an electrifying performance, you are the person that everybody has to beat in the competition, you remind me of Robbie and Gary Barlow. I think you've got it all."

For once, Simon agrees with Louis, saying: "You remind me of Robbie because you have the ability to entertain and give it 100 percent."

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Next up is Joe McElderry who takes on Somebody To Love.

Dannii says it was "fantastic" and Louis agrees, although he can't resist getting out the rule book.

"It was a really, really big song for a little guy but you did a great job," Louis tells him. "But I think the choir helped you and that's breaking the rules."

Simon rolls his eyes at Louis, before going back to Joe's performance. "If I am being honest with you I think you sang better last week," he tells him. "Having said that I think you will be safe as houses."

Cheryl shakes off Simon's comments, telling Joe: "You are technically the best singer in this competition."

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John and Edward - quite literally - burst on to the stage to deliver their unique version of Under Pressure/Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice.

The drama continues when Calvin Harris (who was to be a guest on The Xtra Factor) runs onto the stage during the performance - and is quickly escorted from the studio by security.

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After the performance, Dannii challenges Louis asking him: "Where in the rule book does Vanilla Ice fit in with Queen week?" to which Louis replies: "It was a Queen song, Dannii."

Simon has clearly changed his approach towards the twins, telling them: "Look guys, I can't judge you in the real world anymore, I have to judge you in Jedward Land. If I take myself there I would say that was your best performance. If people like you, they like you."

Louis is cockahoop, telling them: "That was your best performance. You look like pop stars. I want everybody to lift up the phone and vote!"

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Back in the real world, Stacey Solomon steals the show with an amazing version of Who Wants To Live Forever.

"That was incredible," Louis tells her. "You look like a diva who's been doing this for years and years and years."

Cheryl agrees: "Stacey that was absolutely stunning... you totally sang your socks off."

Even Simon didn't have a bad word to say: "That was by miles the best performance of the night. I feel we've got you back again, brilliant!"

"You've made me so proud!" Dannii tells her.


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Danyl Johnson closes Saturday night's show with We Are The Champions.

"That was your best performance yet," Dannii tells him.

Despite having accused of him being big headed in the past, Louis says: "There's nothing wrong with being arrogant and confident if you've got the talent to back it up - and you've got it."

Even Cheryl admitted she'd been 'won over.'

A smiling Simon said: "I thought that was absolutely fantastic, that was not a karoke performance. Outstanding. Loved it."

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Shakira keeps the crowd entertained while the votes are counted, performing her new single Did It Again.

Dermot asks what advice she has for the contestants, to which she replies: "Hard work, determination and effort – and don't be afraid of Simon."

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