X Factor: Simon Cowell's Jay James voted off in shock deadlock elimination against Stevi Ritchie
X Factor viewers were left shocked after hopeful Jay James lost out to Stevi Ritchie in the sing off last night.
The Welsh singer – who found himself in the bottom two for the second consecutive week – failed to impress the public with his rendition of New York New York for Big Band Week on Saturday.
Simon Cowell – who mentors both contestants – decided to save Jay after he performed Keane's Somewhere Only We Know in the sing off.
He said: “I really really like both of you. Jay you’re the better singer, Stevi you’re the better performer.
“I hate to say this, but I’m sending home Stevi.”
Louis Walsh also voted to save Jay, while Mel B decided to save Stevi after he impressed her with his rendition of Queen’s Somebody to Love.
Cheryl – who only has Lauren Platt left in the competition – voted to save Stevi so the decision was thrown into Deadlock.
X Factor Finalists - who is left?
Talking of his time on the show, Jay said: “It’s been absolutely incredible. The people who I’ve met during this time have been amazing. I just want to thank every single person for this experience.”
Despite being booted off, mentor Simon Cowell promised him a future in the music industry. He said: “You’re going to have a career ahead of you, I promise you that.”
Bob Geldof made an appearance to introduce the new Band Aid 30 video for the remake of his 1984 hit Do They Know It’s Christmas?.
Featuring performances from the likes of One Direction, Rita Ora, and Bono the ebola charity single is already the bookmakers favourite for Christmas number one.
Other guest appearances were 2009 X Factor runner-up Olly Murs who performed his new single All Wrapped Up, and former judge Nicole Scherzinger who sang Run.
