Emily Middlemas eliminated from X Factor after tense sing off with Matt Terry to get to final

Emily Middlemas has failed to make it to the X Factor live final after losing out in a tense sing off with Matt Terry

The singer was just one week away from the final extravaganza at Wembley Arena, but after failing to impress the viewers with her song choices during Saturday night's semi-final, she was sent home by the judges.

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Her departure also means Simon Cowell is the first judge to lose all of their acts in the competition.

Saturday night's show opened with Matt  - Nicole Scherzinger’s only remaining boy – singing Silent Night.

His rendition received a mix reaction from the judges – while Sharon said it made her want to go to church, Simon was not impressed.

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Referring to Matt’s trip to Winter Wonderland with his mentor Nicole, he said: “You looked like you had more fun at the funfair than being here tonight.

“I thought it was a bit predictable. It was like having a sandwich without the butter.”

He was followed by Louis’ group 5 After Midnight, who sang 90’s hit Stay Another Day by East 17.

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While Nicole was very confused about the words of the song, Simon was very impressed declaring: "I thought that was absolutely fantastic. That is what we were waiting for. You have come back fighting."

Emily performed Simon's favourite Christmas song War is Over by John Lennon.

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Louis and Sharon were not that impressed, with Louis saying she does the same thing each week.

Nicole added: “I felt like something was missing for me. I felt like it was a bit lacklustre.”

She was followed by Sharon's remaining contender Saara Aalto  - who sang everyone’s favourite Christmas party hit, All I Want For Christmas by Mariah Carey.

The contestants then got the chance to sing another song and it was up to Emily to go first with her choice Mad World by Gary Jules - which received much better reviews than her first song.

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Matt took on Jessie Ware’s Say You Love Me for his second choice - and while all the other judges were impressed, Simon branded it 'bland'.

Saara's second song was Chandelier by Sia - which is what she sang during her first audition on the show.

It received rave reviews from the judges and even left Sharon in tears.

5 After Midnight closed the show singing Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder.