'X Factor' finalists await public's verdict

'The X Factor' finalists will find out tonight whether they have survived the public vote and made it through to the next round of the show.

Two out of the 14 hopefuls will be booted off the reality show after battling it out last night.

The act with the least votes will be kicked off straight away, then the next two lowest scoring contestants face a “song for survival”, with the judges deciding who goes.

Last night, each of the acts had the chance to sing a track by their musical heroes.

Treyc Cohen also wowed the audience with her performance of Purple Rain by Prince.

Simon Cowell said her performance was “incredible” while Louis Walsh told her that she reminded him of Tina Turner.

Aiden Grimshaw sang a “shakey” version of John Lennon’s hit Jealous Guy. Newly red-haired Cheryl Cole told him: “You could be an incredible artist but that performance was shaky to me.”

Cowell added: “It was not as good as last week.”

The bickering between the judges started again after Walsh interrupted his fellow judges’ criticism of the Mancunian.

“I think you are the next incredible UK male pop star,” said the feisty Irish judge.

Grimshaw, who looked apprehensive after the performance, admitted: “It was a bit rubbish.”

Wacky Wagner Carrilho, one of the favourites to be booted off the show this week, attempted to emulate Welsh sensation Tom Jones but Dannii Minogue said she could not understand his rendition of Just Help Yourself.

Dublin supermarket worker Byrne dazzled the judges by singing You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me.

After the resounding cheer from the audience, Byrne was visibly shaking.

“That was priceless, that was so good,” Minogue said.

Cole added: “You do something to me where I am covered in goosebumps.”

Cowell told the 50 year old: “That is why I would never put an age limit on one of these shows.”

Tonight’s show will also see performances from US star Katy Perry and 2008 X Factor finalist Diana Vickers.