Ahead of six chairs this weekend, we look back at last weekend’s X Factor bootcamp’s biggest performances.
This year bootcamp began with a group challenge before the acts each took to the stage one at a time in front of a live audience at Wembley Arena.
They each chose their own song before the judges delivered a verdict on whether the acts would make the Six Chair Challenge.
Based on online hits and shares since the weekend, here are the biggest arena auditions so far…
Alisah Bonaobra
Having narrowly avoiding the axe in her earlier group performance, Alisah had “a point to prove” (Simon’s words) in round two – and prove it she did with a powerful rendition of Wicked track ‘Defying Gravity’, which earned her a standing ovation from the 4,000-strong Wembley audience.
“What happened to you in 24 hours?!” Simon exclaimed. “You were literally lying on the floor crying, and now this!”
Shanaya Atkinson-Jones
Shanaya has already experienced high praise from the judges, with Simon previously describing her as “everything I hoped we were gonna find this year”. The adoptee sang Luther Vandross’s ‘Dance With My Father’ as a tribute to her parents, whom she describes as her “best friends”, and the performance reduced Nicole to tears.
“I just wanted to say thank you for that,” said the ex-Pussycat Doll. “You always give such an honest performance. I feel like whenever you sing you take us somewhere else.”
Sam Black
Sam had a bit of a disaster in his group performance, and things didn’t go any better for him solo. Simon hated his song choice – Del Shannon’s ‘Runaway’ – remaking: “What do you do with that?”
Sam got a second chance to sing the track a cappella, but failed to change Simon’s mind. Although Louis argued to put him through, the judges ultimately decided to send him home. The plasterer at least managed to turn the sad moment in to a happy one when he proposed to his girlfriend on stage, and she accepted.
“At least I got one yes today,” he smiled.
Georgina Panton
She may have previously declared herself “the winner of The X Factor 2017”, but Georgina appeared rather more nervous at the arena, claiming: “A no today… that would break me.” She admitted that her voice had “got a hoarse”, but despite this, her piano rendition of Beyoncé’s ‘Sweet Dreams’ won another standing ovation from the judges.
Simon was amazed, gushing: “I’ve been waiting for that! Your control over the song there was absolutely spectacular. Your stage presence is amazing. You’ve been a little bit erratic at times, you’ve literally brought it together when it matters. We’re excited.”
The X Factor continues Saturday and Sunday night on ITV.