Nicole Scherzinger U-turned and gave Talia Dean a second chance at the Six Chair Challenge on The X Factor 2017 after facing a furious backlash from the audience.
The ITV talent contest is currently in its most controversial stage, and last night’s episode ended with a cliffhanger when Nicole opted to give Filipino vocalist Loverine Fermino a chair.
As all six of her spots had already been filled, one of the seated acts had to be eliminated.
The Overs’ mentor announced that Talia, whose performance had received a standing ovation, would be sent home – and the arena descended in to chaos.
Fellow judges Sharon Osbourne and Simon Cowell leapt to their feet in disbelief, the latter exclaiming: “No way, no way. That is crazy.”
Thousands of audience members began booing as Talia walked away, with even presenter Dermot O’Leary saying: “That is insane.”
The fallout from Nicole’s bombshell decision continued in tonight’s instalment, which began with Kevin Davy White arriving for his performance.
However, the crowd was still outraged, and repeatedly chanted “bring her back” while Nicole tried to introduce Kevin.
Frustrated with the turn of events, she lamented: “You know what, I tell you, this audience… getting on my last nerve.”
“Well, they’re right,” Simon smirked.
Addressing the situation, Nicole asked Kevin to vacate the stage, explaining: “Out of respect to you, they’re not in the best mood.
“I’m gonna need a second with this audience. Can you please leave? We’ve gotta figure something out. Thank you.”
Turning to the stands at the SSE Arena in Wembley, she then said: “So you want her back, huh? Can we please bring Talia back?”
The flabbergasted VIP airport concierge worker headed back out to huge cheers.
“Talia, my love, the people have spoken,” the former Pussycat Doll told her. “There’s something about you girl, so I’m gonna have to give you a seat back.”
This meant she had to get rid of another hopeful, and it was Bill Downs who was sent packing to make room for Talia.
Offering Nicole his support, Simon commented: “It’s the right decision.”
Backstage, a devastated Bill – who previously took part in The Voice UK – remarked: “That’s worse than I ever imagined.”
While Talia did get another chair, it’s not yet known whether she managed to hold on to it long enough to make Judges’ Houses.
Nicole’s top six Overs will be confirmed later tonight.