Simon Cowell has chosen his finalists for the live shows on The X Factor 2018.
This evening saw the first round of judges’ houses as we headed to America and the city of Malibu.
Simon, mentoring the girls category, was joined by some 50 guests from the music business including Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Diane Warren and Ryan Seacrest.
There was also former X Factor winner Leona Lewis, American Idol star Adam Lambert and judges’ houses regular Sinitta .
Each of the final six girls from the six chair challenge took their turn in front of the group to perform their one chosen song.
However a visa issue meant that one of Simon’s girls was unable to attend filming in the US.
Host Dermot O’Leary explained in the episode: “Because she can’t be here, Maria is performing down the line from London.”
Once everyone had performed, Simon sat the girls down one at a time to reveal his decision, delivering the news to Maria by phone.
Here are the finalists in the live shows in Simon Cowell’s Girls category…
X Factor 2018 finalists
Bella Penfold
19-year-old from Essex
Molly Scott
16-year-old from County Durham
Scarlett Lee
20-year-old from Surrey
Shan
25-year-old from Croydon
There were a LOT of tears as Simon revealed his choices, with Scarlett left particularly emotional after being sent home at the Six Chair Challenge last year.
But the results mean we said goodbye to 20-year-old Georgia Burgess from Birmingham and 17-year-old Maria Laroco from the Philippines.
The X Factor judges’ houses continue next weekend with Robbie Williams taking the Groups to Beverley Hills with guest judge David Walliams.
Louis Tomlinson will take the Boys category to Ibiza with fellow One Direction star Liam Payne plus Nile Rodgers. Finally, Ayda Williams will fly the Overs with her to LA, joined by guests Leona Lewis and Adam Lambert.
The live shows will begin with the finalists at the end of the month, airing weekends through until December where the winner is crowned.
