An unwell Kelly Rowland sends Sophie home after her two hopefuls went head-to-head

'Misha B wants this more': An unwell Kelly Rowland sends Sophie home after her two hopefuls went head-to-head

By Kirsty Mccormack

Last updated at 12:22 AM on 31st October 2011


She was described as being as 'dull as dishwater' last night and it seems that the public agreed as Sophie Habibis became the latest contestant to be voted off the X Factor tonight.

The 19-year-old former barmaid found herself up against Misha B, also 19, in the sing off but it was a no brainer as all of the judges chose to send Sophie home.

Even Kelly Rowland - who has remained in the U.S. due to being ill - was present to cast her vote.

Going home: Sophie Habibis managed to keep it together as she discovered she was the next contestant to be voted off of the X Factor tonight

Speaking over the telephone, the Destiny's Child singer certainly sounded as if she was suffering from a throat infection, but didn't let that cloud her vision.

'This is so hard because I know how bad you both want this,' she told the female hopefuls.



'But I know that one of you wants it more and I have to be completely honest. The act that I'm sending home is Sophie.'

Gutted: The 19-year-old vowed to continue 'working hard' despite no longer being in the competition

Kelly's vote confirmed Sophie's departure as both Louis Walsh and Tulisa Contostavlos chose the brunette to go before her, and when asked who he would have chosen, Gary Barlow simply answered: 'Sophie.'

At a time when they needed her most, Misha B and Sophie were left to battle it out on the stage - and they both put on a meaningful performance.

Singing Shelter, Sophie certainly gave it her all as she realised it could be her last performance of the competition.

Singing her heart out: Sophie gave it her best shot as she sang one last time but it just wasn't enough to get her votes

Strong contender: Misha B sang her own rendition of the Kings Of Leon hit Use Somebody

But following her was string singer Misha B who sang the Kings Of Leon hit, Use Somebody, in her own unique way.

The feisty hopeful got quite emotional towards the end of her performance and began crying as her and Sophie stood by host Dermot O'Leary to hear the verdict.

Viewers were probably expecting N-Dubz star Tulisa to choose Misha B to go home following their public confrontation where the singer accused the hopeful of being a bully.

Awaiting the results: The pair looked nervous as they stood in front of the panel and listened to Kelly Rowland on the phone

Finding it tough: Tulisa Contostavlos couldn't make up her mind on who to send home

But regardless of this and her 'connection' with Sophie, the 23-year-old reluctantly announced her decision.

And when Kelly confirmed the news, Misha B immediately hugged her rival as Kelly praised her.

'I just want to tell Sophie that she is remarkable and she has such an incredible voice,' she said.

Shell shocked: Sophie looked surprisingly calm as fellow contestant Misha B hugged her

'She just has to develop as an artist and I cant wait to see what the future holds for her.'

The Londoner look shell-shocked as the news still hadn't sunk in but thanked everyone for the opportunity and vowed to carry on.

'I'm going to continue working hard and prove why I shouldn't have left this competition tonight,' she said.

Earlier on in the night the remaining contestants looked extremely nervous as they awaited to hear the results of the public vote.

Kitty Brucknell was ecstatic as she realised she was the first act going through to next week's show, as were boy band The Risk who lifted their mentor, Tulisa, up in the air after hearing the announcement, and girl band, Little Mix.

We're through: Girl band Little Mix looked ecstatic to be through to the next round following their spooky performance on last night's show

Throughout the results Sophie looked worried as Kelly's contestants remained on stage with Frankie until the last minute.

Janet Devlin was the first one to breathe a sigh of relief as her name was read out, and when Frankie went through, it was Kelly's two girls who were left to endure the sing off.

But before the tense atmosphere of the showdown, the hopefuls treated the audience to a performance of Cee Lo Green's hit, Bright Lights Bigger City.

Worried: Bad boy Frankie Cocozza thought his luck had ran out when he was left standing on the stage with his mentor Gary Barlow right till the end

Marcus began the energetic performance and slowly the rest of the contestants sang their parts and were mainly dressed in black, leather and PVC.

Also performing on the live show was former X Factor star, Cher Lloyd, who performed her new single, With Your Love.

She's back: Former X Factor contestant Cher Lloyd took to the stage to sing her new single With Your Love

Wearing an odd multi-coloured outfit that looked like it would fit right in at the circus, the 18-year-old looked uneasy as she took to the stage with her female dancers.

Perhaps feeling nervous at being back on the X Factor stage for the first time since last year, the singer's performance started off shaky and afterwards Cher told Dermot: 'I cant remember the last time I had a good nights sleep but I've worked hard and I'm hoping it's paid off.'

Following in her footsteps and seeming a lot more confident was U.S. star Nicole Scherzinger who wowed the audience in a much more low-key performance.

Singing from experience: Nicole Scherzinger looked stunning in a black lace dress as she sung on tonight's show

The 33-year-old wore an off-the shoulder black lace corset dress, as she sang her heart out following her recent break-up from Lewis Hamilton.

After her performance she told Dermot: 'I'm so happy to be back and I'm going to be back here in February for my tour so please come out and see me.'

X Factor favourite: The 33-year old appeared as guest judge on the show last year and also has a permanent place on the U.S. panel

Surprisingly the only judge on the panel who predicted Sophie's sad fate tonight was Irishman, Louis.

After being asked by Dermot who he thought was dream and a nightmare, he refused to answer with just one name and said: 'Kitty and Marcus, but Sophie and Frankie were a nightmare.'

Guest judge, Alexandra Burke agreed saying that the big-haired bad boy 'just didn't do it for me' but stated that Misha B was a dream on the stage.

Also predicting tonight's shock turn was Gary who told Dermot that Kelly's absence had had an effect on the young girls.

'Kelly's acts had a tough week this week and it showed on that stage,' he said.

But outspoken judge Tulisa revealed that no one was a nightmare for her on last night's show but she admitted that she would like to see Craig Colton do 'something different.'

The Playing With Fire singer was obviously still in the Halloween spirit on tonight's show wearing an extremely long black and white dress that looked out of place compared to her usual style.

Whereas X Factor winner, Alexandra, showed off her legs in a black and green figure-hugging frock.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2055407/X-Factor-2011-An-unwell-Kelly-Rowland-sends-Sophie-home-Misha-B-went-head-head.html#ixzz1cJh3qxlj

Sophie Habibis slated for her 'dull as dishwater' performance as Rhythmix become Little Mix

'A secretary who sings at the weekend': Sophie Habibis slated for her 'dull as dishwater' performance as Rhythmix become Little Mix... and scary creepy dolls

By Georgina Littlejohn

Last updated at 12:03 AM on 30th October 2011




She's had it tough since getting through to the live finals of the X Factor competition and moaned that she wasn't getting enough attention like her fellow contestants.

But unfortunately for Sophie Habibis, tonight's performance on the Halloween special of the X Factor did give her some attention - but for all the wrong reasons.

The 19-year-old barmaid from north west London was the third act to take to the stage tonight with her own spooky rendition of Nancy Sinatra's Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down).

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Spooky, sultry and sexy: Sophie Habibis sang Nancy Sinatra's Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) on tonight's X Factor Halloween special

She looked sensational with her dark hair piled up on her head and in a skintight outfit with male dancers writhing behind her.

But sadly, the song choice reflected her comments as she was indeed shot down by judges Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow.

Scathing: Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow took Sophie's song choice literally and shot her down, calling her a 'secretary who sings on weekends' and 'dull as dishwater'

Upset: Brave Sophie tried to mask her disappointment after Louis and Gary's comments

Louis was first to pass judgement when he told her: 'You're a great singer and a really nice girl but I'm not sure about the song choice.


'There's something missing, I dunno what it is, you're like a secretary who sings at the weekend or something.'

Girl power: Tulisa Contostavlos and Alexandra Burke, who was standing in for Kelly Rowland, gave Sophie a much-needed boost

Gary was equally as scathing and despite telling her she was 'one of the best singers left in the competition', he added: 'This is the fourth week running you've chosen to sing a weary dreary ballad - your song choices are as dull as dishwater.'

Tulisa Contostavlos, however, was very complimentary and said, 'You nailed it. you went for it and you're finding your own tone', and Alexandra Burke, was was standing in for a sick Kelly Rowland, added: 'I'll keep it real, there was some slight tuning problem but doesn't take from the fact you are a beautiful performer.'

Swinging around: Little Mix, formerly known as Rhythmix, took to the stage dressed as creepy rag dolls

Dolly girls: Little Mix's jerky dance moves suited their look perfectly

It wasn't a bad night for all the girls though, especially the girl-group formerly known as Rhythmix, who tonight debuted their new name - Little Mix - after they were forced to change it after a children's charity with the same name requested they did.

It had also been a tough week for member Jesy who had been on the end of some very negative criticism and comments about her weight and her looks, which had reduced her to tears.

Bad week: Jesy (far left) was seen getting upset as Tulisa and Louis comforted her and told her not to listen to her haters

They came on stage with a new name and a spooky new look as they took their places for their rendition of Katy Perry's E.T and dressed and made up to look like scary rag dolls, their harmonies were sharp and their jerky dance moves in time and in keeping with their creepy look.

And not only did the judges sing their praises, with Gary telling them it was a 'great song choice' and Alexandra telling them there was a 'space in the market' for them but Tulisa and Louis reassured and comforted Jesy, who was visibly upset after the performance.

'Smashed it': The Risk, who were debuting new member Ashford, opened the show will their version of Michael Jackson's Thriller

Louis told her, 'Jesy, don't read the negative things people are just jealous because you're on the X Factor', and Tulisa added: 'Jesy, it takes a lot to speak up and am proud of you. Girls, the performance was amazing you did something different tonight that's never been done before.'

First up on the show tonight were The Risk, who were debuting their new member Ashford Campbell after Ashley J. Baptiste quit this week, and performed Michael Jackson's Thriller, which delighted the judges and were told they had 'smashed' their performance.

Audience favourite Johnny Robinson was up next and ditched the camp fun glamour for a more serious look as he came on and stood by a piano for his version of Billie Holiday's That Old Devil Called Love.

That old devil called Johnny: Mr Robinson performed a version of Ella Fitzgerald's classic song

Can't contain himself: Johnny couldn't believe his luck when Gary came up on stage to give him a hug and a kiss

After his performance, Gary got up from his chair, hugged Johnny and gave him a kiss on the cheek, much to the Londoner's delight and excitement.

The Take That star told him: 'That's it, it's that simple that's all you needed to do, you're not a novelty act, you're a great singer.'

Tulisa told him: 'You finally got to sing a ballad and you sung it well. Louis, you've been hiding his skills for too long. I loved it. Johnny, I thought you were very very sexy tonight.'

He's got it all: Marcus Collins's performance of Stevie Wonder's Superstition wowed the judges

Alexandra added: 'Great song choice, you sung your little heart out and I love you, you bring the fun to the X Factor, you are very special', and his own mentor, Louis, added: 'We could be in Ronnie Scotts listening to a world wide jazz singer, you nailed it.'

After Sophie was Marcus Collins, who sang Stevie Wonder's Superstition mashed up with I Need You Tonight by INXS, wearing dark eye make up and surrounded by dancers.

Louis told him, 'Every week you bring it, you're happy, you can sing, you can dance - Marcus, you've got everything', while Tulisa added: 'You really nailed the Halloween thing tonight, you look like you were having fun and when you do, everyone else does too.'

Strutting her stiff: Misha B came out to a funky rendition of Soft Cell's Tainted Love

Diva: Misha rocked a Grace Jones style look for her performance

Alexandra told him he had a 'great look' and his proud mentor Gary added: 'You totally delivered, mate, well done.'

Up next was the self-proclaimed diva Misha B, who has made the headlines this week after Tulisa and Louis accused her of backstage bullying on last week's show.

But her head - and her hair - held high, she came out sporting a Grace Jones style quiff and sang a throaty version of Soft Cell's Tainted Love.

Haunting: Throaty Irish singer Janet Devlin sang her own version of The Police's Every Breath You Take

Louis told her she was a 'rare talent vocally' while Alexandra said she never disappointed vocally but she wanted to see more of her.

Gary told her she was 'out of the stratosphere' while Tulisa apologised for last week and said: 'You were born a star and everything I say to you is because I want you to be the best you can be.'

Irish singer Janet Devlin was up next and sang her rendition of The Police's Every Breath You Take, which Louis said he found 'very haunting'.

Cocky? Frankie Cocozza performed The Clash song Should I Stay Or Should I go surrounded by female dancers....

... but the judges said they were concerned about his off-stage antics and that he wasn't taking the competition seriously

Alexandra said she did a 'fantastic job' and she wanted to 'cuddle' her, Tulisa said she loved her energy but Gary said he was concerned that everyone knew what to expect from her and hoped the public would stay interested.

It was then the turn of ladies man Frankie Cocozza who decided to make his grand entrance through the audience surrounded by screaming girls to perform The Clash's Should I Stay or Should I Go.

But there were mixed reviews from the judges as Louis told him, 'you've got your swagger back but you're always gonna be known for your antics off stage than on stage.'

Spinning around: Kitty Brucknell came out on stage on a magician's wheel

Cabaret: Despite the judges singing her praises, Alexandra stirred the pot and got into a mini spat with Louis after she said Kitty could fall into the cabaret genre

Alexandra told him she had a problem with him because she didn't think he was taking it seriously but Gary jumped to his act's defence and said: 'Don't worry, she's only here for one night. I think we found the sweet spot with you tonight.'

It was then the act that most had been waiting for and it came in the shape of Kitty Brucknell, who had decided to open her performance spinning round on a magician's wheel as she sang the Eurythmics classic Sweet Dreams dressed in a sexy ringmaster's costume.

She's only been here five minutes! The former X Factor winner tried to put Louis in his place after Kitty's song

Tulisa told her: 'Every week you pull a new trick out the bag, you are the most inventive, and for me you're the least manufactured, you bring yourself to the stage.'

Gary told her he was glad that she had brushed off coming in the bottom two last week and added: There's definitely this flavour with you, people either love you or hate you and what they hate you for - being a diva, the ferocious ambition - that's what I love your for.'

And Alexandra added: 'You've got some pipes on you, you are very entertaining but worry it could come across slightly cabaret' - a comment that caused her to have a mini row with Kitty's mentor Louis Walsh.

Performance of the night: Gary praised his act Craig Colton for his version of Adele's Set Fire To The Rain

And last but not least of the ten acts remaining was Craig Colton, who sang Adele's Set Fire To The Rain which his mentor Gary simply said was 'the performance of the night'.

Louis told him: 'A great musical performer, everyone's voting in Liverpool tonight, you are now a contender.'

Tulisa added: 'This guy could sell albums but my only criticism is I'm starting to find it a bit predictable, I want you to shock me and do something different.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2055142/X-Factor-2011-Sophie-Habibis-slated-dull-dishwater-performance-Rhythmix-Little-Mix--scary-creepy-dolls.html#ixzz1cDu8vaMB

X Factor contestants behind-the-scenes photos

Ready for their close-up! X Factor contestants get the pop star treatment as they get pampered in hair and make-up and mingle backstage with the stars in candid behind-the-scenes photos

By Georgina Littlejohn

Last updated at 11:12 PM on 25th October 2011


As a bunch of pop wannabes they've already proved that they have the voices that can take them to the top of the charts.

But with their future resting on their image as well as their fantastic vocals, the X Factor contestants must also be sure that they are looking their absolute best when facing the judges, the public audience and the million of viewers as well.

So getting the pop star treatment from hair stylists and make-up artists is a must before each live performance in order to transform them from ordinary to outstanding, as these behind-the-scenes pictures show.

Barmaid to rock chick: Sophie Habibis gets the rock chick treatment as she relaxes in hair and make-up before Saturday's live performance

Taking it in her stride: Sophie looked happy and relaxed and every inch the sexy rock chick as she relaxed in the dressing room before her performance

In the candid backstage snaps taken on Saturday and Sunday, the finalists are seen getting their image tweaked and teased to perfection as they prepare to fight to stay in the competition ahead of the live shows.

First in the chair was 19-year-old Sophie Habibis, who looked relaxed and happy in the make-up artist's chair as she beamed for the cameras before going from barmaid to rock chick for her performance of Bon Jovi's Livin' On A Prayer.

Wish me luck, boys! Sophie poses with Frankie Cocozza and Craig Colton before unpinning her hair and making her way to the stage for her live performance

Diva in the making: Misha B poses in make-up as she shows off her dramatic eyes before being snapped leaving wardrobe in her PVC outfit for the live show

Kitty Brucknell also underwent and amazing transformation as she posed for a picture in her everyday clothes having had her hair put up Lady Gaga-style before emerging from the dressing room as a super-cool pop star in her low-cut black suit and dramatic eye make-up.
Purple was the theme for Misha B as she emerged from make-up with sexy and sultry violet eyes before making her way to the costume department to get kitted out in her black PVC outfit for her rendition of Prince's Purple Rain.

Before and after: Rhythmix's Leigh-Anne Pinnock waits for her make-up to be finished before showing off her final look

Funky: The Rythymix girls showed no sign of nerves as they headed off to perform Ke$ha's Tik Tok

Me and my boys: Tulisa Contostavlos poses for a picture backstage with her boy band The Risk to wish them luck before the live show

Girl group Rhythmix were also seen in and out of the dressing room as they got prepared for their performance of Ke$ha's Tik Tok, which caused a debate as to whether it was actually rock for the rock-themed week.

Lots of behind the scenes pictures were taken over the weekend, especially on Sunday which sadly saw Sami Brookes kicked off the show in favour of Kitty.

Transformation: Kitty Brucknell poses for a picture after having her hair done before showing off her final look before the show

What a difference a day makes: Kitty looked softer with her blonde hair straightened and loose round her shoulders as she posed with Jonny and Sami before the results show on Sunday

But before she tearfully departed the reality TV show, Sami got to meet one of her idols, Kelly Clarkson, who won American Idol in 2002 and performed her new single on Sunday show.

Contestants also mingled with Professor Green, who also performed on the show and were snapped with each other and the judges as they wrapped up another busy and eventful X Factor weekend.

One for the photo album: Sophie cuddles up to Professor Green as a delighted Johnny gives his mentor Louis Walsh a big hug

The girls with the big voices: She might have been voted off, but Sami looked happy as she posed for a picture with Kelly Clarkson who had performed on the show

The boys done good: Gary Barlow smiles in admiration at his acts Craig, Marcus Collins and Frankie as they all made it through to next week's show

And a photographer who was lucky enough to get in on the action backstage managed to capture the excitement - and no doubt absolute nervousness - of the contestants as they put on brave faces before heading onto the stage with their mentors to face the public vote.

And that moment when the screen was pulled back and the acts were ushered on the stage in front of the public audience was captured as they all gripped hands and went out to discover their fate.

You ready, ladies? Kelly poses with her girls Misha, Sophie and Janet Devlin before leading them out to find out their fate

Let the battle commence - again: The judges, Kelly Rowland, Louis Walsh, Tulisa Contostavlos and Gary Barlow, pose for a snap together before Saturday's live show

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2053412/X-Factor-2011-contestants-pop-star-treatment-pampered-backstage.html#ixzz1bppm9KJt