The X Factor’s Jukebox night kicked off on Saturday with the celebrities choosing the songs for the final five acts. First to the mic was Ben Haenow whose skyped One Direction to find out that his song this week would be The Beatles’ Come Together, which went down a storm with the judges. " Maybe I should just get One Direction to choose the song every week?” joked Simon Cowell before he said, “the final would not be the same without you."
Next to the stage was Lauren Platt whose song, Gravity, was chosen by former X Factor winners, Little Mix. However, the 17-year-old’s performance failed to impress the judges, especially with her pitch problems. "For me I have to say I didn't feel that you were enjoying the performance. I could feel that you weren't into it,” commented Mel B as Simon picked up on Lauren’s illness affecting the performance. Stereo Kicks performed next and heard from ex-X factor judge, Tulia Contostavlos that they would be singing Bruno Mars’ Just The Way You Are. Despite the boys changing their routine at the last minute, the judges gave the eight-piece band mixed reviews.
"I think Tulisa did a really good job choosing that song. Again you were stood in an eight. How many times can we do that before it gets a little bit boring," said Cheryl Fernandez-Versini before Simon commented, “I think it was too fast and you have sung better."
Fleur East then took to the stage to perform Tina Turner’s Fall In Love, as chosen by Emeli Sande.
“Fleur you have you have to make the final,” said Louis Walsh , while Mel B said that she made that song “cool, hip and current”, despite it not being her favourite performance.
Wanting to fight back after last week’s sing-off, Andrea Faustini sang Sam Smith’s choice of song, Chandelier by Sia.
“I’m so glad we saved you last week, we know we did the right thing,” said Louis before Cheryl congratulated Andrea for an “outstanding production” and said that he “deserved his place in the competition”.
For the second round of songs chosen by the public, Lauren Platt took to the stage in a bid to improve on her previous performance with Swedish House Mafia’s, Don’t You Worry Child. “That was the perfect pop song for you,” said Louis before Simon said that her second song changed his mind and reminded him of her first performance. Cheryl said the only thing missing from her performance was the “twinkle” in her eye due to her illness.
Ben Haenow then took to the stage to sing Ed Sheeran’s romantic single, Thinking About, winning over the ladies in the audience- but not the female judges. “You sang it like a rock song,” complained Mel B while Cheryl said that other than Lauren, she wanted to see him in the final.
Next to perform was Stereo Kicks who sang Leona Lewis’ classic, Light Up, which went down well with the judges and even made band mate Charlie break down into tears.
“It was the first song that we ever sang as a group in boot camp,” he said, emotional with the pressure of performing in such a tense week.
Meanwhile, Fleur East prepared to sing Alicia’s Keys’ If I Ain’t Got You and admitted that she wanted to go “all the way” and win the competition.
“I heard you straining a little bit,” said Mel B before Cheryl admitted that she thought it was her “best balad” of the competition.
Closing the show, Andrea Faustini sang Hero and blew away the judges. “After that performance you’ve made the competition even more tough,” said Louis before Simon said that his range and was incredible. “The most amazing person inside and out,” said his mentor, Mel B.
Tune in on Sunday at 8pm on ITV to find out which act will leave the competition.
