The X Factor 2017: Jack and Joel eliminated as Simon Cowell changes up format at the last minute

The head judge scrapped the double elimination during the live show 
All over: Jack and Joel have been kicked off The X Factor
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Jennifer Ruby11 November 2017

Jack and Joel are the fifth act to be eliminated after Simon Cowell changed up the X Factor format at the last minute.

The duo were the only act to be voted off on Saturday night after Cowell downgraded the double elimination to a single with just minutes to spare.

Despite being described as a “modern day Wham” by the judges during George Michael week, the pair received the least public votes.

“Sometimes when I closed my eyes I felt like George Michael was in the room,” said judge Nicole Scherzinger.

Group Rak-Su were first up, singing their own remixed version of Faith, which impressed all of the judges.

“That is something you’d hear on the radio, the mix between old and new,” said Nicole Scherzinger. “Beautiful job.”

“I think we are watching stars being born,” said Cowell.

Performer: Harry Styles performed his new single
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Matt Linnen attempted a version of Careless Whisper, which gained a standing ovation from Scherzinger and Cowell.

“The reaction here is quite incredible,” said Walsh. “I love the grittiness.”

Osbourne was more critical, saying that he needed “more confidence” and hadn’t come into his own yet.

X Factor 2017 Finalists Makeover - In pictures

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Cutkelvins were also praised for their performance of Adamski mixed up with Papa was a Rolling Stone, although they faced criticism for not signing an original Michael song.

Sean and Connor sang the iconic song Freedom, which went down well with the most of the judges, although Cowell described it as being “all over the place”.

Kevin Davy White’s Fast Love was described as the “best performance of the night” by Cowell.

“It was spectacular, everything was perfect,” said Osbourne. Scherzinger said that it was the best performance she had “ever seen on that stage”.

The X Factor returns on Sunday night.

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