Shock as X Factor favourite Ella Henderson axed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ella Henderson was eliminated from X Factor last night in what was a "great tragedy" and "one of the biggest shocks we've ever had on the results show".
The 16-year-old last girl standing, who was hailed a "golden goddess" last night, was in the bottom two with the show's other favourite James Arthur.
With two votes each after the sing-off, the decision was taken to deadlock and moments later Henderson's fate was sealed as she received the fewest public votes.
Visibly emotional, Henderson's mentor Tulisa Contostavlos described the young star's exit from the show as "absolutely ridiculous", but all judges were in a state of shock when the bottom two performers were revealed.
With the show's controversial contestant Rylan Clark safely through, with Union J and Jahmene Douglas, the crowd booed loudly when Christopher Maloney was also confirmed for next week - leaving Henderson and Arthur to battle it out for the remaining place.
With the audience's booing continuing, host Dermot O'Leary said: "Well, you can tell already from the studio it's a shock."
Adding: "One of the biggest shocks we've ever had on the results show."
Commenting on the two acts who found themselves in the bottom two, Nicole Scherzinger said: "Whatever happens tonight it will be a great tragedy for the show."
Louis Walsh said: "I'm in shock. I thought these were two finalists."
Meanwhile, Gary Barlow, who has often encouraged viewers to vote for the best singers on the show, said: "I always knew it was going to come to this. There isn't anything between these two acts."
Having just belted out a version of Daniel Bedingfield's If You're Not The One, Henderson said she "loved every minute" of her X Factor experience, adding: "You know what, this year the talent in the show is incredible."
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
When asked why she thought her act was now no longer a contender for the crown, an angry Contostavlos said: "This is ridiculous. It's ridiculous. People did not vote. People thought she was safe."
Earlier last night, former X Factor contestant and current Xtra Factor presenter Olly Murs performed on the show, followed by global superstar Alicia Keys.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments