Simon Cowell CHANGES X Factor rules after TWO shock eliminations
Two of his girls were eliminated
Last updated 19th Nov 2018
It is fair to say this series of The X Factor hasn't been excellently received by viewers, with rival show Strictly Come Dancing completely trouncing it in the ratings battle. However, with the final fast approaching, Simon Cowell decided to CHANGE the rules after two of his girls were eliminated.
After 'Big Band' week took place on Saturday night, viewers of the show were left in complete SHOCK during Sunday night's results show - when TWO of the show's favourites were axed.
Bella Penfold was the first girl to lose her place on the show after receiving the lowest votes, but the biggest shock of the night was when Shan Ako lost her place after a sing-off with Robbie Williams' group Acacia and Aaliyah.
When Ayda Williams chose to save her husband's act and send the results to 'Deadlock', unbelievably Shan was sent home, despite being one of the favourites to win this year's series.
As both of the eliminated girls were in Simon Cowell's category, the head judge showed his authority on the show by CHANGING the rules so that both Bella and Shan WILL take part in next year's official tour.
He said, “Shan and Bella…I’m devastated but you will be on the tour.”
Check out the best X Factor singles to date:
2004: Steve Brookstein - 'Against All Odds' (Over 25s)
Steve Brookstein's winning single debuted at Number 2 in the UK charts behind Band Aid 20's 'Do They Know It's Christmas', the following week it went to Number 1.
2005: Shayne Ward - 'That's My Goal' (16–24s)
Shayne Ward was the second winner of the competition and released an original song - whereas most winners released the covers. 'That's My Goal' became the fastest-selling song of 2005!
2006: Leona Lewis - 'A Moment Like This' (16–24s)
According to reports, 1 million copies of the single were pre-ordered by stores and it was downloaded 50,000 times within 30 minutes of being available online! It reached Number 1 in both the UK singles and download charts.
2007: Leon Jackson - 'When You Believe' (Boys)
The single was another successful winners' single getting to Number 1 in the UK and becoming a Christmas Number 1.
2008: Alexandra Burke - 'Hallelujah' (Girls)
Alexandra's 'Hallelujah' became a Christmas Number 1 for the fifth X Factor winner.
2009: Joe McElderry - 'The Climb' (Boys)
After winning the competition, Joe McElderry's version of 'The Climb' went to Number 1 in the UK. The song was a cover of the Miley Cyrus song which was also released in the same year and featured in Hannah Montana: The Movie.
2010: Matt Cardle - 'When We Collide' (Boys)
Matt Cardle won the seventh series of The X Factor and released his cover of 'When We Collide' (original title - 'Many of Horror'). The song reached Number 1 in the UK and became the second bestselling single of 2010.
2011: Little Mix - 'Cannonball' (Groups)
They might be releasing Number 1 songs here, there and everywhere, but back in 2011 Little Mix won The X Factor and released 'Cannonball'. Unlike past winner's singles, the song wasn't released during the week of the popular Christmas Number 1 battle. The song debuted at Number 1 becoming the fastest-selling single of the year.
2012: James Arthur - 'Impossible' (Boys)
James Arthur's cover of 'Impossible' was released immediately after he won the ninth series of The X Factor. The single became the fastest-selling winning single from The X Factor!
2013: Sam Bailey - 'Skyscraper' (Over 25s)
'Skyscraper', originally sung by Demi Lovato was released by 2013's X Factor winner, Sam Bailey. The song became a Christmas Number 1 with all proceeds from the single going to Great Ormond Street Hospital and Together for Short Lives.
2014: Ben Haenow - 'Something I Need' (Over 25s)
Once again The X Factor winner hit the top spot for Christmas in 2014.
2015: Louisa Johnson - 'Forever Young' (Girls)
Louisa Johnson released her version of 'Forever Young' however, unlike many of the previous winners' singles it didn't make the top spot, only reaching Number 9 in the UK.
2016: Matt Terry - 'When Christmas Comes Around' (Boys)
Written by none-other than Ed Sheeran and Amy Wadge, 'When Christmas Comes Around' was The X Factor's second ever original song to be released as the winner's single. It debuted at Number 3 in the UK.
2017: Rak-Su - 'Dimelo' (Groups)
'Dimelo' was yet another original single to be released as an X Factor winners' single. It reached Number 2 in the UK, being kept off the top spot by Ed Sheeran's 'Perfect'.
2018: Dalton Harris featuring James Arthur - 'The Power of Love'
Meanwhile, both Tom Walker and former X Factor judge Cheryl performed on the show last night, with Cheryl showing off her amazing dance skills as she performed her brand new single 'Love Made Me Do It'.
If you are a big fan of Cheryl, you can see her perform on Sunday 25th November alongside Little Mix, Ellie Goulding, James Arthur, The Vamps, Mabel, Rak-Su, and James Hype at the Manchester Arena. Tickets here: