Public vote saves X Factor twins

The pair have divided opinions on whether their act is fun entertainment or makes a mockery of a singing competition.

Singing for her survival, Lucie chose her idol Whitney Houston's song One Moment In Time, delivering a remarkably composed performance.

The twins sang Rock DJ for a second time in the competition and had the judges smiling and laughing all the way through.

For the second consecutive week, judge Simon Cowell took the final decision to the public vote, and Lucie had gained the least support.

As she was booted off the programme, she leapt to the twins' defence, saying: "I'm gutted but the boys deserve to be here, they work harder than anyone."

In a dig at Jedward's debatable vocal abilities, mentor Dannii Minogue said: "I just wish all the good singers good luck in the singing competition. It shouldn't have happened."

On Saturday the twins managed to gain praise from their harshest critic for a performance of the theme from Ghostbusters.

Cowell said: "It was possibly more entertaining than anything you have done before. Well done."

The decision will further fuel speculation that the pop mogul in fact likes the siblings and has plans for them.

UTV's X Factor forum was inundated with shocked comments about the decision.

Sheila wrote: "I cannot believe that Simon did not get rid of the twins tonight. A great singer has now left because of him. I am so angry at him. Tonight's decision was ridiculous. Simon should be ashamed of himself. The Xfactor is a singing competition and the twins CANNOT sing."

Jemima wrote: "Simon is playing tactics. John & Edward aren't going to pose any threat, so Simon is getting rid of the real threats one by one."

Deirdre wrote: "Simon Cowell is a joke. He had the opportunity to get rid of those horrible twins and didn't do it. Obviously cares more about the programme that the actual good singers."

But there are also a number of happy "Jedward" fans, as the twins have been nicknamed.

Earlier, the remaining eight hopefuls kicked off the results' show with Katy Perry's Hot 'n Cold which had them bouncing around the stage.

Next came the Black Eyed Peas performing their new single Meet Me Halfway. Also returning to the stage that launched her soaring solo career was Leona Lewis, with her new single Happy.

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