Simon Cowell's shock decision to save the Grimes twins on The X Factor on Sunday night was watched by over 14 million people.
Early figures indicate the show pulled in record audiences for the series. Almost half of all television viewers tuned in.
Dubliners John and Edward are now third favourites to win the show after surviving movie week.
The brothers ended up in the sing-off with Lucie Jones.
But judge Simon Cowell refused to make a call between the two acts and put it to the public vote to see who should stay. It was the Welsh singer who ended up leaving.
'Guilty'
Lucie has now revealed the 18-year-old twins are racked with guilt, but insists they deserve their place in the competition.
Lucie said: "John and Edward, bless them, they're the nicest kids... they said 'we feel guilty' and I said 'why, it's not your fault?'
"It's not their fault that they're still in the competition. They're still in the competition because people want them to be there.
"More people wanted to see them next week than wanted to see me, and that's fine and they should not feel guilty because they deserve to be there."
She added that she thought John and Edward were upset about seeing her go.
"It's difficult to know what John and Edward are thinking, but they're so happy and upbeat about everything and to see them upset because of me, I really felt for them last night because they did feel bad and it's just a shame that external sources have made them feel as if they should feel like that," she said.
But the Welsh songbird's shock exit has sparked outrage among those not enjoying the energetic performances of 'Jedward'.
The pair have divided opinions on whether their act is fun entertainment or makes a mockery of a singing competition.
UTV's X Factor forum has been inundated with comments on the decision that shocked the nation.
Patricia wrote: "I've nothing against John & Edward, they're good fun, I'm Irish myself but know real talent when I see it. Simon complained bitterly about the boys every week and couldn't wait to get rid of them so why did he send Lucie home?"
Kate said: "The twins were raking it in for Simon so why would he want to get rid of the one act that is pulling in most of the viewers?"
John wrote: "I was disgusted at last night's result. Simon made the decision to go to public vote because Louis would have had a hissy fit and probably left the show if he voted to send the twins home. Also the public who voted must be a bunch of idiots. This is the second week in a row that two good singers have left."
And Mary said: "The reason the twins are still there is very simple, they got more votes, it doesn't matter why they got the votes just that they did."
Missed The X Factor? To get all the updates, join the discussions and catch up on previous episodes, visit The X Factor.
© Press Association