Armstrong Martins and Olatunji Yearwood have become the first two acts eliminated from The X Factor after a tense first results show of the series.
Martins, mentored by Louis Tomlinson, gave his all in the sing-off with his rendition of True Colours while Janice Robinson performed The Climb.
But it was Robinson, part of Ayda Field’s category, who earned her place in next week’s competition with her second song as Simon Cowell, with the deciding vote, sent Martins home.
Cowell told both of the acts that their songs were “not right for them” but opted to save “better singer” Robinson, despite calling Martins “more interesting”.
Moments before, Tomlinson had made it clear that he wasn't impressed with Cowell erring towards saving Robinson as he referred to Martins as "an artist" and vowed to sign him.
Tomlinson said: "He’s an artist, if we had a meeting we would sign him tomorrow.
“I will sign him. I would sign him tomorrow."
Keeping his exit speech short and sweet, Martins told Dermot O’Leary: “The people always want what they want and fair play,” before Tomlinson hugged him on stage.
Yearwood, mentored by Field, received the lowest number of public votes and was booted out of the competition without the chance to compete in the sing-off.
Speaking about his early exit, Yearwood said: “I just want to thank you for the opportunity. It was a wonderful journey.”
Field added: “I’m completely devastated. I just don’t get it, I thought he smashed it last night. He brought the house down, I’m gutted.”
The judge said she was “at a loss for words” with the result sending an “incredible human being” home.
The X Factor continues Saturday October 27 at 8.35pm on ITV with Guilty Pleasures week.
