Austin Drage is shock X Factor casualty
Monday, 3rd November 2008.
It was the shock of the series so far as hotly-fancied X Factor hunk Austin Drage became the fourth act to be voted off the show on Saturday.
The emotional Essex lad found himself in the bottom two along with mother of five Rachel Hylton, so it was certainly not going to be an easy decision for the judges to make.
The favourite for the chop - and the previous week's survivor - Daniel Evans sailed through to week five to the surprise of even himself as Dermot O'Leary announced whose heads were on the block.
A below par performance from Rachel earlier in the night did her no favours as she received the fewest public votes along with Austin, who the judges had earlier said found it hard to connect with his audience.
A clearly gutted Austin decided to perform Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow as his survival song whilst Rachel chose No Drama by Mary J Blige - perfect for her strong voice.
And after both sang their heart out, Simon Cowell, Austin's mentor, said: "This is the worst case scenario. I am very fond of you and you are a talented girl.
"But I have to keep my own artist in the competition so I have to send home Rachel".
Fantastic song choice
Dannii Minogue, Rachel's mentor, unsurprisingly said: "That was a fantastic song choice. But the act I'm sending home is Austin".
Down to the deciding voters, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh...
Cheryl said: "The last performance of Rachel's there was the best I've heard you sing. Rachel you haven't had a moment to shine yet - I'm going to send home Austin".
And Louis, with the overall deciding vote, said: "Both have a lot to give the show. But I'm going to save the person who deserves a second chance. I'm have to send home Austin".
Austin, who had tears in his eyes before the show even began, said: "I know people haven't seen the best of me yet. And I got to sing to my mum tonight. Thanks to everyone."
Do you think he deserved to go? Leave your comments.
Check out Austin's profile >
Photos: ITV
|
