X Factor: It's James Arthur and Jahmene Douglas in the final as Christopher Maloney is voted off
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Christopher Maloney was voted out of The X Factor on Saturday night after receiving the least public votes.
His exit means Jahmene Douglas and James Arthur will go head-to-head at the grand final.
Despite fears by some of the judges the 34-year-old Liverpudlian could win the show after a mixed critique of his performances in recent weeks, he failed to get enough votes.
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He's gone! Christopher Maloney was voted off the first part of The X Factor final on Saturday night
Christopher's exit means judge Nicole Scherzinger now has two acts in Sunday's final, while Gary Barlow has none.
Take That singer Gary originally didn't choose Christopher for his three in the Overs category, however Christopher was voted in during Week 1 of the live shows as the public's wildcard.
Speaking to Dermot O'Leary after learning of his exit, Christopher said: 'I feel like I've already won.
Disappointed: Christopher was obviously sad he didn't make it through to the final two, but said he felt like he'd won anyway
Too bad: Gary and Christopher were clearly disappointed to learn he didn't receive enough votes
I can't believe it! James Arthur and Jahmene Douglas hug each other as they celebrate reaching the grand final
'The critiques I've had and negative press, I'm the third finalist and thanks to everyone that's been supporting.
His mentor Gary said: 'Congratulations you've done brilliantly.'
Christopher's exit is likely to please X Factor boss Simon Cowell, who was reportedly concerned how he could market Christopher as an artist if he won the top prize.
'I'm happy': Looking back on his X Factor journey, the Liverpool singer was quick to smile again
He was a fighter: Gary reminded the audience that Chris hasn't had an easy time on X Factor
Earlier this week, Louis Walsh said he had spoken to Simon on the phone about the three finalists, saying: 'I know he loves James and Jahmene but I don’t remember him talking about Chris, no.'
Jahmene was the first to find out he was through to Sunday's grand final and celebrated by hugging his mentor Nicole and James.
Then it was a tense moment as Christopher and James waited to find out who would be next to join Jahmene.
Meanwhile, earlier in the show Jahmene was the first to perform of the trio, with his rendition of Curtis Mayfield's Move On Up.
Gracious loser: Christopher applauded James after finding out he would not be progressing to Sunday's grand final
Who knew he was so strong? Little Jahmene had no problem lifting James after he learned he was in the final two as well
Next up was Christopher, who predictably opted for an '80s classic, What A Feeling from Flashdance.
James went on to perform classic song Feeling Good, best known for it's covers by Nina Simone and Michael Buble.
All three acts duetted with their mentors, so it meant Nicole got to sing twice.
Who's the strongest? Jahmene and James both take turns in lifting each other after learning they are the last two acts left in the competition
Over excited: Jahmene lifted James over his shoulder as they were joined by their mentor Nicole on stage
Tension: Nicole, Gary and their acts waiting to find out who was through to Sunday's final
She belted out The Greatest Love Of All with Jahmene - during which her microphone broke so they ended up having to share - and Adele's Make You Feel My Love with James.
Meanwhile, Christopher sang Rule The World with his mentor Gary, who also played the piano.
Also performing during the show were Rita Ora, Kylie Minogue and Kelly Clarkson.
West London singer Rita belted out a mash-up of her two hits RIP and How We do.
Australian songbird Kylie went for some old school glamour in a gold dress as she sang an orchestral version of Can't Get You Out Of My Head.
American star Kelly Clarkson, who found fame on American Idol, performed Breakaway from her Greatest Hits album.
Happy crowd: The 10,000 strong audience members of Manchester Central were delighted to hear James and Jahmene were through to the next round
What an entrance! Dermot O'Leary opened the show with a dazzling dance routine
Their strongest suit: The judges put on their best outfits for the grande finale in Manchester
VIDEO: X Factor - the moment James and Jahmene go through
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2245235/X-Factor-final-2012-Its-James-Arthur-Jahmene-Douglas-final-Christopher-Maloney-voted-off.html#ixzz2EYFGXQwi
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