Exciting Ecletic Blog for the latest news about Actors, Singers, Models, Celebrities, Movies, Theatre, Photography, Fashion, Sport and Amazing Images that Catch My Eye.
PUBLISHED: 11:43, 8 December 2012 | UPDATED: 11:43, 8 December 2012
The X Factor is gearing up for it's ninth live final, but whilst the production team and contestants get busy with last minute preparations, Dermot O'Leary and Nicole Scherzinger took a break to visit one of Manchester's most famous pubs.
Visiting the set of Coronation Street, the two got behind the bar of the Rovers Return and pulled themselves a pint.
With beaming grins on their face, Dermot and Nicole were definitely a far cry from the normal punters gracing the traditional pub.
Wrong set: Nicole Scherzinger and Dermot O'Leary pay a visit to the Rovers Return as they prepare for the X Factor final in Manchester
However, the pair looked a little at odds with each other when it came to their attire.
Dermot looked ready for a ball in a black and white tuxedo, whilst Nicole was more casual yet festive in a Christmas jumper.
Tweeting about their impromptu visit, Nicole made a joke along with a snap of her and the X Factor presenter: 'Oh just another day at the office...'
Festive cheer: Nicole wore a Christmas jumper whilst Dermot looked typically dapper in a Tuxedo
Pout: Just another day at the office for Nicole and Dermot
Derby; Not wanting to show preferential treatment to either of Manchester's football teams, Dermot travels with a City and United escort along Coronation Street
For Dermot though, he got a bit more of a treat from a flank of Manchester City and United fans creating an escort around him as he left the set.
And not making time to get changed, the newly married presenter headed over to The X Factor set to watch the contestants rehearse ahead of the weekend's shows.
Just like last year, the final acts will perform a duet with their mentor which means Nicole will be singing twice whilst Gary will be crooning the one time with Christopher Maloney.
Dress rehearsal: Still wearing his penguin suit, Dermot O'Leary looks on whilst James Arthur practices on the Manchester stage
Mentor support: Nicole will sing with both James Arthur and Jahmene Douglas in the live show
Pressure: Former Asda worker Jahmene will share the stage with his mentor as well as see Rihanna, One Direction and Rita Ora perform over the weekend
Christopher, Jahmene Douglas and james Arthur have been asked by producers to keep their heads down whilst they stay in the northern city with concerns over the amount of fans ready to mob them if they head out in public.
But according to the Daily Mirror, the fans were more fixated on Nicole's contestant with rumours that the show's producers faked scenes to make it look like Christopher had more support than believed.
Cheesy duet: Gary Barlow rehearses with Christopher Maloney in what will most likely be a crooning performance
Whilst the final three continue with their preparation, the fallen acts from the last 10 weeks returned to the show to get ready for their group performance.
Rylan Clarke, Ella Henderson and Kye Sones reacquainted themselves with each other over a coffee outside The X Factor studios.
And Melanie Masson looked cheery and ready to perform again with her fellow contestants.
Returned: Ryan Clarke is joined by Ella Henderson and Kye Sones for the X Factor group performance
Mobot: Kye does his best mo Farah impression outside The X Factor final studios
Cheery: Melanie Masson beams as she arrives wrapped up for the cold Manchester weather
PUBLISHED: 21:17, 14 October 2012 | UPDATED: 23:33, 14 October 2012
Melanie Masson became the second X Factor contestant to be booted off the show after receiving the lowest number of public votes.
There was no repeat of Louis Walsh's antics this time round as the Irish judge was the first mentor to give his verdict on the sing off between District 3 and Melanie.
The boy band and the redhead found themselves in the bottom two after all the other acts were sent through to the next week of competition.
Scroll Down For Video...
Another one gone: Melanie Masson was voted off the X Factor after losing out to District 3 in Deadlock on Saturday night's show
Melanie, 44, looked visibly shocked at coming in the bottom two as host Dermot escorted her off the stage so District 3 could perform.
The trio chose to sing a very dated and cliche version of Bryan Adams hit single (Everything I Do) I Do It for You.
With their standard boy band expressions and movements on show, the cheesy rendition of the song pleased their female fans in the audience who screamed loudly.
Good fight: Melanie Masson sang Stay With Me Baby, by Duffy, and belted out the song with real passion
Boy band galore: District 3 sang a very dated and cliche version of Bryan Adams hit single (Everything I Do) I Do It for You
Always a good sport, Melanie gave the boys a kiss on the cheek as they left the stage just before she sang for her survival.
She then performed Stay With Me Baby, by Duffy, and belted out the song with real passion and fight.
It was now the turn of the judges to make a decision as to the fate of both acts with their mentors picking the obvious sides.
Waiting in the wings: District 3 and Melanie stood either side of host Dermot as they waited for the judges to pick a winner
Time to talk: The judges looked pained at having to pick a survivor following the sing-off
No more drama: Louis Walsh had an easy choice this week and saved his own group while Tulisa followed his lead
Two halves: Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger both chose to save Melanie which sent the result to Deadlock
First up was Louis who said: 'Ok, that was an amazing sing off, Melanie I love that song.
'I love Melanie an awful lot but I have to save my boys. The act I'm sending home is Melanie.'
Gary, who has been mentoring the Overs also stuck to his guns and said: 'Great sing-off. I think both of you did a really brilliant job but the act I'm saving is Melanie so I'm sending home District 3.'
Tulisa surprisingly went with youth over talent and opted to save District 3 even though they perhaps sang out of key during their final song.
Last chance saloon: X Factor hopefuls District 3 were saved by the public vote after finishing in the bottom two
Moving on: District 3 consoled Melanie after Dermot announced that she was being sent home
What a result: Even the members of District 3 were shocked at the news they were being saved
She said: 'Melanie you have one of the most amazing voices in the competition. As for the lads, you're in completely different areas, but both incredibly talented.
'I have to go with my heart and being honest my heart is with the lads, so the act I'm sending home is Melanie.'
Nicole Scherzinger waffled on for quite a while about how amazing the two acts were before Dermot interrupted her and told to give an answer.
Fighting on: Gary Barlow said that he was absolutely gutted for Melanie after she was booted off the show
Shut up: Rylan Clark was both shocked and amazed to have been voted through as he again broke down in tears
Up and away: Rylan picked up his mentor Nicole as she cackled loudly at the news her protege was safe
Cool customer: Jahmene Douglas reacted smoothly to the news that he was safe for another week
Nicole said: 'First of all boys you did an amazing job, I know I gave you a hard time yesterday, but you knocked it out of the park at Bootcamp and you did it tonight.
'Melanie, I have to go off of the saving song that I just saw, you are the oldest in this competition, and I know you have been waiting for this your whole life and I felt it in that performance.'
With the long speech over Nicole sent the competition to Deadlock and said 'The act I'm saving is Melanie.'
Mission accomplished: Louis Walsh was visibly relieved to have his other boy band Union J make it through
And another one: MK1 made it through despite worries that their audience would not vote for them
Leaving it late: Kye Sones jumped forward after hearing the good news he was safe
The final decision was once again left to the viewers to make as Dermot announced that the act with the lowest number of public votes was Melanie.
The mother-of-two took the bad news with dignity and thanked Gary Barlow and all the X Factor crew for helping her achieve her dreams.
She said: 'I've absolutely enjoyed every single second of being here. It's just been the best experience and I've loved every minute of it.'
Her mentor Gary joined her on stage and said: 'For me Melanie is one of the best singers in the competition. I'm absolutely gutted for you.'
Talented lad: James Arthur got a congratulatory hug from his mentor Nicole Scherzinger after being told he was through
PUBLISHED: 23:40, 13 October 2012 | UPDATED: 01:24, 14 October 2012
She's already stunned the judges and the audience several times since her first X Factor auditions many months ago.
And on Saturday night, Ella Henderson pulled off another perfect performance as she hit the high notes of Minnie Riperton's classic Lovin' You.
The 16-year-old got a round of applause mid song as she hit the F-sharp descending - an incredibly difficult note to sing.
Scroll down to watch some videos
Timeless goddess: Ella Henderson got high praise after performing Minnie Riperton's Lovin' You
Hitting those high notes: Ella was accompanied by a pianist for the stripped down performance
Head judge Gary Barlow praised Ella for tackling such a challenging song: 'What a risk you took. The F-sharp descending. you completely nailed it. It paid off. Another great week for you.'
Nicole Scherzinger was full of praise for teen, who has previously moved her to tears: 'The difference between you and so many other artists is you are timeless and classic. You're a timeless goddess tonight.'
Louis Walsh tried to accuse her mentor Tulisa Contostavlos of trying to style her like Adele in her column Ted Baker dress, however the singer and her act insisted it was her own choice of outfit.
Glamour: The 16-year-old wore a peach column dress with gold embellishments and a beehive
He said: 'It's so hard to believe you're only 16. You're a worldwide recording artist. I think your mentor has been looking at Adele and has been styling her that way.'
Ahead of her performance, Ella admitted she would find it hard to connect with the song because she's never been in love.
She denied speculation she was dating Union J's George Shelley, insisting they were 'best friends'.
The first performance of the night was Nicole's shy boy Jahmene Douglas, who managed a confident performance of Amy Winehouse's Tears Dry On Their Own, with a brief interlude of Ain't No Mountain High Enough.
Tulisa told the 21-year-old: 'You are looking very dapper tonight. I think the ladies are gonna be lining up after that.
Fighting the nerves: Jahmene Douglas (left) sang Amy Winehouse's Tears Dry On Their Own while Christopher Maloney performed Heart's Alone
'It's so simple when it comes to you. It's all about the voice. I can't fault you on any performance so far. Amazing.'
Louis was full of praise: ' You're one of my favourites ever, ever, ever. I wanna see you do so well. You are amazing.'
Liverpool Over 28s singer Christopher Maloney was up next, with his version of Heart's Alone kicking off the feud between Gary and Louis.
Autumn chic: Union J sang Leona Lewis's Bleeding Love
Louis said: 'You definitely gave it everything. Very cruise ship, very cabaret, very pub singer. It was a lazy song choice. It was a little bit cheesy for me.'
After telling Louis to stop being 'stupid', Gary was complimentary to his act: 'Changing you is not the way to go. You're perfect the way you are.'
Louis's boy band Union J were up next, hoping to improve after a negative response to their performance last week.
Much better: Union J were pleased with the judges' reaction following less than stellar reviews the previous week
After meeting One Direction, they were given a confidence boost and channelled that into their rendition of Leona Lewis's Bleeding Love.
Gary took the opportunity to make a pop at Louis: 'What a total transformation from last week. Don't listen to Louis, listen to Kai. Well done boys.'
Tulisa was also pleased: 'Much better than last week. Much better song choice. I can hear the vocals. You've got a lot of potential. That was a good start.'
He's got soul: James Arthur sang Mary J Blige's No More Drama
Another bookies favourite James Arthur did a stunning performance of Mary J Blige's No More Drama.
Ahead of his performance, he was amazed when Nicole arranged for him to have a conversation with the soul singer.
Tulisa was amazed: 'You've got this pain in your voice... I believe every single word you're saying. You are my favourite boy by far.'
Gary added: 'James, my God. you can really, really sing. You've got a lot of technique, but you pair it with emotion.
Singer/songwriter Lucy Spraggan surprised the judges and the audience by singing an upbeat song.
Brave: Lucy Spraggan sang an acoustic version of Kanye West's Golddigger
Although the theme was love and heartbreak, she insisted she didn't want the death of her grandmother on Monday to mean she ended up with the 'sympathy vote'.
She said in the VT: 'I want them to judge me on the performance, not what's happening.'
She impressed all the judges with an acoustic rendition of Kanye West's Golddigger.
Gary, who lost his baby daughter in the summer, said: 'I've experienced loss and sometimes the best thing is to go out and perform. Really good performance. Brave girl.'
Harmonising: District3 (L-R) Greg West, Dan Ferrari-Lane and Micky Parsons sang All-4-One's I Swear
Louis actually agreed with Gary on this occasion: 'You're a true professional. A very confident performer. You're a versatile performer.'
After a successful Week 1 performance, unfortunately District3 had a mixed response to their cover of All-4-One I Swear.
Tulisa liked it: 'I understand why Louis picked that song. Your strong point is your harmonies. You have the strongest harmonies in this competition.'
However, Gary said: 'I couldn't disagree. The harmonies were off. The song was in the wrong key... I'm talking Louis... I'm very disappointed tonight.'
Dividing the judges: Louis and Gary clashed over District3's performance
Nicole got a bit over-excited as she said she wanted the trio to rub themselves 'in baby-oil and sing it like you mean it'.
Continuing to be the dark horse of the competition was Jade Ellis, who proved herself to be one of her stronger performances of the night.
The Londoner looked stunning in an asymmetrical dress as she sang Amy Winehouse's Love Is A Losing Game.
Gary said: 'Amazing performance. Simple, stylish, sexy. you look amazing. Your vocals were terrific. You did an amazing job.'
Sexy: Jade Ellis looked stunning in an asymmetrical dress as she sang Amy Winehouse's Love Is A Losing Game
Louis added: 'You're a very sophisticated lady tonight. I think you're incredible. I think we can get more out of you.'
Gary also wasn't impressed with MK1's performance of Jackson Five's I Want You Back, dubbing it a bit 'Glee'.
He said: 'Good energy, good visuals. vocals a little bit weak. It's a little bit Glee this week. Don't let Louis have too much input into what you sing.'
Nicole had a mixed response: 'Sorry guys I didn't feel it this week. I think you guys were a little bit out of your element. The rapping was good.'
Colourful: MK1 sang the Jackson Five's I Want You Back
Gary's act Kai Sones also divided the judges with his rendition of Rihanna and Eminem's duet Love The Way You Lie.
Louis said: 'You're a great singer, you're a great performer. There's something missing...'
He ended up clashing with Gary again after complaining he was 'bored'.
Gary hit back: 'It's a non-comment Louis. Anyone out of the audience could have got up and said that.'
Nicole said: 'Kai that was a brilliant, brilliant song choice. Excellent vocals. But that performance didn't set me on fire. It just didn't grab me.'
Something's missing: Kai Sones also divided the judges with his rendition of Rihanna and Eminem's duet Love The Way You Lie
As expected, Rylan Clark put on the biggest show of the night, accompanied by Karl Lagerfeld and Anna Wintour lookalikes as he sashayed down the catwalk.
The flamboyant Essex singer performed a mash-up of Groove Is In The Heart - Deee-lite and Gangnam Style.
Tulisa enjoyed it: 'Rylan, I've got to be real. It is a bit cheese and a bit karaoke, but it's blinking entertaining. I'm intrigued to see what you'll do next week.'
Camping it up: Rylan Clark performed Groove Is In The Heart
However, Gary made his feelings clear alluding to last week's sing-off with his own artist Carolynne Poole: 'Rylan, if this was competition for how many songs you could kill in two minutes, you would win hands down... I'm never gonna like this.'
Rylan tried to lightened the mood, by alluding to Gary storming off last week: 'I was bit worried so I booked you a cab...'
Gary hit back: 'That's funny cos I've had yours on hold for two weeks.'
Cheeky: Rylan told Gary he had a taxi waiting for him
Hot momma: Melanie Masson, who wowed the judges with a cover of INXS's Never Tear Up Apart
Last to perform was Scottish singer Melanie Masson, who wowed the judges with a cover of INXS's Never Tear Up Apart.
Louis said: 'Talk about going out on a high note. You're Scotland's rock momma. I'm a big fan.'
Tulisa turned the air sort of blue when she said: 'Melanie, you're back in full MILF mode. You blew everyone away yet again.'
Smart: The judges walked on stage at the beginning of the show
Before the show: Rylan Clark didn't look took nervous ahead of the second live show
Hopefuls: Charlie from MK1 looked confident earlier in the day , as did Union J's George
Thumbs up: Jahmene Douglas appeared relaxed as he made his way to the studio, while Melanie Masson beamed from ear to ear
No need for nerves: Ella Henderson arrived at Wembley's Fountain Studios looking a tad nervous, in the end she blew everyone away
