Phew.  It was a true rollercoaster in the studio tonight.

Firstly, Andrew dropped a bombshell when it came to choosing between Tim and David in the sing off at the start of the show.  He was unwilling to make a choice until they had performed their numbers as rehearsed.  After two incredibly strong and emotional performances from the two facing elimination,  he selected David to stay in the competition.

» Watch the sing off

And as if this wasn’t exciting enough, this nailbiter was followed by a live studio appearance by The Kaiser Chiefs.

For tonight’s performances the Jesuses have been receiving some singing advice from judge Melanie C.

Here’s a quick run down of the show tonight.  Lines are now open for voting and you have until 7pm tomorrow evening (Thursday 19^th July) to vote for your favourite and keep them in the competition.

BEN – Sunderland ♫ This Love – Maroon 5 Another night of pre-show nerves from Ben produced another exceptionally well received performance yesterday.  Ben admits to being Melanie C’s “number one fan” and recognised the importance of impressing Melanie as she will be the leading lady in the arena tour.  He took on board her concerns about him singing sitting down and the need to ensure he takes enough breath.  Did the judges find his cover of This Love breathtaking tonight?  Melanie C – you are incredible singer and a great performer and you are fast becoming one of my favourites.  Dawn – what energy.  You have remarkable music theatre chops.  Andrew – the performance of the night.  You have opened the competition up. Truly wonderful.

DAVID – Warrington ♫ One Day Like This – Elbow A difficult performance for David knowing he was singing for salvation.  David has appreciated that every night needs to be just as fresh as the night before and although nervous last night he believed his performance last night went “surprisingly well”.  Melanie C felt that what comes over most about David is the quality of his voice and she loves his vulnerability.  It was an emotional performance which brought the audience to their feet and had David in tears. Dawn – that was so rousing.  For me, you are the triple threat in this competition.    Jason – listen to the audience, that was a performance for survival.  You have to stay.  Andrew – you showed what a real actor is about.  It was your Hosanna moment.

JEFF – County Down, N Ireland ♫ Kiss From A Rose – Seal 6 necklace man, Baby Jesus cast off his name tag last night with an incredibly mature performance which left his former “puppyness” behind.  Melanie C told him to build on this and not to be afraid, and to rock out.  She told him he is a “very sexy man, don’t let it get too sweet and twee”.  Jeff took this on board and recognised he needs to take it a step further and tear it to pieces.  The judges comments: Melanie C – we need to work on your break and improve the transition.  Jason – a few tuning issues, but a lot of passion in there and heartfelt.  I think you should feel good about that performance.  Andrew – a very awkward sing, but you are emerging as a real performer with light and shade.

JON – Newcastle ♫ I Won’t Let You Go – James Morrison He may have a biblical name, but Jon describes himself as more like Bruce Forsyth!  He felt he could have done better last night.  He makes Melanie C feel “on top of the world” and she is delighted that his personality is beginning to come through.   She warned him to be strict with his vocalisation. Did the judges think it was “nice to see him”? Melanie C – big improvement on last night, need to work on your headvoice.  Jason – you looked like you really enjoyed yourself tonight.  You need to have more control of your falsetto. I enjoyed it.  Great.  Dawn – you have a surprising voice but I want to witness everything you have got.  Andrew – one bit of advice, you have to adapt to fit the song and not the other way round.

NATHAN – Reading ♫ How to Save a Life – The Fray Although happy, Nathan’s emotions were running high after his performance last night drew out his softer side.  Melanie advised him to be really still for the final lines, no need to be a real powerhouse. He hoped that his rendition of How to Save a Life tonight finally showed the judges his vulnerability.  Did they agree?  Dawn – that was effortless.  Now is the start of a dignified humility.  Yes you could be Jesus.  JD – wow beautifully sung.  Less is more.  I believed every word of that.  Melanie C – you’ve taken all the advice on board and now we are seeing a new side to your personality.  ALW – You believed in the words.  Keep doing that, and you will turn into an outstanding performer.

NIALL – Bray, Ireland ♫ One – U2 This evening’s show opener, Amanda’s “little Irish charmer” was happier with his performance last night – “I wanted to show Andrew what I could do”.  Niall is determined to show he is a man, and not a boy.  Melanie’s session with Niall tried to draw out this confident side of Niall, and she told him she wanted to see the “twinkle”.  So did his performance sparkle?  Jason – you’ve got your rhythm back. Performance good but not outstanding.  Dawn – you are going to need to find more gravitas, you need to be more robust.  Andrew – we are getting there and you are looking more like a star.  I worry about your vocal stamina.  Let’s hope you go further.

ROGER – London ♫ Here I Go Again – Whitesnake After some great comments from the judges last night.  Dawn’s favourite toast topper, “runny honey” Roger, had an excellent master class with Melanie C.  She wants him to “smash it” tonight and he is aware that he needs to prove that singing rock is as easy to him as singing soul.  He made quite a few more moves tonight during his performance than we are used to seeing from him, but was his performance sweet enough for the judges?  Jason – that was so much fun.  I think one of the best performances of the evening.  Fantastic.  Dawn – oh wow Roger you can really rock out.  Thank you for exposing yourself to me.  Take me now! Andrew – it’s great to see you move.  You are such a front runner.

RORY – The Wirral ♫ Roxanne – Police Following his performance last night, Rory was over the moon, thought that he gave his best and felt so good that he wanted to do it all again.  During his “brilliant” session with Melanie, she expressed her concern about the huge workload the finalists face and stressed the importance that Rory protect his voice.  Rory said it was great to have the opportunity to learn from someone who has done it all before.  The judges comments: Melanie C – you keep getting better and better and better.  You did not disappoint.  Dawn – it goes bang, bang, bang, with you.  You are utterly bankable.  Andrew – your voice is rock solid.  I would have liked a little bit more tenderness.  Think about the lyrics and you have this in the bag.

TIM – Birmingham ♫ Dream On – Aerosmith Despite having to endure a sing off with Dirk, Tim survived last night and went on to “love” his performance.  He certainly hit the high note in his session with Melanie, who thought his voice was “so impressive” and that he has nothing to be nervous about.  For his part, Tim enjoyed the unique experience of “flooring a Spice Girl” with his vocal range and is glad she has faith in his ability.  Did he manage to have the same effect on the panel?  Melanie C – your best performance.  Jason – well done.  You need to keep believing in yourself and you deserve to be in this competition.  Dawn – that was a gift for you and you completely took it.  Andrew – you are first rate.  You did it brilliantly.