We are down to our final eight and another change of format tonight, as the phone lines stayed open until the end of this evening’s performances, with the dreaded sing off at the end of the show, once the total number of votes had been counted.

It’s been a long and emotional journey for our finalists, who have been relying on the support of their family and friends during the past few weeks and before each of them performed, their family offered words of encouragement.

Andrew is looking for the boys to prove that they have the stamina required to play a demanding role on stages “ten times” bigger than the one in the studio tonight.

Whilst the votes were being counted, we were treated to The Scissor Sisters with their new single Baby Come Home.  (What time is half past quarter to three?)

And it was Rory and Niall in the sing off.

Andrew chose Rory to stay but told Niall he was certain he had a glittering West End theatre career ahead of him.

We are going to lose TWO of our finalists tomorrow night, with a double elimination.  You don’t want your favourite to go, so make sure you cast your vote before the end of the show once lines open at 9pm…

Meanwhile, here’s our round up from the studio tonight…

BEN – Sunderland ♫ Fast Car – Tracy Chapman “Amazing!  Terrifying, yet amazing!” was how Sunderland’s Ben summed up last night’s performance and the reaction to it. It certainly delighted his Mum and Dad, who are his biggest fans.  Their encouragement is much appreciated by Ben who realises he is “so lucky to know people out there are supporting me”. Tonight he wants to just carry on doing it and do whatever he needs to do to make them proud.Dawn – You come out fighting every night. Great story telling you can definitely act.  I really want you to stay in.  Melanie – you have a wonderful singing style. I would relish the opportunity to play opposite you.  Jason – that gave me shivers.  You are exciting to watch.  Andrew – most musical theatre performers act their part.  But you have been yourself and that is the performance of the evening.

DAVID – Warrington ♫ Nothing Compares 2 U – Sinead O’Connor Being in the bottom two last night was “one of the worst nights of my life”, according to David.  But the support of his Dad spurs him on and David wants to make him proud.  His father admits that if his son was to secure the role of Jesus, he would be overwhelmed.  For tonight David is concentrating on making his family proud and repaying Andrew for keeping him in the competition.  How did David’s performances compare to the other finalists, according to the judges? Jason –sometimes I know you are acting.  I want to see a little bit more of the real you. Dawn – In my opinion you are the actor in this competition.  You touched me with that performance.  Andrew – I know that you are going to go a long way.  Wonderful performance. So vulnerable.

JEFF – County Down, N Ireland ♫ (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction – The Rolling Stones Ex rugby professional Jeff felt that last night’s performance went really well.He has found the support of his family “crazy”, even if they disclosed to the nation that Jeff used to be in the school choir.  His father’s advice is to “go for it son”.Jeff’s aim for tonight is to concentrate on his acting and performance and to blow the judges away with his energy. But were they satisfied with his cover of the Rolling Stones classic? Dawn – That was huge.  You have shown us many sides but not quite as exciting as it could have been. Melanie – Brilliant.  I really enjoyed it . I am seeing a new inner confidence from you and I like it. Andrew – I feel the physicality too much from dancers and not from you.  It was a great vocal but lacked a bit of energy.

JON – Newcastle ♫ Feel – Robbie Williams Jon really enjoyed last night’s performance.   He has clearly demonstrated that he is not afraid to work hard.  To his family is the natural fit for the role, is always the showman, but just needs to be given the chance.  His hope for tonight is to go out there and make everyone proud.  So did the judges “Feel” if for Jon tonight? Dawn – you are one of the most delightful men I have ever met.  So eager to learn.  I think the nerves got to you a little bit tonight.  Melanie – you are a lovely guy, the majority of that song was great but there were some tricky notes.  We need to see something more up tempo from you.  Andrew – resorted a bit to cabaret.  There is a slightly uncomfortable break in your voice.  I am worried that the role is not right for you.

NATHAN – Reading ♫ Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers Nathan found last night’s performance difficult as it was completely out of his comfort zone.  He confides that he wouldn’t be able to cope without the support of his family, who are justifiably very proud of him and delighted that all his hard work is finally paying off.  Nathan’s goal for tonight is to make sure he doesn’t let his family down.  So did the sunshine on Nathan’s performance, according to the judges?Jason – When you engage in the words and you keep it simple absolute magic happens.  Sounds fantastic. Wow. Dawn –You are a force of nature.  I don’t want your ego to win the battle with your confidence. Andrew – When you believe in words you are truly extraordinary.  And that is the difference between you being a true superstar and a good rock singer.

NIALL – Bray, Ireland ♫ Wherever You Will Go – The Calling Domesticated, ironing loving Niall felt last night was “a funny one”, smarting slightly from the judge’s criticisms.  However he is delighted with all the support he is getting from back home and is going out tonight determined to show the judges that he does have the stamina to play this role.  Did the judges go along with Niall tonight?  Melanie – Your performances have been improving night after night, but not sure about your vocal tonight.  Jason – You have that Irish charm but you have to be more consistent.  There are some great moments but you need to be outstanding.  Andrew – acting wise you have improved but when you go for the notes you push yourself and go a little out of tune.  Dawn – fantastic story telling.

ROGER – London ♫ Rolling In The Deep – Adele After having a “blast” with his rocky performance last night, and feeling the resulting love from one of the judges in particular, Roger is valuing the support of his family members.  His mother and brother believe the role suits his caring and loving personality perfectly. Tonight Roger wants to focus, listen to the words as I am singing them and just deliver.  What did the judges think?  Jason – I think there were a few tuning issues.  We are seeing a new confidence, and a bit more of the actor within.  Dawn –Phew thank goodness you can act.  I absolutely think you could play this part.  Andrew – you do need to ensure you are fit enough to play this physical role but a great performance, congratulations.

RORY – The Wirral ♫ Fix You – Coldplay Rory admitted that he was a little disappointed that he hadn’t stepped up the acting in last night’s show.  The support of his band mates (and family members) means the world to Rory, and in return they know him and how much performing means to him. His aim for tonight is to “prove that I can act”.    Did he fix his issues enough to please the judges? Jason – That was a great moment for you.  Tough song to sing.  I can’t fault that performance at all.  Melanie – You know how much I love you.  This is the first ballad we have heard from you and while we know you are great at the big impressive stuff you still need to work on your acting . Andrew – I got more thrilled as I listened to you.  Rorarenability.  You are testament to it.