We’re on the home stretch, with only four more shows to go before we know who will be starring with Tim Minchin and Melanie C in this autumn’s arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar.

As we reach the end of a very busy week for the boys they are getting a taste of the demands which will be made of them on the road.  They all admit to feeling exhausted  but have discovered coping mechanisms to help them through the gruelling schedule.

It was a double elimination this evening.  After a guest appearance from Paloma Faith singing her new single 30 Minute Love Affair, it was revealed that Roger, Jon and Jeff had received the fewest votes and faced the sing off for salvation.   Andrew chose to save Roger.

Lines for the remaining five finalists – Rory, David, Ben, Nathan and Roger are now open and will close at the end of the next show on Monday evening.  So remember to tune in at 9pm on Monday to find out who makes it through to the semi finals.

BEN – Sunderland ♫ Cold As Ice – Foreigner It doesn’t get much better for Ben, after another “unbelievable” reaction from the judges last night left him “blubbing”.  Ben admits that he is finding it difficult to deal with the pressure and stress but seeks salvation by slipping on his headphones and losing himself in music.  He also finds great strength in the knowledge that people out there are voting for him.  He admits that tonight’s classic rock number is the most vocally challenging yet, so did it get a warm reception from the panel? Jason – The standard is off the scale tonight.  That was intelligent, articulate, centred, you continue to grow every night.  You could win this competition. Dawn – Very courageous. Amazing. Melanie C – Can you get any better?  It’s ridiculous.  You have it all. Andrew –You have grown the most of all of the finalists.  You have a remarkable talent.  I can say no more.  A fantastic performance.

DAVID – Warrington ♫ Apologize – One Republic In David’s view last night went really well.  He is finding the endless 16 hour days exhausting but finding the experience “so cool”!  David is more than aware that this kind of gruelling schedule is a small taste of what it would be like playing Jesus on tour, and something the winner would need to get used to.  He hopes that tonight’s performance is strong enough to get him through to next week.  What did the judges think? Jason –  Incredible dramatic tension, you played to your strengths and sold it so well.  I hope you go all the way. Melanie C –  You are one of our strongest vocalists.  The strongest actor.  Every time you perform it moves me. Dawn  – you are always utterly in control  You would make a unique and modern Jesus.  Andrew – you are an extraordinary actor with fantastic vocal ability.  A remarkable performance.

JEFF – County Down, N Ireland ♫ Whole Lotta Love – Led Zeppelin Like the other finalists, Jeff is finding the going exhausting, not just having to cope with long rehearsals but also endless sessions in hair and make up which is a new experience for him! He realises it’s a long haul and it will be tough but he is focussed on making the most of this once in a life time experience. As Jason advised, the finalists need to view this as a long distance run rather than a sprint. So was there a whole lot of love for Jeff’s performance tonight from the panel?  Jason – Finally we are seeing you come out of your shell.  You were in the zone!  Wonderful performance. Dawn – Wow.  You is one sexy Jesus!  That was fantastic.  You have come on so much, you are a mammoth talent. Andrew – You released your inner rock god!

JON – Newcastle ♫ Still Haven’t Found – U2 Last night an “awful” experience for Jon, who felt he did not deliver a good performance.  He realises that at this stage of the show when everyone is getting tired it is important to look after your voice, which means lots of water, sleep, and quiet, which Jon admits to finding very difficult, as he does like to talk!  Tonight, with two people going, he is going out there to fight harder than he has ever had to before.  Did the judges find what they were looking for from Jon tonight?  Jason – that was a beautiful, tender interpretation.  Well done.  You could open up and become more edgy and dangerous. Melanie C – In great voice tonight, but I don’t think it was a difficult song for you to sing.  Andrew – a bit sharp in places.  I hate to say this but I didn’t get Jesus of Nazareth, I got Jesus of Las Vegas.

NATHAN – Reading ♫ Sweet Child O’Mine – Guns’n’Roses Despite being really happy with his performance last night, Nathan is finding it frustrating that he is not getting the response from the judges he is aiming for.  He is finding that the back to back shows this week are really taking their toll and, not being a natural morning person, he finds it difficult to keep his voice warm from early morning until night, but appreciates that this pace is nothing compared to the rigours of being on tour.  Did Nathan get his sought after sweet response from the judges tonight? Dawn – That was phenomenal.  You conquered it.  When you perform I cannot take my eyes off you.  Jason – just when you thought it couldn’t get any better.  It was pitch perfect, you have such a gift.  I wish I could sing like you.

ROGER – London ♫ Feeling Good – Michael Bublé Last night Roger focussed on his acting and felt he delivered what was asked of him.  Along with the other finalists Roger admits to feeling tired but he has no doubt that he is fit enough to undertake the role and understands the importance of pacing yourself at this stage of the competition.  Now the judges are becoming more tough with the finalists, Roger is keen to give 100% in every area, and to help him achieve this has perfected the art of the power nap! So did the judges feel good about Roger’s number tonight? Melanie C – Absolutely great song for you.  I love seeing so much expression in your face. Dawn – You are shining so brightly I think you are a prince. Andrew – incredible vocal performance. The great thing is tonight I believed I can understand why people would follow you.  You radiate an inner glow.

RORY – The Wirral ♫ Silenced by the Night – Keane Rory’s experience of being in the bottom two last night was doubly “horrific”,  both because he feels he is giving the competition everything he has got every night and also he is finding it tough to see his mates leave the programme.  Rory has found this a very long week with endless rehearsing and he is aware that tonight, with two people being eliminated, he faces the toughest fight he has ever had on his hands.  So were the judges “Keane” on Rory’s performance this evening? Dawn – that is you rising again to the top.  So focussed and so simple. Melanie C – that was a beautiful performance from you.  Very expressive.  Your vocals are always sublime. Jason – you were right in the zone. That song defines you.  I really hope people keep you in the competition. Andrew – Fabulous vocal.  The transition you did from the big note to the small was truly beautiful.