In three short days we will know which of our finalists will star as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar in the national tour opening at the O2 on 21^st September.  Tonight we go from five finalists down to four who will take part in tomorrow’s semi final.

All our finalists have spent today rehearsing with Gary Barlow, prior to their group performance with him during the show this evening.  He had high praise for all our potential Jesuses and in his view, the biggest problem is the quality of the finalists;  they are all good. They are all sensational singers, he told them, “to get this far, in the final five, it’s just incredible”.

After the performances the finalists were joined on stage by Gary who accompanied them for an amazing rendition of Greatest Day whilst the votes were being counted.

The bottom two, with the fewest votes, were Roger and Nathan who performed Andrew’s own composition Love Changes Everything.  Andrew chose to save Roger.

So we have our semi-finalists Ben, David, Roger and Rory and the lines are now open so you can vote to get your favourite through to the finals NOW.  To help you decide, here’s  our regular round up of who sang what, and what the judges had to say following their performance this evening…

BEN – Sunderland ♫ It Must Have Been Love – Roxette Ben thought that Friday’s performance was one of his most terrifying when he nearly fell off the chairs.  He is surprised by the level of support and by the fact that he even gets fan mail and presents!  He takes to the stage tonight hoping that his performance is strong enough to get him through to tomorrow’s semi final.   Were the judges in love with Ben’s performance tonight? Dawn – what an intelligent and sensitive performance.  That was the confident performance of a champ. Jason -  you constantly add layers, each performance is a one of a kind.  I would pay damn good money to see you pay Jesus. Melanie -  I love your voice.  I love your sincerity.  For me, right now, you are my Jesus.  Andrew – I have one word to say about your performance.  It was awesome.

DAVID – Warrington ♫ Too Close – Alex Clare In David’s view Friday’s show was the most outrageous yet, as everyone was so good.  He can’t believe he has made it to the second week but knows this is “crunch time” and that he is now stepping out of his comfort zone which is really nerve wracking but wants to give it everything he has.  According to the judges, how close is David to making the semi-final?  Melanie – one of my favourite things about you is how you completely inhabit your performance.  Very powerful.  Dawn – you are so composed.  I watch only you.  You craft the song incredibly well.  I find you physically very interesting.  You are very fit.  Andrew – there were some out of tune moments.  You have a fantastic charisma and you hold the stage.

NATHAN – Reading ♫ Born This Way – Lady Gaga Nathan was really happy with the show on Friday and with the positive comments from the judges for “being myself” and had the most “incredible time”.  He has been blown away by the support and feedback he is receiving from the public and is hoping that tonight’s song is enough to get him through to the semi-final.  Were the judges Gaga about Nathan’s performance tonight?  Dawn – I really do believe you were born that way.  You are riding high, that was entirely thrilling.  For me personally you would make a truly great Judas. Melanie – We know we can count on you to start the show with a big bang.  Fantastic performance.  Andrew – Your voice is amazing. No question.  BUT you need to love the song more than you love yourself.  I want to know what you will be like sharing the stage with other stars.

ROGER – London ♫ Handbags and Gladrags – Rod Stewart Roger found Friday a “really enjoyable performance” despite finding himself in the triple sing off where he was the first to sing and although his voice cracked he recovered well and was saved by Andrew.  He says it is an absolute honour to still be in the show and realises that from here on “every performance will count”.  What did the judges think of Dawn’s Prince Roger tonight? Jason – I have to say that was very smooth. The number really suited you. Charm, charisma, warmth.  Your acting is getting better.  When you let go that’s when we see you come alive. Dawn – you completely please my heart when you sing. You are so sincere and I completely believe you. Andrew –You are a real performer. You have an extraordinary quality and that inner glow.

RORY – The Wirral ♫ Under Pressure – David Bowie and Queen Rory thinks that Friday’s show was “massive”, and is thrilled he has made it to week two.  He is relishing the experience of working with professionals such as Andrew, Melanie and Jason and says he “never thought he would learn so much” from this experience.  He is going out on stage tonight determined to give it his all.   Did he succeed in winning over the judges?  Jason – In terms of all round performance and the massive vocal range you attach, that whas the performance of the evening so far.  You can deliver the part of Jesus. Melanie – it was your most challenging song to date, but I could just listen to you all day. Andrew -  Land of Hope and Rory, you are fantastic Rory.  I agree with Jason, so far that’s the performance of the night.