ONLY one of our region's X Factor finalists proved they were The Best Of British this week, after District3 bowed out of the competition.
The trio – which includes Cleethorpes' Micky Parsons, 18 – found themselves in the bottom two again after failing to secure enough public votes with their interpretation of Eric Clapton's Tears In Heaven.
The trio chose Bruno Mars' Just The Way You Are as their save me song, as they fought against fellow boyband Union J for their place in next week's show.
After Louis refused to send either of his acts home, it fell to the remaining three judges to decide their fate.
Gary said what he thought would be a "simple" decision was complicated by District3 giving "one of their worst" vocal performances so far in the sing off – opting to send the boys home.
Nicole also voted to keep Union J, saying she felt they were "more mature" and "ready for it".
Although her opinion was rendered academic, Tulisa said she would have saved them.
The boys thanked everyone for their "amazing" experience and all those who had voted for them throughout the competition.
The results came as a shock, as the female judges were impressed by their return to their vocal harmony roots, with Tulisa describing it as their best performance in the competition so far and a tearful Nicole Scherzinger praising the strength of their harmonies.
However, Gary Barlow was less impressed, telling the trio he believed they "didn't have the edge" of rival boy band Union J.
And the voters clearly agreed. Micky's father, Steve Parsons, said: "We are so pleased they have got this far in the competition.
"They have worked really hard and I am sure their music career will kick-start from here."
The weekend went better for Tetney's Ella Henderson, who admitted she is "feeling the pressure" of being the only girl left in the competition – but was determined to bring "girl power" to the proceedings.
The Best Of British theme brought additional challenges for the 16-year-old, who took on a stripped back version of Tinie Tempah's Written In The Stars.
As reported, Tinie helped to secure Ella her place in the live shows, after appearing at Judge's Houses as Tulisa's guest judge.
Gary Barlow said: "You're what this competition is all about."
Nicole described her as "one righteous babe" while Louis Walsh repeated his assertion that Ella is the best female singer the X Factor has seen since Leona Lewis.
Tulisa said Ella had been "epic" but urged all her fans not to sit back and assume she was safe.
And on Sunday, The Daily Star claimed leaked X Factor voting results showed she was in danger of being in the bottom two.
Her delighted mum, Michelle said: "I think Ella did a fantastic job, she always does, and she makes every song her own.
"This is something that she has always wanted to do, and every week she seems to be getting better and better."
Check out tomorrow's Grimsby Telegraph for Micky's amazing X Factor story
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