After being accused by a headmistress of harming children by "glamourising bullying and arrogant behaviour", could the X Factor ward off its critics with a bit of Hollywood style?
On Saturday, the six remaining acts fought to prove the show’s worth by taking on movie songs.
Producers hired Redd Pepper and his movie-trailer voice to introduce the show, alongside X Factor's usual voiceover man Peter Dickson.
Next, Dermot O'Leary appeared on stage. Flanked by a bevy of beautiful Bond girls, he promised "action, romance and thrills because it's movie night".
Kicking off the show, Craig Colton sang Gladys Knight's Licence To kill from the 1989 Bond movie, but Timothy Dalton he wasn't. The acceptable, but not sensational, performance was remarked on by the judges. Louis Walsh said: "I don't think it was a great song choice." Tulisa mused: "You sounded absolutely amazing, but I do have to agree with Louis on this one." This got Gary Barlow's back up. Defending his boy, he said: "This is lazy critique from the judges tonight… you completely nailed it as usual."
Janet Devlin got to show off her Celtic charm singing The Cranberries' Kiss Me, from How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days. Gary said: "Tonight was a great improvement for me," while Kelly Rowland, proud of her act, said: "This is a great performance to bounce back with… that was hot."
Amelia Lily once again proved why she deserves to be back in the competition. Singing Aretha Franklin's Think (Freedom) from Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason she wowed the judges. After her performance, Louis offered: "You are the one to watch." However, Tulisa shocked the nation by admitting she didn't know the number. The supposed music aficionado said: "I didn't feel the song was well known enough, I don't know that song."
After we'd been shown an emotional montage of Misha B and her mentor Kelly crying over family problems (a ploy to make her seem more likeable?) the singer took to the stage with a brave song choice, belting out Whitney Housten's I Have Nothing from The Bodyguard. Even at just 19, Misha sounded every bit the powerful soul singer. Tulisa said: "You just blew me away, you really did." Reminding her that she's not safe, Gary commented: "I can't believe no one is voting for you."
Little Mix bounced back this week with En Vogue's Don't Let Go, from the film Set It Off. It might not be a great film but the song worked well for the girls and Louis gushed: "You're ready made pop stars." Kelly screamed: "Oh my god, I'm so happy for you guys, you can be the best girl group to come out of the UK." Not as good as Destiny's Child though, hey Kelly? Gary called it their "best performance to date".
Closing the show was Gary's second boy, Marcus Collins, singing Jackie Wilson's Higher and Higher from Ghostbusters II. Louis said: "You are the little man from Liverpool with the big soulful voice," while Kelly offered: "You radiated so beautifully tonight." Tulisa said: "Marcus is back" but did he ever go away?
Tonight's show also featured a guest appearance from David Walliams in the audience who called for axed Johnny Robinson to be brought back.
Check out our slideshow of all the weekend's X Factor acts and click on who you think should be walking off with this year's title...
