Wagner and Katie Waissel leave The X Factor

Simon Cowell happy with Wagner's departure 'because there were people out there who were trying to derail this show'
Wagner performing on The X Factor. He left tonight along with Katie Waissel after a double elimination. Photograph: Ken McKay/Rex Features

A double elimination saw Wagner and Katie Waissel leave The X Factor tonight. Waissel received the fewest votes so was automatically eliminated, and after the sing off, Wagner also left the competition.

The Wanted took to the stage to perform their new single Lose My Mind, Justin Bieber performed a medley of Somebody To Love and Baby and Nicole Scherzinger returned to the show to sing her new single Poison.

The two acts who received the next fewest votes after Katie, and so had to sing for survival, were Mary Byrne and Wagner. Mary sang My Life by Shirley Bassey and Wagner sang Unforgettable by Irving King.

Simon Cowell said of Wagner: "You've been a great sport. Why I am happy with the decision though is because there were people out there who were trying to derail this show for different reasons, and what has happened tonight is that we've put this show back in the hands of the public, we're backing talent and no disrespect Wagner, but she sang you off tonight."

After his elimination Wagner said "Like a bat out of hell, I'll be gone, gone gone" and "I loved every moment that I spent here, and I have achieved so much."

Louis Walsh told Dermot O'Leary: "I've had an amazing time working with both of these people. I've got to know you better and better. Wagner you are unforgettable. But Mary, this is your life. In the sing off, Mary won hands down. So the act I'm sending home tonight is Wagner."

Dannii Minogue said: "I want to keep the person in that has heart, soul and a fantastic voice, so the act I'm sending home is Wagner."

Cheryl Cole said: "Mary did another incredible vocal as always. Wagner, I know you and I haven't always seen eye to eye, but you've been very gracious and apologised and I accept that. You are definitely an unforgettable contestant, but tonight I'm sending home Wagner."

Performing next week on The X Factor are Alexandra Burke, Black Eyed Peas and the Glee cast.

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