First six acts through to X Factor live finals unveiled

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Simon Cowell made their final choices in tonight's live show. Credit: ITV/Syco/Thames

The first six acts through the X Factor live shows have been selected tonight, with judges making their final decision from Judges' Houses performances in front of a studio audience for the first time.

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini chose girl groups 4th Impact and Alien Uncovered to go through to the live shows along with Reggie n Bollie.

Simon Cowell selected Bupsi, Anton Stephans and Max Stone as the three acts from his Overs category through to the live shows.

The music mogul announced Leeds singer Bupsi as the first of his soloists to progress from the Judges' Houses stage.

One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, who had headed out to the South of France to assist Cowell as a guest judge, felt she was a touch "cabaret".

However, the 37-year-old was ecstatic: "I feel absolutely fantastic!" she cried. Her performance of Ginuwine's Pony secured her place.

Backing singer Stephans impressed at Judges' Houses with Superstar by The Carpenters. Emotional all the way through the process, he said he was "over the moon!"

Musician Stone's rendition of Gangsta's Paradise secured him the third spot over Kerrie Anne Phillips, Jennifer Phillips (no relation) and Ebru.

In Fernandez-Versini's category, Filipino sibling group 4th Impact were the first group selected.

The girls, who have been the bookies' frontrunners for weeks, sealed their place with a performance of Eminem's Love The Way You Lie featuring Rihanna.

Alien Uncovered were the second group announced for the live shows by Fernandez-Versini.

Their raunchy rendition of Usher's Bad Girl impressed the 32-year-old and her guest judge in Rome, rising pop star Jess Glynne.

The final group through was a surprise choice: Ghanaian duo Reggie n Bollie, formerly known as Menn On Point.

Their interpretation of Twist and Shout, the song made famous by The Beatles, helped them beat gospel groups Melody Stone and BEKLN Mile and The New Kings to that all-important spot in the live shows.

"We are going to entertain you every week!" they vowed.

Judge Grimshaw and Rita Ora, mentoring the Girls, will choose their final three when live Judges' Houses concludes on Sunday.

The next episode of the X Factor will air on Sunday October 25 on ITV at 7.30pm.