The X Factor 2016: Honey G finally wins over Simon Cowell as Matt Terry gives ‘performance of the night’

The final 12 performed live for the first time during Express Yourself week 
On fire: Honey G impressed Simon Cowell during The X Factor
Syco / Thames / Dymond
Jennifer Ruby10 October 2016

This year’s X Factor live shows kicked off with killer vocals, dodgy song choices and some typically outrageous performances.

In Express Yourself week on Saturday night, the final 12 were asked to pick songs that best represented who they are as artists, with some proving themselves and others crashing and burning.

Acts including Matt Terry, Gifty Louise and, surprising, Honey G all managed to win over the judges with their first live performances.

After her rendition of California Love, Simon Cowell told the rapper: “I don’t know what just happened but I loved it. I thought you weren’t serious when you first came in and now I realise that you are.”

Stealing the show: Matt Terry on Saturday night 
Syco / Thames / Dymond

“ I think 2 Pac would be happy, I think Dre would be happy,” Louis Walsh added.

The judges immediately loved first act 5 After Midnight, who performed Justin Timberlake’s Can’t Stop The Feeling.

“What a way to kick off X Factor 2016. I didn’t know what to expect, you blew me away,” said Nicole Scherzinger.

Other early stand-outs included Gifty Louise, whose performance Sharon Osbourne described as ‘faultless’.

Matt Terry’s rendition of You Don’t Own Me was Louis Walsh’s ‘performance of the night.’

Simon added: “I thought the vocal was outstanding. Don’t worry if you were dumped - after that you’re going to get a lot of chicks.”

X Factor 2016 Live Finalists

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Both Freddy Parker and Emily Middlemas had their song changed at the last minute, with very different outcomes.

While Emily’s version of Closer was praised by the judges, Freddy was criticised by Simon for his rendition of Killing Me Softly.

“It’s called Killing Me Softly and that’s how I felt. I feel sorry for you, Freddy, as Nicole let you down here.” said Simon.

Bratavio’s version of Barbie Girl was also met with a mixed reaction while Ryan Lawrie’s performance was dubbed ‘slighty theatrical’.

Louis only had two of his three groups performing as Brooks Way were controversially 'suspended' just hours before they were due to perform.

Find out the first act to be elimated on Sunday at 8pm on ITV.

The X Factor 2016: judges and presenters

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