X Factor UK: Louis Tomlinson sends Brendan Murray through to live shows

Malta’s Junior Eurovision winner Gaia Cauchi fell at the final hurdle with her group Sweet Sense on Saturday’s episode of X Factor UK. But Eurovision fans had plenty to cheer about on Sunday night as the Boys category reached its conclusion with mentor Louis Tomlinson.

Helping Louis make that all-important decision in Ibiza were fellow One Direction singer Liam Payne and music producer Nile Rodgers. After five of the boys performed during last night’s show, it was down to Ireland’s Eurovision 2017 star Brendan Murray.

“When I performed at Six Chair [Challenge], it felt incredible, but today there’s no safe seat and I’m gonna have to throw everything at them and show them that I deserve to be here,” he said before performing the Sinéad O’Connor single “Nothing Compares 2 U”.

“Really great, really great,” replied Liam. The performance clearly moved Nile, who added the song was written by a dear friend, referring to the late singer Prince. “It was beautiful. I was holding back the tears, I was trying to be cool!”

Then it was decision time and unlike previous years, where only three acts from each group advanced to the live shows, there are four acts per category now.

First to receive a place in the live shows was Dalton Andre Harris, followed by Armstrong Martins. Sadly for Thomas Pound, his journey came to an end. Then it was Brendan’s turn to hear Louis’ decision before confirming his place in the live shows. An emotional Brendan then told the good news to his mum through the smartphone.

And taking the final place in the live shows from the Boys category was Liverpudlian Anthony Russell, meaning it’s all over for J-Sol.

What do you think of Brendan’s performance? Can he go all the way in the live shows? Tell us your thoughts below!