Andrea Faustini has been eliminated from ‘The X Factor’.
The 20-year-old Italian crooner was kicked off the ITV talent show tonight (13.12.14) after receiving the lowest amount of public votes, leaving Ben Haenow and Fleur East to fight for the crown.
Speaking after his exit, he said: "It’s just incredible because I’ve come so far. This has been the most crazy and beautiful experience of my life. It’s so unexpected and I’m so happy anyway.
"My highlight? Maybe the day I came here and I wasn’t expecting anything and I came in that room and I had that reaction – it was just amazing.
"I want to say a massive thank you to my family, to all the guys who work in the production because this is just an incredible team. To the judges, and to Mel, who has been an amazing judge and friend."
The SSE Arena in Wembley, north-west London was filled with 10,000 fans who were treated to performances from Ed Sheeran, Megan Trainor and Take That.
Before his performance, Ed joined Ben, 29, on stage to sing ‘Thinking Out Loud’ whilst 26-year-old Fleur sang ‘Beneath Your Beautiful’ with Labrinth. Andrea was joined by ‘X Factor’ alumni, Ella Henderson, to perform her hit song ‘Ghost’.
‘X Factor’ reject contestants including Stevi Ritchie, Chloe Jasmine, Wagner and Chico returned to perform a special version of ‘Dirty Bit’ by The Black Eyed Peas.
Meanwhile, Andrea’s mentor, Mel B, was unable to attend the show after being struck down by a mystery illness. She was replaced by former judge, Tulisa Contostavlos.
Speaking at the beginning of the show, host Dermot O’Leary said: "Mel will be unable to join us due to illness. She’s obviously absolutely gutted.
"We wish her a speedy recovery and we know she’ll be watching and cheering for her boy, Andrea."
Fellow judge, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini admitted she was, too, "gutted" that the 39-year-old singer would be missing the final.
She tweeted: "Absolutely gutted Mel is not able to make it tonight after all the love and hard work she has put into getting Andrea here (sic)".
‘The X Factor’s winner will be crowned tomorrow night (14.12.14) at a star-studded final, which will see performances from Demi Lovato and Olly Murs, Sam Smith and boy band One Direction with a special guest from The Rolling Stones.
Andrea Faustini eliminated from X Factor
