Rikki gets the chop but Cheryl soliders on

After waiting 24 nervous hours the contestants had the 'face the music', their big night as they found out which one of them gets thrown back into obscurity, yet it was the guest stars that arguably stole the show in tonight's X Factor.

First up was Cheryl Cole performing (we were told live?!) her debut single Fight For This Love. We are know her vocals aren't great and arguably if she was performing as a contestant then she would have faced criticism but as it goes Cheryl went from judge to performer well, Mr Cowell himself called it 'incredible'.

There were shaky moments but they were covered up by her daring military style outfit, the band of dancers behind her and Mrs Cole's own moves. A entertaining and well executed first shot at going solo.

Next up was Whitney, returning to the UK after her well-documented troubles. She is far from the Whitney I remember belting out the notes with that quivering lip but the song Million Dollar Bill is catchy and the ultimate Diva showed she can still perform and entertain a crowd (even when her dress broke half way through the song Whitney soldiered on!).

Back to the contestants, what this results show is really all about. Last night we saw an array of talent, from the down right ridiculous tight red leather suits worn by John and Edward for their amusing rendition of Britney's Oops I did it again to Stacey, Danyl and Joe - who each gave a strong vocal performance on Diva week.

But whilst some shone, some were dangling perilously above the drop zone; namely Rikki Loney, Rachel Adedeji and Miss Frank. Fortunately the latter was saved but it was predictably between Rikki and Rachel in the sing-off. After two emotion filled performances Dannii and Cheryl saved their own acts (Rachel for Dannii and Rikki for Cheryl) so it was down to the boss. Simon rightly sent home Rikki - a respectable singer who struggled against a much stronger field of competitors.

Picture from London Evening Standard