Simon Cowell had a tough decision on his hands tonight when he had to whittle down some of the X Factor favourites for live shows.

The girls stepped up at Judges’ Houses with some of the strongest auditions we’ve seen so far, and Simon turned to Spice Girls Mel B and Emma Bunton for help in the impossible task of choosing between them.

X Factor Simon Cowell
Simon had a tough choice (Thames/Syco Entertainment)

There were so many big names in his category that there were always going to be disappointed viewers and teary contestants.

But few Judges’ Houses decisions have been more controversial than ditching the former bookies’ favourite to win, Caitlyn Vanbeck.

Many people weren’t too fussed about waving goodbye to Soheila Clifford, who they found over confident, but were sad to see Olivia Garcia go home.

Kayleigh Marie Morgan was a hit with fans of the show too, who were upset that she didn’t make the final despite making Mel B cry with her audition.

Gifty Louise was a popular choice to stay, as was wildcard Samantha Lavery, who was sent away pre-audition to tone down the make-up.

And even though she took the final spot that everyone thought was going to Caitlyn, viewers were happy to see Emily Middlemas get some good news this time.

We can’t wait to see who Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger put through tomorrow.