X Factor final 12 revealed

OHMYGOSSIP — Judges Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger have chosen their final 12 hopefuls ahead of the live shows next week (12.10.13).

Judges Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger whittled down the hopefuls to just three acts each during a tense Judges’ Houses round in this weekend’s double episodes of the ITV singing competition.

Irish music manager Louis was first to pick for his Boys category, putting through Essex lad Sam Callahan, 19, Scottish schoolboy Nicholas McDonald, 16, and 17-year-old dreadlocked student Luke Friend.

Sharon vowed to finally win the show with one of her Over 25’s choices, who include eccentric Shelley Smith, 36, a van driver from Devon, student Lorna Simpson, 28, and fan favourite Sam Bailey, a 35-year-old prison officer.

Meanwhile, Gary opted for five-piece Kingsland Road, who he said reminded him of a young Take That, cheeky urban trio Rough Copy, and girl band Miss Dynamix.

Nicole had the toughest decision of all with the Girls category, putting through 16-year-old vocal powerhouse Tamera Foster after a lengthy deliberation, 17-year-old student Hannah Barrett and quirky singer Abi Alton, 19.

Tamara currently stands as the 9/4 favourite to take this year’s crown with bookmakers William Hill, with Nicholas McDonald as second favourite with odds of 4/1 second favourite, and Abi Alton at 6/1.

It is not yet known whether there will be a ‘Wild Card’ entry this year, but viewers are clamouring for Paul Akister in the Boys category and Joseph Whelan in the Overs category to be given a chance to return and partake in the live shows.

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