Sunday, 9 November 2008

The X Factor's Laura White goes home

After a sing-off with Ruth Lorenzo, Laura is off the show

Laura White was devastated at the judges' decision

TV Addict blog

The X Factor: Has the UK gone deaf?

Laura White's dreams of winning The X Factor were dashed on Saturday night when she left the competition in the Mariah Carey-themed show.

The 21-year-old - who'd been expected to reach the final - faced Ruth Lorenzo in the sing-off.

PR consultant Ruth, 25, performed a gutsy version of Bob Dylan's Knockin' On Heaven's Door and student Laura dedicated her version of Over The Rainbow (by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg) to her granddad.

Judges Simon Cowell and Dannii Minogue voted for Ruth, Cheryl Cole voted for Laura - leaving the final decision again to Louis Walsh who chose to save the feisty Spaniard.

Before the evening's results were announced, the remaining finalists were shown celebrating their version of Mariah Carey's 1993 hit Hero getting to No 1 - and meeting the diva.

Hero has been released as a charity single to raise money for Help For Heroes and the Royal British Legion poppy appeal.

Simon says: 'It is a great way to pay something back to the men and women who give so much for this country. And it shows what music can do — it shows it can be a force for good.'

Diana Vickers did not perform at all because of a severe throat infection. She'd hoped to struggle through but was advised by doctors not to go ahead.

The Lancashire student, 17, has also been suffering from home sickness so is feeling pretty low.

In an X Factor first, she will be allowed to continue in the show next week, despite viewers being unable to vote for her to stay.

Laura White's dad blasts smear campaign against his daughter>>

X Factor Laura White's dad: I'm tearing my hair out in desperation>>

SEE VIDEO Laura White loses to Ruth Lorenzo in The X Factor sing-off...