Recap - 'X Factor': Week 5, Saturday

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Nicole Scherzinger arrives as the guest judge for tonight's fifth auditions show. Cheryl has malaria, so there are only three judges on the panel this week. We start at the heart of working-class Britain of yesteryear, Manchester.

Rachel Chu, 44, sings a screeching version of 'Saving All My Love For You'. Simon thinks that Rachel should keep her voice hidden "behind walls", Nicole branded the rendition "off-pitch", and Louis agreed with both comments - overall, three nos for the beauty therapist.

John Ashmore, 23, fails to impress the judges, despite a degree in Performing Arts. His take on Mika's 'Take It Easy' is given the full rejection. John Coy, a year older than the previous contestant, also faces the exit after a slapdash Shaggy impersonation. Divided, a 20-something group, screws Louis's face up. Nicole then concludes that Manchester is "a freaky town". She is yet again disappointed by Candy Rolls, three women trying to sing the *****cat Dolls hit 'When I Grow Up'.

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It's sunny as part two begins, and the next act to take to the stage is Blackpool-born Aiden Grimshaw, 18, supported by his mum and grandma. Simon questions his commitment before his version of Kanye West's 'Gold Digger' exhilarates the audience, Louis thinks the audition was "brilliant", Nicole "loves" Aiden's voice, and Simon also compliments his talent, branding him "the best in Manchester". Aiden's great voice and charisma earns him a place in the second round.

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Next up is The Huhas, a mixed three-piece group, who wow the panel with their "natural" performance, being voted through with three yeses. Ade Bhadmus, a 20-year-old student, also leaves the judges happy with a few minutes of Motown. The very ambitious 17-year-old John Wilding makes it through with Snow Patrol's 'Run'. It's a voice that Simon Cowell has "never heard".

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This is what the judges have clearly been waiting for: Hazel Jackson, a starry-eyed 67-year-old, who still believes that she can become a star. Hazel reveals that she has also joined the show to find a man, namely Louis. She performs Tina Turner's 'The Best', with handbag at her side. There are some cheeky moves too, which the crowd enjoy. Louis finds the act entertaining, Nicole claims to be Hazel's "biggest fan" - however, Simon's not convinced. Louis is charmed, but he uses his head instead of his heart, and says 'no'.

Meanwhile, Savannah Hammond, an avid bell-ringer, leaves Louis gasping for breath. Simon, Nicole and Louis reject the 18-year-old student. Valerie Roberts, a silver-haired leaflet distributor, is the next victim to the judges' vote. Stephanie Akazezi's 'Top Of The World' amuses Louis - alas, it receives another ribbing from the panel.

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Yuli Minguel, a 32-year-old careers advisor from Holland, jazzes up the North of England with a rendition of 'All My Love'. She receives the first standing ovation of the night, from Nicole. Louis and Simon are more reserved, but applaud the performance and vote her through to the next round. Amy Louis Aldred, a 21-year-old shop assistant, is given another three yeses. Connor and Gabriel, a 22-year-old double act, are lauded by the panel for their rendition of Marvin Gaye's 'I Heard It Through The G****vine'. John Connolly, a 32-year-old PE teacher supported by his pupils, also makes it to the next round with a 100% approval rate.

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The X Factor continues with Chloe Victoria, a hopeful who believes that she can be remembered. Simon believes that Chloe would be "a nightmare to work with". She pleads with the panel, but the judges are adamant that she lacks the raw talent. Simon orders her to "shut up", after she turns on the audience. Nicole says yes, and Simon agrees that the show should give her a second chance, an extremely controversial decision. Chloe and Dermot later have a heart-to-heart, but nothing is solved.

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Rebecca Ferguson is the last contestant, a mum and a college student. She struggles financially, and after a tearjerking account to Dermot, she leaves the panel and audience emotional with 'A Change Is Gonna Come', a song that she feels reflects her life. Nicole was "moved" by the "vulnerable" rendition, while Simon is unconvinced by her confidence but thinks she has potential. Rebecca receives three yeses, and is through to Boot Camp.

The X Factor returns tomorrow at 7.45pm on ITV1.