‘The X Factor Australia’ Elimination Recap: Caitlyn Shadbolt Exits; Nico & Vinz, Taylor Henderson on Stage [VIDEOS]

“The X Factor Australia” has said goodbye to country princess Caitlyn Shadbolt. Also, Nico & Vinz perform opened the show with the Top 5, while series five runner-up Taylor Henderson returned to the X Factor stage.

Nico & Vinz

The Norwegian duo opened the show with their chart-topping hit “Am I Wrong” with a jamming session with the remaining contestants Caitlyn, Dean Ray, Marlisa Punzalan, Brothers 3 and Reigan Derry. It was such a laid-back, feel-good number that there was minimal dance required. Still, Nico Sereba and Vincent Dery’s little dance number was still an amazing thing to witness.

They returned to the stage a while later to perform “In Your Arms” without the Top 5.

Taylor Henderson

He was last year’s almost winner, coming in second place next to champ Dami Im. Since then he has scored ARIA top 1s for his single “Borrow My Heart” and his albums “Taylor Henderson” and “Burnt Letters.” He was back on the X Factor stage to sing his third single from “Burnt Letters,” “Host of Angels.”

Unlike last year, the judges weren’t there to judge him, but they still gave him a standing ovation after his number.

Bottom 2

Unfortunately for Caitlyn and Dean, they were in the bottom 2. It’s sadder for Caitlyn, though, who has ultimately become the latest eliminated contestant from the show.

Ronan Keating perhaps has known that Caitlyn would be going for this week. During rehearsals, he has been reminding his charge to do her best because there’s a good chance that it’s her time to go. He didn’t even look surprised when she was announced to be in the bottom 2.

“Will you still love me tomorrow?” Ronan said during the rehearsal for Caitlyn’s curveball track “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” on Sunday. “If you go home, you won’t.”

And perhaps Caitlyn knew it, too, and has accepted it. With three bottom 2s under her belt, she was hardly a newbie in the dreaded category. But after briefly crying about it before, Caitlyn appeared to be ready for her impending elimination. There was hardly any trace of fear in her face, only acceptance.

Judges’ Votes

Although he appeared to have already accepted Caitlyn’s fate, Ronan naturally backed her during decision time. But he’s the only judge to do so.

Redfoo, Dannii Minogue and Dean’s mentor Natalie Bassingthwaighte all backed Dean and sent Caitlyn home.

“Caitlyn, you definitely put country back on my radar,” the party-loving Redfoo told the 19-year-old country bumpkin. “I gotta go on my gut and consistency and everything so the act I’m sending home is Caitlyn.”

“Top 5, I honestly can’t complain,” the gracious Gympie beauty said after losing. She also thanked the staff behind the camera who make the show work.

“I’m so proud of her. It’s this attitude that I’m talking about. She just leaves a good vibe everywhere she goes. She’s worked so hard, all those curveballs that I’ve thrown at her, she dealt with it and survived,” Ronan said of Caitlyn, adding that he hoped he could help her in some ways with her career.

Two weeks left in the show. The remaining contestants will be singing two songs each again on Sunday.

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Nico & Vinz with the Top 5