“The X Factor Australia” contestants sang hits from some of music’s biggest superstars on Sunday night.

Only 12 were remaining after Trill was sent home on Monday. For this week, the contestants were given top hits from music icons such as Michael Jackson, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley.

The first act to hit the stage was the recently formed girl group. XOX took on Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night looking like dolls. Although they looked so beautiful and their production was a girl’s dolly dream came to life, their performance was not as remarkable as their previous ones.

As Redfoo said, their vocals, which were normally breath-taking, “could have been a little better.”

Adrien Nookadu, who was at the bottom two last week, tried to win public votes by singing, rapping and dancing to Justin Timberlake’s “Like I Love You.” The judges agreed that the song was a great choice for him because it showed him as a triple threat.

Ronan Keating loved his performance so much that he changed Adrien’s last name to Yes-kadu. Yes, it was corny, but the audience seemed to think it was funny and fitting.

Next was Sydnee Carter, who, again, kept forgetting the lyrics to Wings’ “Live and Let Die” during practice. The 16-year-old WA songstress’ problem during boot camp was her inability to remember the lyrics of her songs, and that was her problem again at the rehearsal.

She remembered the lyrics during live show, all right. However, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Redfoo weren’t in love with her performance.

Redfoo described her performance best, saying it was a bit “chillax,” adding Sydnee should let go more when singing.

Rochelle Pitt tried to sing rock this week, a departure from her usual song choice of soul. Singing The Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter,” she delivered nonetheless. She still gave it a soulful edge, but otherwise maintained its rock quality.

As Kylie Minogue said, she was a natural in singing rock ‘n roll songs.

Last week, Reigan Derry was a sand goddess. For this week, she was a flying angel singing Britney Spears’ “Toxic.”

Kylie and Nat gave her a standing ovation after her performance, while her mentor Foo even stood on the desk to show his love for her.

However, Ronan wasn’t as impressed, saying he was done midway through the song. He wasn’t complaining about her voice, but the whole performance was lacking for him. Foo was flabbergasted at Ronan’s assessment, insisting that it’s the start of the “Reigan Revolution,” whatever that meant.

Dean Ray freaked out when his mentor Natalie informed him that he would be singing Aerosmith’s “Janie’s Got a Gum.”

“It’s hard,” he complained to Nat, who agreed after hearing him during practice.

At the live show, however, the 22-year-old didn’t appear to have any problems rocking the song. The judges, save for Redfoo, all stood up to applaud him, all agreeing that he perfectly delivered.

Foo, on the other hand, while impressed, wasn’t sure that it was the best song choice for him.

“It was a rock ‘n roll song, but it doesn’t mean it’s a Dean song,” he explained to Natalie. “I want to see less production and see more of Dean.”

“Don’t change anything,” Ronan told Dean, countering Foo’s critique.

Younger Than Yesterday made the girls in the audience scream once again performing Blondie’s “One Way or Another.” The trio really got the crowd going, and the judges loved their energy.

The youngest contestant on the show, 14-year-old Marlisa, was sick days prior to the live show. As her mentor Ronan said, her performance would either be “incredibly special or incredibly tough to watch.”

Nevertheless, Marlisa Punzalan was able to have all the judges give her a standing ovation after singing Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi.” Still unable to talk much, the schoolgirl delivered a passable performance. It was not up to her usual high note-hitting standard, but the judges agreed it was a great song choice for her. Redfoo commended her for being a trooper, saying that most famous singers would cancel a show for being sick.

Marlisa didn’t have that luxury, though. As a contestant in the show who relies on public votes to stay on, she needed to sing and give her best, even though she couldn’t.

For his next and final act, Ronan admitted that he got a lot of criticism for picking Caitlyn Shadbolt over his other singers. However, he was adamant that 18-year-old Queenslander was the right choice, and her performance last week cemented her place in the live shows.

Singing Bon Jovi’s “Blaze of Glory,” Caitlyn, a country singer, made electropop-singing Foo love country music more now.

It was supposed to be feel-good, triumphant song, but she made it sound sweet and a bit calming despite the fact that there were fires surrounding the stage. That wasn’t negative, though. It was actually a fresh, country take on the classic rock song.

Tee was next to go on stage, singing the Beatles’ “Hey Jude.” And as always, it was a perfect performance.

His mum was in the audience, cheering for him. It can be remembered that Tee, real name Ofisa Toleafoa, had been seeking his mum’s acceptance of him as a gay man. He shared his back story during his first audition in 2013. When he returned in the show for a second chance, he revealed that his mum has since been able to accept him.

Jason Heerah was next. His mentor Redfoo chose Michael Jackson’s “Working Day and Night” for him, and Ronan wished he have chosen a more recognisable song from the King of Pop.

But strange song choice aside, Jason was able to impress the judges, not only with his singing and drumming skills (he drummed the last parts of the song), but also with his dancing.

The last to take the stage were Brothers 3, who struggled to sing Elvis Presley’s “Always on My Mind” during rehearsals. Fortunately, the Wildcard act looked effortless at the live show.

Foo told them they’re his favourite group act.

Elimination night is on Monday, when another act will be axed.

Also read:
‘The X Factor Australia’ 1st Elimination Night: Trill Goes Home

‘The X Factor Australia’ First Live Show Recap

Marlisa Punzalan

Brothers 3

Rochelle Pitt

Jason Heerah

Reigan Derry

Caitlyn Shadbolt

Younger Than Yesterday

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