4th Impact still feels like a winner

MANILA, Philippines – Just when Filipinos thought the Philippines had a chance to win the 12th season of X Factor UK, strong contender all-girl quartet 4th Impact was eliminated three weeks before the finals. The Cercado sisters (Almira, Irene, Mylene and Celina) from Santiago, Isabela nonetheless are set to join the X Factor Live Tour 2016.

The show concluded its 12th season last Dec. 14, with 17-year-old Louisa Johnson proclaimed as winner. Mentored by new judge Rita Ora, Louisa edged out the Reggie ‘N’ Bollie duo in the finals, much to the disappointment of judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini.

Louisa was in tears after her name was called out as winner. At 17, she is the youngest champion of the international singing competition. Her debut single, Forever Young, was also released.

The night before the finals, Louisa and her mentor Rita did a powerful duet of Jennifer Hudson’s And I Am Telling You, while Reggie ‘N’ Bollie performed with UK garage artist, Craig David.

With a steady decline in TV ratings and the disappointing performance of its new hosts throughout the season — Caroline Flack and Olly Murs, the first duo to present the show — X Factor UK, nonetheless, remained a prestigious singing competition for the next big pop star.

Simon Cowell, a judge for nine seasons who mentored the Over 25 talents, was the first to lose all his artists before the finals — Bupsi, Max Stone, Anton Stephans.

Cheryl, a judge for five seasons, handled the Groups. She got her biggest upset of the season when 4th Impact was voted out. On the first week of the performances, Cheryl lost the group, Alien Uncovered.

Cheryl and first-time judge Rita  (who coached the Girls) were the last, two judges whose talents slugged it out in the finals. Another Rita talent, Lauren Murray, was voted off in the semi-finals. Kiera Weathers and Monica Michael were earlier eliminated.

Nick Grimshaw, meanwhile, was in charge of the Boys. His last talent standing, Che Chesterman, was eliminated in the finals. But Che even got to share the stage with Rod Stewart before the former’s exit. Nick’s other two talents, Seann Miley Moore and Mason Noise, were booted out earlier.

X Factor UK airs on RTL-CBS Entertainment Channel.