MANILA, Philippines—Filipina singer Alisah Bonaobra’s journey on The X-Factor UK continues.
The 22-year-old singer who sang her rendition of Celine Dion’s All by Myself was originally booted off from her seat in the Six Chair Challenge after Sharon Osbourne replaced her with Grace Davies who performed an original song entitled “Do It Better.”
Sharon’s move surprised the audience and judges, even evoking a ‘facepalm’ from Simon Cowell.
“Oh no, no you can’t do that,” Louis Walsh exclaimed.
Grace hugged Alisah and apologized for taking her seat. An emotional Alisah walked off the stage while audience cheered in support of her.
“Bring her back! Bring her back!” the audience chanted.
Just when Alisah thought it’s over, Sharon called her back on stage due to the audience’s demand.
“Alright, I’m gonna bring Alisah back but I wanna hear a sing-off with her and Scarlet (Lee) and Rai-Elle (Williams),” Sharon said.
While Alisah is being fetched from back stage, former Pussycat Dolls lead and X-Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger told Simon, “I will pick Scarlet… Scarlet is good.”
“Girls, I am so sorry to make you all do this, but what do I do when there’s so much talent here and the audience… I have to listen to the audience, but no matter what, I have two chairs and three girls,” Sharon said. “So I want you to all do a sing-off for me ‘cause you’re all so talented. Don’t forget that.”
Scarlet sang Dion’s Power of Love while Rai-Elle perfomed an acapella of Jesus Culture.
Alisah, on the other hand, perfomed hit pop song Bang Bang, the song Filipino girl group 4th Power performed in their audition for the same talent show in 2015.
While Alisah’s superb performance made it harder for Sharon to decide, the audience and judges were visibly impressed. Louis, Nicole, and the audience gave Alisah a standing ovation.
Everyone at the Wembley Arena were at the edge of their seat as Sharon decides who will take the remaining spot in the Six Chair Challenge and advance to the finals.
Alas, Sharon said: “I hate to do it, but Scarlet, I’m gonna let you go.”
As Scarlet leaves the stage, a spot opens for Alisah.
X Factor will continue on Saturday with its remaining Six Chair Challenges.