X Factor 2013: Abi Alton sent home by judges

The Middlesbrough teenager lost out in the sing off to Hannah Barrett

Abi Alton leaves The X Factor 2013 (Rex Features)

Abi Alton was voted off the X Factor by majority vote after judge Nicole Scherzinger said: “I refuse to choose between my girls”.

Alton found herself in the bottom two alongside Hannah Barrett.

Judge Gary Barlow admitted he was surprised by the public's choice, saying he was “confused”. He added: “I don't know how these singers are ending up in the bottom two”.

Barrett performed Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus while Alton chose Lego House by Ed Sheeran.

Before voting off Alton in last night's show, Barlow praised her, saying: “Abi, I have loved your performances but tonight you touched me emotionally for the first time.”

He added: “Hannah - don't change anything you are brilliant just as you are.”

Sharon Osbourne said she would also be sending Alton home, adding that it was “frustrating” that “now you show us your passion”.

Osbourne told Alton: “You are a talented singer-song writer. I haven't seen you this passionate since the auditions.”

Barlow and Osbourne's votes meant that Alton would leave the show. When asked who he would have voted off, Louis Walsh said that he too would have chosen Alton.

Alton said: “I never in a million and one years thought that I would get this far. I've had the time of my life. I've met the most amazing people. I would never change it so thank you.”

Presenter Dermot O'Leary praised Alton as “so unique, so original”.

All four judges heaped praise on Rough Copy's performance on Saturday night, telling presenter Dermot O'Leary that they thought the three-piece boy band had 'nailed it' with their Ray Charles number.

The judges said they were also particularly impressed with Sam Bailey's dazzling performance.

PA