Stacey Soloman Out Of X Factor

Stacey Soloman left 'The X Factor' last night (12.12.09) - but was thrilled with coming third.

The Dagenham singer lost out to Olly Murs and Joe McElderry in her bid to make tonight's final (13.12.09) after her performances of 'Wonderful World', 'Feeling Good' with Michal Buble and Queen's 'Who Wants To Live Forever' failed to secure her enough public votes.

But gracious in defeat, she told presenter Dermot O'Leary: "I'm really proud I came third... that's a medal."

When asked what her favourite part of the experience had been, Stacey added: "Meeting all the famous people, everything really."

Stacey, 20, was comforted by mentor Dannii Minogue who said she had made "an amazing friend" in the contestant.

She added: "She's an absolute talent and a star."

On the show - which was watched by an estimated 20 million people - Olly and Joe wowed viewers and the judges with their three performances, which included duets with Robbie Williams and George Michael respectively.

However, it seemed as though Robbie may have jeopardised Olly's chances of reaching the final when he made a shambolic start to their duet.

The pair sang 'Angels' - Robbie's 1997 hit - together but Robbie started singing his part too early, and only managed to regain his composure when he reached the chorus, on which the former call centre worker joined in with.

When the track had finished, the 'Bodies' singer tried to rally support for 25-year-old Olly by saying he was "a big fan" and led the studio audience in a chant of "Olly, Olly".

George Michael praised 18-year-old Joe after his incredible rendition of 'Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me', which had all the judges - Dannii, Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Cheryl Cole - on their feet

The 'Fast Love' singer said: "I think you rose to the occasion. I think you've got a great future."

He added: "I've got to wish good luck to all three contestants tonight. They have to deal with this and they have to meet people like us on the same night."

Olly and Joe will go head-to-head for the public's votes tonight and will each perform their version of the winner's song, which is reportedly a cover of Miley Cyrus ballad 'The Climb'.