The X Factor Australia Eliminations: Week Two

This is the second in a series reviewing The X Factor results shows. The first can be read here. Please note that no contestant or judge/mentor was harmed in the writing of this blog. The RRSPXFCJ (Right Royal Society for the Protection of X Factor Contestants and Judges) was in attendance at all times with a blunt musical instrument (the bruises will fade eventually).

Week 2

The bottom two this week shared the same mentor and in an unexpected move that stunned viewers, Mel B took it upon herself to avoid deadlock and choose between her two contestants. In her remarks she said: “Y’ know I luv yous both equally” then concluded by saying that beautiful hair just wasn’t enough of an X factor and voted to send Clairol “Flaming Red” Hairdye home.

Clairol held back the tears to prevent dye run while Mel B stood by in support of the stricken contestant. Mel B had been an obvious fan of Clairol’s from her very first appearance so it was a surprise to viewers when she sent her home.

While Clairol’s demise didn’t incite the kind of frenzied reaction in response to the elimination of Xtra Factor the week before, there was spirited discussion across social networks as to whether Mel B should or should not have gone to deadlock. One fan lamented “When the breeze from the stage fan blew her hair back like that, my heart skipped a beat. I know I’ll always remember that moment from the performance. I’ll really miss Clairol but will be buying her new colour-defence shampoo as soon as it’s released.”

At her Sunrise interview the following morning, the bubbly Hairdye hinted at future gigs and excitedly told viewers, “Don’t be surprised to see more red heads popping up in Home and Away!” If that includes Ray Meagher’s character, Alf, viewers won’t be merely surprised, they’ll be in shock.

Meanwhile the juggernaut that is X Factor rolls on, lighter now by two contestants, as bookmakers adjust the betting odds ahead of next week’s elimination.