The first four acts to be sent home from X Factor are Jonjo Kerr, James Michael, 2 Shoes and Amelia Lily.

Each of the judges admitted that the decision was incredibly difficult to make. 

Kerr's mentor, Louis Walsh said it was not an easy decision, and he had to hold on to the contestants that the public liked the most. The soldier said that he "could've done better" but Walsh simply said that he "had to send someone home".

James Michael, who was in Gary Barlow's 'Boys' category, was fighting back the tears as he said that he would "carry on with music" and that the best part of being on The X Factor was performing to millions.

The 'Group' mentor, Tulisa Contostavlos said that for the last 24 hours, she was crying and pulling her hair out over this decision which resulted in sending 2 Shoes home. The Essex duo (pictured above) were smiling as they said that they were proud to make it this far. 

Kelly Rowland, said to the last two of her girls standing that they were both stars, but as she used a tissue to wipe away her tears, she announced that Amelia Lily would not be staying on. The 16-year-old was too upset to speak about her departure from the show. 

However, it wasn't all high-drama and tears. The show opened with two performances from number one artists.

Last year's winner, Matt Cardle, performed his new song 'Run For Your Life', which was written by judge Barlow, for the first time tonight. All of the judges, and the audience, rose for a standing ovation to cheer on Cardle, who said that being at the X Factor "feels like home".

Also performing tonight was Cee-Lo Green, who is no stranger to the elimination process as he was a judge on The Voice earlier this year. The charismatic singer performed his songs 'Satisfied' and his huge hit, 'Forget You', which the crowd sang every word for. Although he did not confirm a tour, he told the host Dermot O'Leary that the UK will be seeing a lot of him next year. 

For next week's live show, we will see the remaining 12 contestants, Sami Brookes, Kitty Brucknell, Johnny Robinson, Marcus Collins, Craig Colton, Frankie Cocozza, Rhythmix, The Risk, Nu Vibe, Janet Devlin, Misha Bryan and Sophie Habibis perform.

Watch the videos below of the first auditions from 2 Shoes and Amelia Lily: