CHAPTER 68

"I'm so proud to introduce this very unique and special group." Simon said. "This is One Direction!"

Finn's heart pounded like a drum. It was time. He forced his nerves deep down and locked them away, at least until the end of the performance, and the boys walked on stage, mics in hand. There was currently a backout on stage so they were able to get into position unseen by the audience. Finally, the spotlight shone on them and the heavy, rock music began…

[Finn:]

Straight off the plane to a new hotel

Just touched down, you could never tell

A big house party with a crowded kitchen

People talk shh but we don't listen

[Louis:]

Tell me that I'm wrong but I do what I please

Way too many people in the Addison Lee

Now I'm at the age when I know what I need, oh, whoa

[Chorus:]

Midnight memories, oh, oh, oh, oh.

Baby you and me

Stumbling in the street

Singing, singing, singing, singing

Midnight memories, oh, oh, oh, oh.

Anywhere we go never say no

Just do it, do it, do it, do it

[Liam:]

5 foot something with the skinny jeans

Don't look back, baby follow me

[Niall:]

I don't know where I'm going but I'm finding my way

Same old shh but a different day

[Louis:]

Tell me that I'm wrong but I do what I please

Way too many people in the Addison Lee

Now I'm at the age when I know what I need, oh, whoa

[Chorus:]

Midnight memories, oh, oh, oh, oh.

Baby you and me

Stumbling in the street

Singing, singing, singing, singing

Midnight memories, oh, oh, oh, oh.

Anywhere we go never say no

Just do it, do it, do it

[Niall:]

You and me and all our friends

I don't care how much we spend

Baby, this is what the night is for, oh, oh, oh

[Finn:]

I know nothing's making sense

For tonight let's just pretend

I don't wanna stop so give me more, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh

[Chorus:]

Midnight memories, oh, oh, oh, oh.

Baby you and me

Stumbling in the street

Singing, singing, singing, singing

Midnight memories, oh, oh, oh, oh.

Anywhere we go never say no

Just do it, do it, do it, do it

To hear the actual song, click:

watch?v=e7nvRW85iPw

Or search, 'Midnight Memories X Factor 2013'

After a final short riff on the guitar, the music finally ended, and that was when the audience reacted. Finn's nerves were back now, and he was incredibly anxious as to how the audience and judges would react to their unconventional song. However, despite what he thought might happen, the audience leapt to their feet and cheered…

They cheered so loudly that it could be heard across the world. Feet stomped, hands clapped, people screamed. It was an absolute uproar. The five boys grabbed each other and pulled each other into a group hug, before preparing to hear their feedback from the judges. Louis was first to give his feedback.

"You guys! When I heard you were going to be singing an original song, I thought that it was a big, big risk but I absolutely loved it." He said. "I love what you did with the song. I love that the band is gelling so well together. And although Simon's gonna claim that he put this band together, it WAS my idea originally."

"It was not!" Simon exclaimed, indignantly. Louis shook his head.

"It was! It was! And boys, I think potentially, you could be the next big boy band. But you have a lot of work to do yet."

Tulisa was next to give her feedback.

"Guys, I don't know whose idea it was exactly but you look like you fit together like pieces of a puzzle. That song was fantastic. That was a perfect pop/rock band performance."

The audience roared in approval, and Nicole prepared to speak.

"I have to agree with Tulisa, you guys. You look like you were meant to be together. You've got all of the ingredients for the perfect pop band. I reckon the girls at home are going absolutely crazy for you, but you do need a little bit more time to develop as a group because you've only really had a couple of weeks. That's all."

Simon was the final person to give feedback and because he was their mentor, they weren't too worried.

"Well, regarding our role in putting the band together, Louis, we'll rewind the tapes on that one." Simon said. "You guys came together because your bootcamp auditions weren't good enough but you were too good to throw away. We took a risk. A big risk. But it MORE than paid off. What is most impressive about that was that it was a huge leap stepping on this stage and singing an original song and when one of you started to screw up at the end, Liam stepped in and brought it back together. That's what bands do. You guys told me you wanted to sing some original songs in the competition and originally I was skeptical but now, watching that performance, I'm just going to stay out of the way and let you do your thing."

The audience cheered as One Direction waved and walked off stage. Once they were off, they literally jumped up and whooped in celebration. When they re-entered the green room, they were welcomed by cheers and shouts from the other competitors. After countless hugs, high-fived and fistbumps, the boys sat down to watch the rest of the competitors perform. Ella was by far the best, singing a breath-taking version of Dreams by Fleetwood Mac. Jahmene was also a standout performer with his version of In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins, and Lucy's version of All Along the Watchtower was also superb. There were some incredible performers, and the audience definitely had a tough job voting for the best. However, they would be much, much easier off than the performers, who spent the longest night of their lives worrying and willing tomorrow to come faster, as the results show was on Sunday night. As Finn lay restless on his pillow that night, he went through all of the performances from earlier. All of them did a great job, but the most underwhelming performance probably came from Melanie, and Rylan didn't shut the haters up like the others did. He still received a couple of boos from the audience. But it was definitely going to be a close in terms of the bottom two. Finn just hoped that they made the cut.

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Before they knew it, they were back in Madison Square Garden, waiting for the results show to start. The audience were already present in the arena, and they were waiting for the show to start, chatting quietly amongst themselves. In the green room, the contestants waited, even more nervous now than they were before their performances because their fate was now out of their hands, and was in the hands of the audience. Before Dermott announced the results, there were a few famous singers that were coming to perform a song. Sure enough, Dermott walked out onto the stage moments later to introduce the first performer - X Factor sensation Leona Lewis.

"Welcome to the X Factor results show!" He exclaimed. "We are live on ITV 1, and backstage, the nerves are jingling and jangling. Your votes will save 10 acts, and send 2 into the final showdown. But, we've got some great guests here today as well. First up, she's been a contestant, she's been a guest judge, she's even won the damn thing, but now, she's back doing what she does best… singing on this stage. Leona Lewis is going to be here!"

The fans cheered wildly at even the mere mention of the former X Factor champion. Dermott continued over the noise from the audience.

"And also, he's one of the biggest R'n'B stars in the world. But never mind that. He's also Tulisa's mate. Neyo's going to also be with us!"

The audience also started screaming when they heard the name of the massive, platinum pop star.

"But first… round 1 last night, they came out fighting, they went home fighting, they woke up fighting. No guesses for what they're going to be doing tonight. It's the X Factor judges!"

The 4 judges walked on stage together, waving at the audience and staring daggers at each other. Even for the judges, the competition was nerve wracking as they all wanted their respective three acts to go through every week, but obviously, one act wouldn't. Once the judges had sat down, Dermott laughed.

"Oh yeah! They might be looking all calm and cocky now, but one of them is going to lose an act tonight. Lines are still open, but we're closing them later in the show. Your votes can guarantee your favourite a place in next week's show. You know the deal… the two with the least votes will have to sing again in a sing off for their survival."

The audience all cheered. First off in the program were all 12 contestants singing their charity single together, which had skyrocketed to Number 1 in the charts, and has been there for the past 4 weeks. There were even rumours that they might be making a music video for it, because of all the streams and buys the song has.

"For now though, our contestants are putting their rivalry to one side as we welcome to the stage, singing live, the X Factor finalists!"

Kye:

I wanna sing, I wanna shout

Ella:

I wanna scream 'til the words dry out

Little Mix:

So put it in all of the papers,

I'm not afraid

Matt:

They can read all about it

Read all about it, oh

MK1:

You've got the words to change a nation

But you're biting your tongue

One Direction:

You've spent a lifetime stuck in silence

Afraid you'll say something wrong

Jahmene:

If no one ever hears it how we gonna learn your song?

Rylan:

So come on, come on

All:

I wanna sing, I wanna shout

I wanna scream 'til the words dry out

So put it in all of the papers,

I'm not afraid

They can read all about it

Read all about it, oh

Oh oh oh

Oh oh oh

Oh oh oh

Oh oh oh

Oh oh oh

Oh oh oh

Melanie:

Let's get the TV and the radio

To play our tune again

Jade:

It's 'bout time we got some airplay of our version of events

There's no need to be afraid

I will sing with you my friend

Christopher:

Come on, come on

All:

I wanna sing, I wanna shout

I wanna scream 'til the words dry out

So put it in all of the papers,

I'm not afraid

They can read all about it

Read all about it, oh

Oh oh oh

Oh oh oh

Oh oh oh

Oh oh oh

Oh oh oh

Oh oh oh

One Direction:

I wanna sing, I wanna shout

Ella:

I wanna scream 'til the words dry out

Matt:

So put it in all of the papers,

I'm not afraid

Lucy:

They can read all about it

Read all about it, oh

For the actual song, click:

watch?v=qTrzSKlldFc

or search 'The Final 12 Read all About It X Factor 2012'

The contestants blew the song away, and the crowd knew it. If possible, their version of the song was even better than the world-class original by Emile Sande. After the song, the contestants stepped off stage, their nerves temporarily gone as they prepared to watch the two huge guest singers.

"Big performances last night." Dermott remarked. "Especially for an opening weekend. And now, it's time for one of our special guests for the night. Now, she really is special. Going from a shy young girl to a beautiful, confident world-wide star. It all began right here. With her new single, we're so very proud to welcome home Leona Lewis!"

Leona walked onto the stage and accepted the thunderous applause from the whole arena. She smiled as she reminisced about her time on the competition, so many years ago. She walked over to the microphone and the music started.

You drink more than you used to

Fell in love how could you?

Trust your heart like only fools do

Go on let it bleed.

You smoked 10 now it's 20

Bet you wish you'd never met me

To stick around you must be crazy

Go on let it bleed

I told you never to get used to me

I stay awake when you fall asleep

I'm a whole lot of trouble

We're in a whole lot of trouble

I told you you should never follow me

But here we are, and you're in too deep

I'm a whole lot of trouble

We're in a whole lot of trouble

You shout louder than you used to

And you hold on tighter in the bedroom

Stick around like I'mma change soon

Go on let it bleed

As you stand there trying to save me

Use your head and baby leave me

Gonna take much more than a heart to save me

Go on let it bleed

I told you never to get used to me

I stay awake when you fall asleep

I'm a whole lot of trouble

We're in a whole lot of trouble

I told you you should never follow me

But here we are, and you're in too deep

I'm a whole lot of trouble

We're in a whole lot of trouble

[Childish Gambino]

But is it lying if you know that they don't want the truth?

Is it cheating if you work it while she in the room

Now you mad at the screen

We were something together

I wouldn't call it a team, just big trouble and little kindness

When I know the best part's are so behind us

Keep the pride tough, more than bad luck

I ain't messed up, I'm just wishing what we needed was a less us

I fell in love with the wrong dream

Crying in my arms what's it all mean?

I used to know those things and flow both wings

Thoughts where neverending and no Nuvaring's

And we fought for a patent pending on my new jack swing

Cool, calm and collected keep the Kool Moe Dee

Here is hoping you satisfy that like an addict

I had thought we'd never had to do those things

I told you you should never follow me

But here we are, and you're in too deep

I'm a whole lot of trouble

We're in a whole lot of trouble

The song was absolutely incredible. Finn remembered when Caitlin had asked who he thought the best X Factor finalist ever was, several months ago. The woman, singing not 50 feet away from him was definitely the right answer. The audience cheered and clapped for several minutes after she finished singing. She bowed to them, and then Dermott walked over to her.

"Ladies and Gentlemen… Leona Lewis!" He exclaimed. "OK, first of all, Leona, congratulations on a beautiful single. You were a guest judge in L.A during the first auditions, where you said yes to pretty much everyone you saw. We loved you for that! And you said yes to Jade Ellis, who is actually here tonight. Are you impressed with her?"

"Yeah, she's amazing!" Leona replied. "I watched her performance last night and she looked stunning and she sounded amazing. I'm so proud of her."

"So the single's out, and there's a tour next year?"

"Yes, I'm going to be doing two dates at the Royal Albert Hall next year in May."

"Well we're so glad to have you here." Dermott said.

"It's amazing to be back. I'm so happy to be here."

"Ladies and Gentlemen… Leona Lewis!"

Leona walked off stage after her breathtaking performance, and the audience prepared to hear from Neyo next.

"So, you have been voting for the past 24 hours on behalf of our acts. Thank you so much. But lines are now CLOSED! Please don't call in now. It's too late for your vote to be registered so don't do it. Hey judges…" He said, turning to the judging panel. "Great show last night. Simon, let's come to you first. Your first live show of the year and there were 800,000 tweets last night, and #OneDirectionGods was trending."

Simon laughed.

"As it should have been." He replied. "You know it takes a LOT of skill to do what they did - coming together and writing an originally song after not having known each other for even a month."

"Well it's time for the second guest now. He's an immense talent who has written songs for superstars like Rihanna, Whitney, Beyonce. But then he started writing for himself, and he became a superstar himself. Here with his new single, 23 million singles sold worldwide, 8 million albums sold worldwide, 4 U.S Number 1 Singles, 3 Grammys, it's NEYO!"

Much as you blame yourself, you can't be blamed for the way that you feel

Had no example of a love that was even remotely real

How can you understand something that you never had?

Ooh, baby, if you let me, I can help you out with all of that

Girl let me love you

And I will love you

Until you learn to love yourself

Girl let me love you

I know your trouble

Don't be afraid, girl let me help

Girl let me love you

And I will love you

Until you learn to love yourself

Girl let me love you

A heart of numbness gets brought to life

I'll take you there

Girl let me love you

Girl let me love you, baby, oh

Girl let me love you

Girl let me love you, baby

Girl let me love you

Let me love you, let me love you, oh

I can see the pain behind your eyes

It's been there for quite a while

I just wanna be the one to remind you what it is to smile

I would like to show you what true love can really do

Girl let me love you

And I will love you

Until you learn to love yourself

Girl let me love you

I know your trouble

Don't be afraid, girl let me help

Girl let me love you

And I will love you

Until you learn to love yourself

Girl let me love you

A heart of numbness, gets brought to life

I'll take you there

Girl let me love you, baby

Girl let me love you

Let me love you, let me love you, baby

Girl let me love you

Girl let me love you, baby

Girl let me love you

Let me love you, girl let me love you, baby

For every heart that beats

For every heart that beats

For every heart that beats

For every heart that beats

Heart that beats

Heart that beats

Heart that beats

Heart that beats

Girl let me love you

And I will love you

Until you learn to love yourself

Girl let me love you

I know your trouble

Don't be afraid, girl let me help

Girl let me love you

And I will love you

Until you learn to love yourself

Girl let me love you

A heart of numbness, gets brought to life

I'll take you there

Girl let me love you

Let me love you, baby, love you, baby

Girl let me love you

Let me love you babe, love you babe, ooh-ooh-ah

"Ladies and Gentlemen, give it up for Neyo!" Dermott exclaimed one Neyo had finished singing. "Thank you so much. So you were guest judge in that big resort in Spain with Tulisa?"

"Indeed indeed."

"So who has impressed you most this year? Has it been Tulisa's category - girls - or a different category?"

"Well actually, my favourite act is MK1. I just feel like they are the most similar to the style of music I sing and enjoy."

"Hey, so listen. Your single's out now. You've got the album coming out soon, right?"

"Yes, yes. My new album is in stores November 5th. Make sure you go and pick it up!"

"Ladies and Gentlemen… the one and only Neyo!"

The audience cheered as Neyo walked off stage. After he was gone, Dermott turned back to the cameras.

"All right. After the break, it is the results… Ten acts are safe, two will proceed to a sing off, one will be eliminated. All happening in 5 minutes…"