The X Factor eliminated two acts and determined the third season's Top 8 finalists during Thursday night's Fox broadcast of the reality singing competition.  

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Khaya Cohen, a 16-year-old from New York, NY, and Tim Olstad, a 24-year-old from Winona, MN, were ousted from the competition after The X Factor host Mario Lopez revealed they had received the fewest home viewer votes cast immediately following Wednesday night's Top 10 performance show, which had featured the contestants performing hits by British artists.

"I feel okay, I mean, it kind of sucks, but I'm just going to keep going for what I was going for by doing this competition. It was a fun experience, so thank you!" Khaya said following her ouster.

Khaya was automatically eliminated without any discussion or voting from The X Factor judges after she presumably finished as the last-place act based on America's vote. She also did not have to "sing for survival." Khaya was a member of mentor Demi Lovato's "Girls" category.

"You're so young [Khaya], and you have so much going for you, that I couldn't be prouder of the way that you did in this competition. You literally have one of the best voice I've ever heard, so please don't stop singing," Demi told her act.

Tim was sent home by judges Demi, Kelly Rowland, and Paulina Rubio via a 3-0 vote instead of fellow contestant Carlito Olivero, a 24-year-old from Chicago, IL, after both guys were revealed to be the two next lowest vote-getters. Judge Simon Cowell didn't have to reveal his vote since three votes were enough to keep Carlito in the competition.

Tim and Carlito were both members of Paulina's "Boys" category.

As the two remaining bottom-three acts, Tim and Carlito were required to "sing for survival" in the "final showdown" in the hopes The X Factor mentors would vote to keep them on the show. Tim performed "Bridge over Troubled Water" for his "survival" song, and Carlito took the stage with "Beneath Your Beautiful" by Labrinth.

After the two singers performed, they told the judges why the felt they deserved to remain in the competition.

"Coming from my audition, I was so nervous. I was coming onstage coming from a small town in Minnesota and I've grown so much in this competition, and I have you guys to thank. I don't want my journey to end any time soon because given the comments I've gotten from you guys each week, I take as constructive criticism and I grow from it," Tim explained.

"I love all you guys. I want you to know I came from nothing. I came from dirt, but I'm not making no excuses or anything. I'm a fight. You could put me in the bottom two every week and you're going to see me fight for what I want, because I'm not quitting no matter what, regardless of anything!" Carlito announced.

The judges then offered the two artists feedback and cast their votes for whom they believed should be eliminated from the competition.

In the event of a 2-2 tie, it would be a deadlock and the act who had received the lower amount of home viewer votes would automatically be eliminated.

"What I loved the most about both performers today is the fact I saw so much determination and so much sincerity in your performances that I haven't seen, actually, since your first audition. So when it comes to style, I feel like you're both still trying to find your place and exactly who you are, your voice, everything about you. And that leaves the rest of us in question as to who you are as an artist," Kelly Rowland.

"But you just made this very hard for me to make a decision. Right now, based off of this performance, the act I'm sending home is Tim Olstad."

"I'm getting emotional because I really don't want to hurt either one of you," Demi said in tears. "But the act that I'm sending home is Tim Olstad."

Paulina had to decide between two of her own acts.

"You two are my boys. You're so talented. You're such great, great human beings. Both of you are hard workers, you deliver, you have talent, you have that great voice. Both of you did such a great job and this is so hard for me. This is not about feelings, but I love you both and admire you both. This is hard for me," Paulina explained.

Paulina then noted both of the boys deserved to stay in the competition, and after long pauses, she decided to send Tim home.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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