It was no surprise to anyone when Louisa Johnson was announced as the first act to go through to the X Factor final. But the real competition was between Che Chesterman and Reggie N Bollie.

While there was no doubting that Che was always the stronger singer, even his soulful, powerhouse voice and his up-tempo rendition of Valerie was not enough to counter the popularity of Reggie N Bollie. Simon Cowell earlier predicted that the fun loving duo might go on to defy expectation, as they have done throughout the competition, to be crowned the winners of the series.

As they stood on the stage of Wembley Arena in front of 30,000 people, the pair were clearly overwhelmed by the news that they were finalists. "Seriously thank you to everyone who keeps voting for us," said Reggie.

For their duet with Craig David, and supported by Fuse ODG, they gave an energetic performance of 'Dangerous Love' and 'Re-Rewind' that had the whole audience jumping, carried on a wave of unbridled joy. Praising her act, the groups mentor Cheryl said: "Every time I looked at them I wanted to smile. They just got my heart from the beginning. I'm so proud I could pop."

Craig David added: "The guys are amazing. You bought something very special to the show." And despite Rita Ora describing them as a little bit 'cruise ship,' they clearly had the crowd on their side every step of the way.

Louisa has been tipped to win the show from her very first audition. The 17-year-old has delivered flawless performances week after week, and she wasn't holding back as she took to the stage to secure her place in the final. Draped all in white as she sang R Kelly's I Believe I Can Fly, accompanied by a choir, Louisa looked ethereal. With her high notes spiraling through the arena her rendition was mesmerizing.

"You looked just like an angel," said a near speechless Simon Cowell.

Joined by her mentor Rita Ora for a performance of And I Am Telling You, Louisa exuded a confidence beyond her years. "That was just the best thing to end this night," she said. "We just let it got there. It was amazing."

An emotional Rita, who has championed Louisa as a winner all the way, said: "I'm so proud of her. I have been such a fan of this show and the only people that have made this impression are Leona and Louisa."

The show also featured duets from a roll call of past winners that included Leona Lewis and Ben Haenow and Little Mix and Fleur East, joining forces for a show stopping, supergroup mash up of their respective songs.

Little Mix and Fleur East put on a high-octane show as they performed Black Magic and All That Sax. "That was so much fun being up there with those girls," said an elated Fleur. The first group to ever win the X Factor the Little Mix girls were backing Reggie N Bollie to win. "We hope so. We love them," said Perrie.

Meanwhile, for the finalists it was clear they needed some time for the results to sink in. "I can't believe it. I can't believe it. It's amazing," said Louisa. Reggie N Bollie acknowledged that they owed everything to their mentor. "Cheryl has changed our lives forever," they said.

Reggie N Bollie have been credited with bringing the fun factor to the show as the nation has taken the pair to their hearts and straight to the final. And Louisa is already the image of an international pop star. But on the night, who wins will depend on whether the British public vote with their hearts or with their minds, as the biggest voice in the competition goes up against the boys with the best vibes.

The X Factor final is on ITV on Sunday 13 December, with performances frm Adele and One Direction.

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