X FACTOR startlets Little Mix are in the show's semi-finals, recovering from a shaky first performance on Saturday (26) to keep themselves in the running.
This week, all of the acts had two songs to prove themselves to the voting public.
The girls opened the show with a rendition of Justin Bieber's 'Baby' mixed with the Supreme's hit 'Where Did Our Love Go', but their upbeat dance routine and 50s styling glossed over a 'lacklustre' vocal showing, according to judge Louis Walsh.
They put themselves back in contention with a heartfelt performance of Christina Aguilera's 'Beautiful', presenting a united front to online bullies who targeted Jesy Nelson, 20, because of her weight.
Bandmate Leigh-Anne Pinnock was a student mentor at Harlington Community School before shooting to fame on the TV contest, and students at the school are ramping up their support with each passing week.
Gary Barlow said that the girls' friendship would be a 'key ingredient' to their success, and mentor Tulisa Contostavlos said the emotional song was the highlight of their time in the competition.
They were the second act to be told that they were safe, with Janet Devlin losing out to Misha B in the sing-off.
Little Mix will go up against Marcus Collins, Amelia Lily and Misha B in the penultimate round next weekend.
