
After spending a gruelling time at the judges’ houses, four contestants from each category will sing in front of a live audience and millions of avid TV viewers every week.
Last Saturday saw all of the 36 contestants perform their last audition and fans of the show flooded social networks with their thoughts.
The boys performed in LA in front of Gary Barlow and band mate Robbie Williams, while the girls were in Miami with Kelly Rowland and former American Idol winner Jennifer Hudson.
Louis took the Over 25s group to Barcelona and had the help of Sinitta, while Tulisa took the groups to Mykonos, with Jessie J contributing to the decision-making.
Sunday was when the real tensions started as the judges announced who they would be taking to the final shows.
After 16-year-old Luke gave a disappointing audition, Gary chose to take with him bad boy Frankie Cocozza, Craig Colton, Marcus Collins and James Michael.
In the girls category, Kelly made the choice not to give a place to Jade, which sparked outrage on Twitter. Instead, she chose to take through Sophie Habibis, Amelia Lily, Misha Bryan and hot favourite Janet Devlin.
Tulisa made another controversial decision, taking one member from unsuccessful band The Keys and putting him in The Risk, one of the bands the judges formed at boot camp. Nu Vibe and Rhythmix, two other bands formed out of solo contestants, were put through with Essex girls 2 Shoes.
Louis’ finalists are Kitty Brucknell, Johnny Robinson, Jonjo Kerr and Sami Brookes, who was replaced at the last minute after Goldie Cheung left the show.
Now, it is up to the viewers to choose the fate of the final 16 and see who will fall at the first hurdle and who will go on to Christmas single success!
Before then, the contestants will front the M&S Christmas adverts and record a version of When You Wish Upon A Star for the campaign.