Recap - 'The X Factor': Judges' Houses

Dannii Minogue returns to The X Factor this week following her pregnancy, in time for the Judges' Houses stage of the competition. She is faced with the Boys, and standing alongside Natalie Imbruglia, she insists that they are not looking for perfection just yet, but glimmers of the 'X Factor'.

Nicolo Festa puts in a strong rendition of Paloma Faith's 'New York' - however, Dannii's concerned that he will polarise opinion. Next up is Tom Richards, who wants to emulate the success of Tom Jones. He sings 'Feel' by Robbie Williams. Dannii describes him as "adorable", but feels he'd be more suited to the West End. Paije Richardson is praised for his self-awareness after covering 'True Colours'.

John Wilding "stands out", while Karl Brown's nerves get the better of him, despite his "amazing talent". Marlon McKenzie also shocks Dannii and Natalie with a shaky rendition of 'Empire State of Mind'. Matt Cardle attracts a sympathetic reaction after Dannii admits that Beyoncé's 'About A Boy' was a hard ask for this stage of the show. Aiden Grimshaw's rendition of 'Cannonball', meanwhile, gains a positive response.

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Louis Walsh welcomes the Over 28s to his grand mansion in Ireland, where he is helped by Sharon Osbourne to pick three acts to progress to the live shows. Despite admitting that he was "disappointed" with being given the category, he insists that he has a hint of optimism after watching auditions footage.

Stephen Hunter's operatic rendition of Pink's 'Get The Party Started' is described as "odd" by Sharon. Singing a bizarre version of Dizzee Rascal's 'Bonkers', Yuli Minguel leaves both Louis and Sharon dumbfounded. Justin Vanderhyde's crazy hair makes yet another appearance, and a cover of Lady GaGa's 'Telephone' generates criticism from Louis. Wagner Fiuza-Carrilho's timing is out when he covers Florence and the Machine's 'You've Got The Love', but his consolation prize is Sharon's affection.

Next is Mary Byrne, who nearly ruins her chances by forgetting the words to Coldplay's 'Fix You'. Louis insists that it can never happen again, and wonders whether he can rely on her in the live shows, worried that the problem may persist. John Adeleye surprises Louis with his version of 'Billionaire' - however, Sharon warns that the song doesn't test his vocal range enough. Louis ponders whether viewers would vote for Elesha Moses, while Storm Lee gains a mixed reaction for his passionate version of Whitney Houston's 'I Can't Live If Living Is Without You'.

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Meanwhile, over in Spain, Simon Cowell unveils himself as the mentor for the Groups, aided as usual by the provocatively dressed Sinitta. Simon concedes that he feels pessimistic about his category.

First up is Twem, whose whiny version of 'When Love Takes Over' fails to convince Simon. Belle Amie's rendition of 'Faith' wows both Simon and Sinitta, who think the four girls work well together. Princes & Rogues and Husstle's "original" versions of 'Video Killed The Radio Star' and 'Tainted Love' leave Simon in two minds, while he's underwhelmed by the strength of The Reason's vocals.

F.Y.D are described as "cautious" by Simon, while Sinitta claims that they were the best singers. Diva Fever insist that they will be "a challenge" for Simon, and their rendition of Girls Aloud's 'Love Machine' changes his mind about their chances. After one of their members Louis is hospitalised after hurting his foot, 1 Direction are forced to wait until the end, with little rehearsal time. However, Simon is pleased by the group's "relevance" and togetherness after their rendition of 'Torn'.

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Cheryl Cole is joined by will.i.am in the Girls category, revealing that she is "buzzing" over their prospects to score a hat-trick following her success with Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry.

Rebecca Ferguson meets Cheryl for the first time, but her performance of 'Fireflies' "lacks confidence", despite her "superstar voice". Gamu Nhengu relaxes Cheryl, and gets emotional speaking to host Dermot O'Leary over her chances of progressing. Cheryl is impressed by the improvement of Annastasia Baker and Raquel Thomas. Keri Arrindell's attempts to shake off her Diana Ross image work well, gaining praise from both Cheryl and will.i.am.

Katie Waissel's emotions get the better of her as she breaks down during a cover of Nat King Cole's 'Smile'. Cheryl brands her "a drama queen", while will.i.am believes she "effed" up her chances. Treyc Cohen still has a point to prove, following strong performances at the auditions and Boot Camp. Cher Lloyd's bad throat hinders her rendition of Mike Posner's 'Cooler Than Me', which she can't finish. She concedes that there is no hope and rejects Cheryl's offer to come back later.

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