Only five finalists remain on 'The X Factor'

Double elimination sends home Astro and Drew

After Thursday's double elimination, only five finalists remain in the "X Factor" competition: Melanie Amaro, Marcus Canty, Rachel Crow, Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene. Tune in Wednesday, Dec. 7 (8 to 9:30 p.m.), when the top five must sing two songs each in their quest to reach "The X Factor" grand finale.

On the results show, Astro, one of L.A. Reid's finalists from the Boys category, and Drew, one of Simon Cowell's finalists from the Girls category, were eliminated from "The X Factor." Host Steve Jones announced that Astro received the fewest votes following Thursday night's Michael Jackson-themed performance show, and he was immediately sent home. Then Jones revealed that Marcus Canty and Drew both received the next fewest votes. Judges Cowell, Paula Abdul, Reid and Nicole Scherzinger listened to the two finalists perform their "song for survival," and then eliminated Drew of Chino Valley, Ariz.

In addition, British rap star Tinie Tempah performed his latest hit, "Pass Out."

Next week, the countdown to the season finale begins as the top five finalists - Melanie Amaro, Marcus Canty, Rachel Crow, Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene - will continue to battle it out for America's votes, "The X Factor" title, a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music and an iconic Pepsi commercial. The top five finalists perform live on Wednesday, Dec. 7 (8 to 9:30 p.m.), on FOX.

Immediately after next week's performance show, fans will be able to vote via 1) Twitter atwww.twitter.thexfactorusa.com; 2) Verizon Touch Voting on The Xtra Factor App on Verizon Android devices; 3) toll-free calling; 4) text messaging for Verizon Wireless customers; and 5) online at www.TheXFactorUSA.com. Fans with valid Facebook accounts can also vote at www.Facebook.com/TheXFactorUSA. 

Tune in the following night, Thursday, Dec. 8 (8 p.m.), to the live results show as one more finalist is eliminated from the competition. Also that night, international superstars Mary J. Blige and Lenny Kravitz take to "The X Factor" stage to perform.