'The X Factor' judges name top 12

Finalists perform live for America's votes Wednesday, Nov. 2

Tuesday, after the remaining 17 acts performed, the judges eliminated five acts, revealing "The X Factor" top 12 finalists: Girls - Melanie Amaro, Rachel Crow and Drew; Boys - Astro, Marcus Canty and Chris Rene; Over 30s - LeRoy Bell, Stacy Francis and Josh Krajcik; Groups - InTENsity, Lakoda Rayne and The Stereo Hogzz.

During the extended two-and-a-half-hour episode, Simon Cowell eliminated both Simone Battle and Tiah Tolliver from the Girls; Paula Abdul eliminated The Brewer Boys from the Groups; Nicole Scherzinger eliminated Dexter Haygood from the Over 30s; and L.A. Reid eliminated Phillip Lomax from the Boys.

Next week, the Top 12 Finalists, with the help of their mentors, Simon, Paula, Nicole and L.A., will battle it out for America's votes, "The X Factor" title and a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music. The finalists will work with industry experts including vocal coaches, choreographers and style teams to take their live performances to the next level. Don't miss the top 12 finalists live performance show Wednesday, Nov. 2 (8-10 p.m.).

Immediately after the performance show, fans will be able to vote via 1) Twitter at www.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.

Then, on Thursday, Nov. 3 (8 p.m.), tune in to the first live results show of the season as Steve Jones reveals the results of America's votes and one finalist is eliminated from the competition.