Heartbroken Craig Colton sent home after first deadlock of the series on the X Factor

By Andrea Magrath

Last updated at 10:27 PM on 20th November 2011

He admitted at the start of the show that he wasn't feeling that confident after receiving some harsh criticism from the judges on Saturday night's episode.

And just as he expected, Craig Colton was sent home on Sunday's X Factor results show following the first deadlock of the series.

The heartbroken 22-year-old fought back tears after singing the Shirelles' Will You Love Me Tomorrow in the sing-off against Amelia Lily.

'I've done myself proud': Heartbroken Craig Colton was voted off the X Factor tonight in the first deadlock result of the series

Amelia, who only returned to the competition last week in the wake of Frankie Cocozza's departure, changed into a tiny leopard-print mini dress to belt out You And I by Lady Gaga.

The judges took the result to deadlock after the sing-off, with Gary and Tulisa both saving Craig and Kelly and Louis supporting Amelia.

'Amelia I feel like you shouted your way through that, while Craig was understated and gorgeous,' Gary said as he gave his decision.

Nerves: After the judges could not decide on who to send home, Dermot revealed that the 22-year-old had received the lowest number of public votes behind Amelia Lily

Sad to go: Craig said he had 'done myself proud' and that the last few months had been the best of his life

Kelly, while saving her contestant Amelia, was far more generous in her review of the rival contestant. 'Craig I love you, I think you are a beautiful vocalist,' she said.

Tulisa said: 'I don't think I've ever been so torn before in a sing-off. Based on tonight's performance, I'll send home Amelia.'

Louis sent them to deadlock by saying: 'I've loved you from day one Craig, but I think Amelia is a ready-made pop star.'

Battle of the voices: Craig sang a ballad of Will You Love Me Tomorrow, while Amelia belted out You And I by Lady Gaga

Tactical critique: Gary was scathing in his review of the sing-off, saying 'Amelia I feel like you shouted your way through that, while Craig was understated and gorgeous'

After the public vote revealed that Craig received the lowest number of votes, the crooner, who this week denied he was dating former contestant Danyl Johnson, told host Dermot: 'I've had the time of my life the last few months. I've done myself proud.'

'Everybody in here heard the might of your voice tonight,' Gary said, telling his contestant to stay in touch and to 'just ask' if he ever needed anything.

Earlier, the finalists performed Bryan Adams' and Mel C's hit duet When You're Gone, and were joined by Canadian star Adams during the song.

Turn of events: Misha B was the first contestant to be put through after weeks in the bottom two

Hot favourites: Little Mix quickly followed after a stand-out performance last night

Asked for some advice to give the contestants, Adams said: 'Write your own music, and try and play live as much as you can.'

He nominated Amelia as his favourite to win the competition.

In a dramatic turn of events, Misha B was the first to be sent through to next week, with many speculating on social networking sites that her emotional story on last night's show won her sympathy votes after several weeks in the bottom two.

Racy and lacy: Kelly showed off plenty of cleavage in a metallic blue and green frock, while Tulisa wore an aquamarine lace number with blue heels

Getting serious: Gary is down to his last contestant going into the quarter-finals, while Kelly remains with three girls, and Tulisa has her one remaining group

Last night's favourites Little Mix also went through early, along with Marcus and Janet.

It was a blue and green affair tonight for the female judges. Kelly wore a metallic frock with full skirt and her old standby of mesh-covered cleavage, while Tulisa wore a aquamarine lace number with blue heels.

Earlier in the show last year's runner-up Rebecca Ferguson performed her debut single Nothing's Real But Love, while Rihanna belted out her number one hit We Found Love.

Next week is the quarter finals with the five remaining contestants singing two songs each.