Remembering the lyrics may have helped? Janet Devlin loses place in semi-final as she becomes the latest X Factor casualty

By Nadia Mendoza

Last updated at 11:15 PM on 27th November 2011

Despite the strength in numbers of regional voting, Janet Devlin lost her place in The X Factor semi-final tonight.

After battling Misha B in the bottom two, it seems her native Ireland couldn't save her.

It comes as little surprise, considering she forgot the lyrics to her first song last night while performing Hanson track MMMBop in the Guilty Pleasures round.

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Luck of the Irish ran out: Janet Devlin was sent home tonight after singing for survival against Misha B

The redhead performed well in the sing-off, tapping into the innocence of her very first audition with a rendition of Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol.

But as Misha B belted out a hit from the Fame soundtrack, nailing her version of Out Here On My Own by Irene Cara, it was clear who was going to be saved.

Judge Louis Walsh said: 'It's getting tougher and tougher. I'm taking everything into consideration, judging on last night's two performances and the sing-off. The act I'm sending home is Janet.'

Home time: Janet's rendition of Snow Patrol Chasing Cars was not enough to save her against Misha B

Fellow panellist Tulisa Contostavlos followed his lead, saying: 'I'm going to base my decision on the person who has a career after the show, who will sell records and sellout arenas.

'I'm sorry to say I'm sending home Janet.'

Their mentor Kelly Rowland turned on the waterworks, refusing to decide between the two.

Humble: Janet gives rival Misha B a hug as she's voted off the show

She said: 'I know how great these two young ladies are. Janet, I admire you as a musician and you bring something so unique to the music industry. I absolutely love you and adore you.

'Misha, my goodness girl, you just want this so bad. I have to pass it, I'm sorry.'

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Home turf: Olly Murs also found fame on the show, and now hosts The Xtra Factor

This meant that the majority verdict overruled, without Gary Barlow even having his say as Dermot O'Leary declared Janet was going home.

However, when O'Leary later quizzed Barlow, he said: 'I'd have sent Janet home.'

Janet simply said: 'I'm feeling very confused. I can't wait to leave the show and get my music out there.'

Success stories: JLS and One Direction returned to sing on the charity single, with both bands having found fame on the show

The show opened with guest appearances from Olly Murs and Jessie J, before the live show finalists sang charity single Wishing On A Star - which saw the return of Craig Colton and Sophie Habibis.

JLS and One Direction joined the contestants onstage, after they were called in at the last minute by Simon Cowell in a bid to boost sales on the track in honour of Together For Short Lives.

Potential No1? Simon Cowell brought in JLS and One Direction to sing on the song as he was worried about sales

Dermot announced: 'Good news. The chancellor has decided to waive VAT on the single, so all money will go to charity.'

Little Mix, Amelia Lily, Marcus Collins and Misha B will now compete in the semi-final next week.