Reggie N Bollie, the Ghanaian duo who made a strong impression on this year’s X Factor, were unable to clinch the ultimate title.
Despite widespread predictions that they would win, the pair lost out to 17-year-old Louisa Johnson.
On Sunday, Reggie N Bollie delivered an impressive performance, proving why they deserved their place in the final two. They kicked off with their standout mash-up of One Direction’s What Makes You Beautiful and OMI’s Cheerleader. Dressed in their signature bomber jackets and caps, they surprised the crowd by transitioning into I Like To Move It, sending both judges and audience dancing.
Simon Cowell praised them, saying, “Yesterday you were good… Tonight was on a whole new level. Your energy and enthusiasm were incredible—after that, we might be in for a surprise.”
Nick Grimshaw echoed the sentiment: “You two could win. I’ve never seen a reaction like that here.”
Even so, Louisa Johnson remained the bookmakers’ favourite and ultimately won, becoming the youngest champion in X Factor history.
Throughout the competition, Reggie N Bollie continually impressed the judges and often dominated the public vote. However, they needed an extraordinary final performance to overtake Louisa, who was strongly tipped for victory.
Louisa’s success also marks mentor Rita Ora’s first win since moving from The Voice. Had Reggie N Bollie won, they would have been Cheryl’s third winning act after Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry.
Both finalists performed their prospective winner’s singles during the results show, giving fans a preview of what could have become the Christmas number one.
The finale also featured a performance by Adele, who sang her chart-topping hit Hello, famously teased in a brief X Factor advert earlier in the season. One Direction, formed on the show in 2010, also returned to perform Infinity from their album Made in the AM, their last before taking a break in March 2016.
