In a tense showdown last night, Bangor teenager Niamh Perry had to sing for survival after finding herself in the bottom two of the public vote.

Niamh (17) and Ashley faced the daunting task of singing Don't Cry For Me Argentina, from the musical Evita, to Andrew Lloyd Webber.

And after both girls gave it their all, Andrew said: "In the end, I've got to save Niamh."

Belfast woman Rachel Tucker's performance on the hit programme secured her a place in this weekend's quarter finals.

Also through to next weekend's competition is Co Kerry's Jessie Buckley (18).

The six remaining hopefuls performed in front of the judging panel on Saturday's programme followed by last night's result.

Niamh sang the Cindi Lauper classic 'True Colours', which received mixed reviews from judges Barry Humphries, Denise Van Outen and John Barrowman.

John told the Bangor girl she wasn't ready to leave the competition yet while Denise said she was "slight" but a "powerhouse."

Andrew concluded the comments by saying she had "inner steel" and predicted she would go "a long way."

Rachel was last to perform on Saturday's show with 'You've Got A Friend.'

She was criticised by Barry for lack of emotion but won praise from John who told her "you deserve to be in the quarter finals".

During last night's programme, the six girls sang a sultry version of the Bond theme 'Nobody Does It Better'.

Niamh was also chosen by the remaining Olivers to sing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with them, winning praise from Andrew who told her it was " wonderful" and that she possessed a "motherly quality" during the performance.