X Factor Backstage Report: Emotions Run High

Thursday's double elimination show was a dramatic night for Fox's X Factor, and that drama continued after the cameras stopped rolling.
When judges Paula Abdul, L.A. Reid and Nicole Scherzinger voted to eliminate constant Drew, she broke down in tears, left mentor Simon Cowell speechless and caused host Steve Jones to throw up his hands in frustration before introducing a clip package. "I was exasperated!" Jones told TV Guide Magazine minutes after the show. "I really wanted Simon to say something for the audience. And I honestly thought I was off-camera."
After the live show concluded, the inconsolable Drew was joined on stage by all mentors and contestants, with Abdul holding her close and reassuring her. As the judges left the stage, Cowell did not say a word to the judges as he stormed off, while a sobbing Drew sank to her knees in the studio hallway surrounded by her family members.
"It was my least favorite [episode] yet," sighed Jones. "I really don't like to make people cry."
Expect the tears to continue next week as the final five sing two songs to stay in the competition, and special guests Mary J. Blige and Lenny Kravitz perform during the results show.
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