Mary Byrne has narrowly missed out on her chance to sing in the X Factor final next week.

The 51 year old mum from Dublin found herself in the bottom two alongside Cher Lloyd but produce a master class performance that a lot of people will remember her for.

On hearing that she would have to sing for survival once more, Mary told Dermot O’Leary:

I’m quite nervous but I knew it would happen.

In the sing off, Mary performed James Brown’s ‘It’s A Man’s World’ while Cher opted for ‘Everytime’ by Britney Spears.

Dermot then turned to the judges for their votes, coming first to Louis Walsh to ask who he wanted to send through to the final.

Louis said: “It was a really good sing off, Mary was emotional, she was unbelievable. She’s living her dream, singing her heart out. It’s a very easy decision for me, I’m sending through Mary.”

Dannii went next, explaining: “I’m going to choose the person who had the vulnerability mixed with the confidence and the person who tugged at my heartstrings with their sing off song, the person I’m sending through to the final is Cher.

Cheryl Cole then voted, saying: “Mary you’ve always touched me with your vocal, I think you and Cher are two very completely different girls. But Cher is my girl so I’m going to back her.”

This left Simon with the deciding vote, he said: “umm… this is quite straight forward; Mary I did hear what you said on the ITV2 show last night and it’s difficult to get that kind of criticism . I think you’ve been a great contestant and tonight proved what a great singer you are.

“Cher, I actually liked that song you just sung because it’s like hearing you for the first time.”

“The person I’m sending through is….Cher”

Mary left the stage looking very proud of what she achieved on the show but no doubt disappointed not to have made the finals.

This years X Factor finals line-up will be :

One Direction.

Rebecca Ferguson.

Matt Cardle.

Cher Lloyd.