The X Factor finalists are chosen!

The final 12 have been picked - by some surprising guest judges. But who gets your vote?

Cheryl Cole and Will Young-X factor 2009
Cheryl Cole and Will Young-X factor 2009
(Image credit: Rex Features)

The final 12 have been picked - by some surprising guest judges. But who gets your vote?

The 12 X Factor finalists have been chosen and already the judges' choices have split the country in two.

Nation's favourites Danyl Johnson, Rachel Adedeji and Stacey Soloman are through, but so are the controversial Grimes brothers.

The Irish identical twins have been described as 'vile little creatures' by Simon Cowell.

Both Rachel and Stacey are mentored by Dannii Minogue, Simon is looking after Danyl as one of the over 25s, while Louis Walsh is in charge of the Grimes twins, as the groups mentor.

SEE OUR GALLERY OF ALL THE X FACTOR FASHION HERE!

'I think they could be the next Boyzone,' said Louis.

Cheryl Cole, who won the contest last year with Alexandra Burke, is mentoring the boys this year.

The 12 acts were whittled down from 24 contestants this weekend.

Cheryl Cole and Will Young-X factor 2009

The hopefuls were all whisked away to the judges' homes - well, maybe not homes exactly - where they were told their fate by the judges and some surprise guests.

Dannii drafted in sister Kylie Minogue to help with her choices, while Cheryl plumped for Pop Idol winner Will Young.

Louis relied on the help of his former protégé Ronan Keating, while Simon took the advice of his ex-girlfriend and singer Sinitta.

Sinitta greeted Simon's acts at his home in Beverly Hills, bizarrely dressed in nothing but palm leaves!

But 12 singers were left disappointed by not being chosen and had to go home to reality.

'It's absolutely hideous when you've actually got to sit in front of somebody who has trusted you and you've got to say to them 'now it's a no',' said Simon.

The 12 acts will now face the public vote as the shows go live every weekend.

Who will you be backing this year? Which act do you think really has the X Factor? Tell us your thoughts below!

SEE OUR GALLERY OF X FACTOR FASHION HIGHS AND LOWS HERE!

READ OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH LAST YEAR'S WINNER ALEXANDRA BURKE!

The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.