Simon Cowell compared Matt Terry's performance to a butter-less sandwich as the contestants sang their hearts out in the 'X Factor' semi-finals.

Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell

The 57-year-old music mogul criticised the talent show hopeful as he opened the semi-final show on Saturday (03.12.16) with a unique spin on the traditional Christmas carol 'Silent Night'.

Simon said: "I thought it was, um, nice. I thought it was a bit predictable. It was a little bit - until the end when you hit the high note - it was like having a sandwich without the butter."

However, Louis Walsh was more supportive of Matt, telling him: "You're going through to the finals. I love the a capella part; it shows you're a proper singer. I think you're special and you have to be in the final."

And Simon's criticisms continued when Matt took to the stage to sing his second song, Jessie Ware's 'Say You Love Me'.

The father of one shared: "I really like you but I don't think tonight's been your best night. It sounded like the track had overtaken you. This, for me, was bland."

Elsewhere on the show, Emily Middlemas impressed with her version of 'Mad World' after her Christmas track was criticised by three out of four of the judges.

Commenting on her performance of the Tears For Fears song, Louis said: "I love that song. That should get you through to next week."

Whilst Sharon Osbourne added: "Great great song choice. It was lovely to hear your version."

Saara Aalto took the audience back to her first audition with a fantastic performance of Sia's 'Chandelier', leaving her mentor Sharon speechless.

Simon told Saara: "Oh, bleep! I've got to hand it to you Saara, it was absolutely sensational. I thought the arrangement was stunning. So, respect!"

Meanwhile, 5 After Midnight closed the show with a performance of 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours' and Simon admitted he would pick up the phone and vote for them if he was watching at home.

He said: "You know what, last week, I was worried about you and then tonight happened and something changed. But I think if I was voting at home, I would pick up the phone and vote for you."

The 'X Factor' continues on Sunday evening (04.12.16).

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