Bieber, Mauboy, help The X Factor remain over 1 million

Guest performances by Justin Bieber and Jessica Mauboy saw last night’s The X Factor draw 1.083 million metro viewers.

The episode, marking the first of the live results, saw it slide into fourth most watched show of the night. The X Factor lost some ground with the 18-49 and 25-54 demographics drifting to Australian drama series 800 Words. The two age groups were most represented in those tuning into the drama, making it the top rating show of the night with 1.170 million metro viewers.

Despite a screaming welcome from the studio audience, Bieber’s performance of his single What Do You Mean? drew mixed responses on social media. Some felt it was underwhelming.

The 21-year-old himself admitted he was out of breath afterwards. “I always forget to breathe, I'm always so busy doing the moves and I never breathe.”

Jessica Mauboy, though, was in feisty energetic form, delivering her hit This Ain’t Love in a plunging black dress that showed off her curves and brought the four judges to their feet.

She posted on Instagram, “Had such an amazing time performing my new tune #ThisAintLove on the @xfactor_au stage with these talented ladies tonight! Thanks for helping me rip it up on stage & lets do it again soon!”

Last night’s episode saw Dan Hamill become the first to leave the live shows.