Photo Flash: 12 Finalists Are Chosen on THE X FACTOR

Last night after the remaining 17 acts performed, the judges eliminated five acts, revealing THE X FACTOR Top 12 Finalists: Girls - Melanie Amaro, Rachel Crow and Drew; Boys - Astro, Marcus Canty and Chris Rene; Over 30s - LeRoy Bell, Stacy Francis and Josh Krajcik; Groups - InTENsity, Lakoda Rayne and The Stereo Hogzz.

During the extended two-and-a-half-hour episode, Simon Cowell eliminated both Simone Battle and Tiah Tolliver from the Girls; Paula Abdul eliminated The Brewer Boys from the Groups; Nicole Scherzinger eliminated Dexter Haygood from the Over 30s; and L.A. Reid eliminated Phillip Lomax from the Boys.

Next week, the Top 12 Finalists, with the help of their mentors, Simon, Paula, Nicole and L.A., will battle it out for America's votes, THE X FACTOR title and a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music. The finalists will work with industry experts including vocal coaches, choreographers and style teams to take their LIVE performances to the next level. Don't miss the Top 12 Finalists LIVE performance show Wednesday, Nov. 2 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).

View photos of THE X FACTOR Contestants below!