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Union J hailed 'next big boy band' despite missing out on X Factor final

By Becky Barnes
December 03, 2012

Boy band Union J were booted off X Factor last night after receiving the lowest portion of the public vote.

But Josh Cuthbert, 20, from Winkfield, and his band held their heads high after a sterling performance on Saturday night.

The foursome sang a cover of Labrinth featuring Emeli Sande 'Beneath Your Beautiful' and received high praise from all four judges.

Tulisa said the pop group showed a real maturity and growth in week nine of the competition and Gary Barlow praised the boys for 'blending brilliantly'.

Nicole Scherzinger said Union J were 'cool, individual and cheese-free' and noted Josh's 'beautiful' start to the song.

The boys' mentor Louis Walsh compared the band to JLS, One Direction and even The Beatles.

He said: "The next big boy band is Union J".

The Irish judge repeated this comment on the results show last night when the last remaining band in the competition failed to make it through to next week's live final.

Dermot O'Leary said the competition would be 'a huge springboard' for the band while Louis commented again Union J would be 'the next big boy band'.

It was hugs all round with the trio of finalists James Arthur, Jahmene Douglas and Christopher Maloney before Josh, the face of Union J added a final comment.

He said: "We are so happy with how we have done."

After the show Josh said he was 'gutted' but happy for the other three.

He tweeted from the boy band's Twitter account: "wanted to say thankyou to everyone who got us 4th! We hope you all continue to support us..fingers crossed this isn't the last of us. Josh x" (sic)