X FACTOR star Grace Davies has been named as one of the final two contestants in this year's competition.

The singer songwriter, who toured Blackburn this week to build support for her appearance in the final, managed to avoid elimination this evening to progress to Sunday's show.

She will now battle it out with Rak-Su to be crowned winner after Kevin Davy White was eliminated.

Grace said on the show: "I'm in the final and I never ever thought I'd get here.

"To say I've won the X Factor would mean the absolute world."

The former warehouse worker from Langho performed a version of her own song 'Roots' alongside singer Paloma Faith in front of the packed crowd at London's Excel Centre.

Host Dermot O'Leary said it marked the first time on X Factor a 'star guest' performed a song written by one of the contestants.

Grace was in tears of happiness following the performance.

She said: "It's my favourite song that I've written.

"It means the most to me, it's very special."

Paloma Faith said Grace 'deserved to win' and described her as a 'proper genuine artist'.

All the acts performed two songs on Saturday's show and before the 20-year-old's first performance footage was shown from her return to Blackburn this week.

This included her visiting the pub she used to work at, The Feildens Arms in Feniscowles, on the X Factor 'battle bus' and performing in the Cathedral Quarter.

Judges gave Grace a standing ovation after her cover of Paul McCartney and Wings' hit ‘Live and Let Die’.

Louis Walsh said: "You get better and better every week.

"I think this is the start of a massive music career for you."

Simon Cowell said Grace's performances on the show this year will be remembered for years to come.

He said: "Everyone talks about you being a great songwriter.

"You’ve got a great voice as well, people forget that.

"You’ve made a massive difference this year. People in years to come will remember the year you were on it."

Judge Nicole Scherzinger said Grace did 'a beautiful job' performing the song.

Mentor Sharon Osbourne said: "You belong here.

"You stand out above the crowd.

"You’re an amazing songwriter and an amazing singer."

Grace has been one of the favourites to be crowned winner throughout the competition ahead of Sunday's finale.

As well as being showered with praise, Grace was sent a bouquet of flowers by Robbie Williams.