The X Factor 2008 - the under 25 boys - Scott Bruton, Eoghan Quinn and Austin Drage

After weeks of speculation, tears and traumas, the final 12 contestants for the X Factor 2008 live shows were finally revealed tonight. I'm quite surprised that the judges' homes weren't on flood alert after the amount of tears shed by those who failed to get through - possibly only surpassed by the waterworks produced by those who did make the final cut!

Simon Cowell was the first mentor to reveal his final three under 25 year-old boys - former Pontin's Bluecoat Scott Bruton, 16 year-old Irish boy Eoghan Quinn and the boy who is in line to become the X Factor contestant who has already cried more than any other, Austin Drage. Simon told all three none of them were perfect, Scott and Eoghan had really disappointed Simon the previous day whilst Austin often comes across as too desperate. But he has given them all a chance and they'll be on the live show next week. Failing to make the grade were 15 year-olds Liam (who apparently looks like the perfect popstar, no doubt due to his resemblance to High School Musical's Zac Efron) and Mali McCalla together with controversy-ridden Alan Turner, the 24 year-old who caused a stir in the press in recent weeks by his allegations that his family had disowned him at the age of four - I don't think any of us really know the truth one way or the other about that yet!

Anyway, good luck to Scott, Eoghan and Austin for next week and in the meanwhile you can continue to discuss the show in The X Factor forum.