Pop Idol 2 - Sam Nixon

Sam voted off Pop Idol

In a shock result in the penultimate Pop Idol show favourite Sam was voted off by the viewers.

In the show Sam sang Rod Stewart’s Maggie May and Jon Bon Jovi’s Always.

Foxy and Nicki thought Mark would go - as they had the previous week - and Pete thought Michelle would go. Only Simon indicated he thought there would be a shock result.

Sam said: "I want to thank everyone who voted for me so far and a big thank you to the judges for giving me a second chance. I have done myself proud."

Earlier in the Pop Idol series, Simon described Sam as “one of the most naturally talented people” who had appeared before the judging panel.

With a Little Help From My Friends

On 22nd November Sam sang The Beatles' With a Little Help From My Friends - in the style of the Joe Cocker cover.

Foxy recognised the Joe Cocker influence and said: "You're a little rocker trying to get out. Bloody awesome."

Simon said: "I remember saying before 'Once you find that one killer song you will really stamp your identity on the competition' - which you did tonight. Fantastic."

Sam wins through to the final twelve

Sam was invited back to sing on the wildcard show on 18th October - and won a place in the final twelve when he was chosen by the judges.

Of his performance, Foxy told Sam: "You remind me of a modern-day David Cassidy. I'm sure you will be a pop star."

Nicki said: "You have passion and enthusiasm. You tick every box."

Pete was also complimentary but he added: "I don't think you've got the strongest voice."

Simon said: "For me you're the favourite out of the eight." And then he told Ant and Dec: "It's judges, not joodges."