Singing competition or popularity contest? Outrage as Rochelle is voted off The X Factor based on public votes instead of the judging panel due to 'deadlock'

Viewers of The X Factor Australia were left confused – and many downright annoyed – by the method used to determine which contestant would be eliminated on Monday night’s episode.

After a showdown between Rochelle Pitt and Caitlyn Shadbolt, the judging panel comprising Ronan Keating, Dannii Minogue and Redfoo became ‘deadlocked’ due to Natalie Bassingthwaigte’s absence.

In a controversial move, it was decided that the choice of who would stay would be based on public votes from the previous episode, with ‘Soul Mumma’ Rochelle losing out to country singer Caitlyn.

So long, Soul Mumma: Rochelle Pitt was sent home based on public votes instead of the normal judging panel, in a decision that drew the ire of many viewers on Monday night's episode

So long, Soul Mumma: Rochelle Pitt was sent home based on public votes instead of the normal judging panel, in a decision that drew the ire of many viewers on Monday night's episode of The X Factor Australia

Many took to social media to complain it was unfair that the women were not judged on their performance like every other week when the 'bottom two' are forced to sing for their place on the show.

Some also questioned why the women were forced to battle in a sing-off if the decision was always going to be turned over to the public, since producers were well aware of Nat Bass’ absence.

‘Don't get contestants to sing off if you're going to default to last night’s results', wrote Facebook user Andrew Cunningham. ‘Pointless.’

‘I am pretty annoyed they went to a deadlock when three judges could have made the decision, as it wouldn't have tied,’ agreed Joel Heywood, pointing out that the three remaining judges could still have come to a majority vote.

Sing off: Despite a powerful performance of classic track Respect, 'Soul Mumma' Rochelle was sent home based on receiving less votes than Caitlyn on Sunday night's episode
Sing off: Despite a powerful performance of classic track Respect, 'Soul Mumma' Rochelle was sent home based on receiving less votes than Caitlyn on Sunday night's episode

Sing off: Despite a powerful performance of classic track Respect, 'Soul Mumma' Rochelle was sent home based on receiving less votes than Caitlyn on Sunday night's episode

Many lamented that while the women should have been judged on the night’s performance, it instead came down to popularity – with 41-year-old mum Rochelle perhaps less likely to appeal to the X Factor’s Youth audience than 18-year-old Caitlyn.

‘The way the voting was done was terrible tonight, Nat’s vote should have been video-ed in so all four judges should have voted’ said Alexi Kovacich.

‘That was so wrong, every week they vote the bottom two on their performance, tonight they didn't,’ said Mary Deshong.

Home time: The 41-year-old mother of four from Cairns, who was likened to Susan Boyle due to her incredible voice and unlikely pop stardom, was supported by her mentor Redfoo

Home time: The 41-year-old mother of four from Cairns, who was likened to Susan Boyle due to her incredible voice and unlikely pop stardom, was supported by her mentor Redfoo

Disappointed: Rochelle was comforted by 18-year-old country singer Caitlyn after the verdict

Disappointed: Rochelle was comforted by 18-year-old country singer Caitlyn after the verdict

After learning of Rochelle’s elimination, her mentor Redfoo told the single mother of four ‘Your transformation was amazing’.

The Cairns woman has been compared to Susan Boyle, the Scottish singer who became a phenomenon when she revealed her incredible voice on the UK version of the talent competition.

Forgetting the lyrics while singing Adele hit Rolling In The Deep earlier this month was a bump in the road for Rochelle, but she recovered well and the judges sympathised, assuring her it happens to all performers at some point. 

Despite the controversial decision to send Rochelle home, viewers were still thrilled by guest performances by former X Factor Australia contestant Nathaniel and US singer Meghan Trainor.

Trainor performed her hit All About That Bass in a schoolgirl outfit, harking back to Britney Spears’ look in her 2000 music video for Oops I Did It Again.

All about that bass! Meghan Trainor performed her hit as a guest performance on Monday night's episode

All about that bass! Meghan Trainor performed her hit as a guest performance on Monday night's episode

Britney, is that you? The US star wore a school girl inspired outfit, apparently channeling Britney Spears in her 2000 music video for Oops I Did It Again

Britney, is that you? The US star wore a school girl inspired outfit, apparently channeling Britney Spears in her 2000 music video for Oops I Did It Again

Familiar face: Australian singer Nathaniel also performed. Full name Nathaniel Willemse, he came sixth in the fourth season of The X Factor Australia

Familiar face: Australian singer Nathaniel also performed. Full name Nathaniel Willemse, he came sixth in the fourth season of The X Factor Australia