The peak claimed 62% of the audience, while the 7.30-9.30pm show averaged 15.5 million viewers and a 53% share.
ITV said the whole run has beome the most-watched series of 'X Factor' to date, with an average viewing figure of 11.8 million. This is 2 milllion viewers more than the average performance in last year's series.
On Saturday the show pulled in an average audience of 12.4 million, peaked at 14.5 million and took a 48% share of viewing at 7.30pm-9.30pm, according to unofficial overnight figures.
The three remaining contestants were whittled down to two on the night after Stacey Solomon was voted off leaving Olly Murs to go up against McElderry.
On BBC One 'Strictly Come Dancing' pulled in 8.1 million viewers, taking a 33% share at 6.45pm-8pm.
The contest has one more week to run, with 'Hollyoaks' actor Ricky Whittle and BBC sports presenter Chris Hollins the last men standing after 'The Bill' actress Ali Bastian was voted off on the later Saturday results show at 9.30pm-10pm.
ITV1, now bereft of 'X Factor', has scheduled a 90-minute screening of a concert from Take That's recent Circus tour against next week's 'Strictly'.
.jpg)
.jpg)