In what could be seen as an argument for raising the minimum age range for contestants on X Factor shows, Rachel Crow falls to the floor and sobs her eyes out as she discovers she is to leave.

Rachel, who is just 13, was up against Marcus Canty for a place in the final. Nicole Scherzinger, who was visibly upset and slightly hysterical herself refused to choose an act to go home, so sent the vote to deadlock by choosing Rachel.

Presenter Steve Jones read out the results of the viewers’ votes, in which Rachel received the least votes. At this point the little girl falls to the floor and starts sobbing uncontrollably.

Steve is pretty useless at comforting girls clearly, and looks awkward as he bends down to talk to her and Simon Cowell rushes onto the stage to take charge.

Rachel then cries out as her mum joins them to comfort her daughter and is heard saying: “Mummy you promised. Promised me.” It’s fair to say a look of horror spreads across Simon and Steve’s faces at this point.

Paula Abdul is seen hugging Nicole, who breaks down in floods of tears at the judging desk.

She eventually joins the group on stage but stands around looking pathetic and crying, refuses to comment when Steve asks for her opinion and gets booed by the audience.

Despite Rachel’s distress Steve gives her the microphone to talk to the audience and she thanks everyone for voting for her, saying: “Without you I am nothing.”

The minimum age for X Factor contestants in the UK is 16, but they lowered it in America this year to let younger talent through. Might want to rethink that now.

It’s all pretty uncomfortable to watch, but have a look at the video below if you’re feeling brave. 

For more on this year's X Factor over here in the UK, see our amazing infographic of all the winners and what they've been up to (in some cases, not much) here