RECAP: Michael Jackson's Kids Watch 'The X-Factor'

Michael Jackson week on the The X Factor brought none other than the late pop icon's own children to watch as the seven remaining contestants took on their father's hits. Prince, Paris and Blanket — long kept out of the spotlight by their father — sat front and center Wednesday and, despite host Steve Jones' attempts to pump up enthusiasm, looked as if they would rather be anywhere else.

Perhaps they should have stuck around for Thursday's results show and the surprising elimination of 15-year-old Drew Ryniewicz, once considered a likely winner for the show. Another big surprise for the night: a rare act of contrition on the part of judge Simon Cowell, as he admitted mistakes in the handling of his young protégé. “The reason that Drew is in this position tonight is my fault,” Cowell said, as he begged his fellow judges Paula Abdul, LA Reid and Nicole Scherzinger to give her a second chance.

Despite suggestions from his fellow judges over the past few weeks that Ryniewicz should mix things up a bit, Cowell had stuck to his belief that Ryniewicz's voice was enough to win the competition. So once again, Michael Jackson week saw Ryniewicz singing another ballad — a sleepy, seated rendition of “Billie Jean.” The performance didn't sit well with the remaining judges or even Ryniewicz, who admitted she would have preferred a change of pace, as well. Facing off in elimination with Marcus Canty, Ryniewicz was sent back home to Arizona.

Ryniewicz may have lost the competition, but she did gain a new Twitter follower — her favorite performer, Justin Bieber. “I lost my first competition too. This is just the beginning for u. Never say never. Best wishes," Biebs tweeted kindly.

The double elimination week also meant the end of the road for Astro, but after his tear-filled temper tantrum a few weeks back, this seemed like an inevitable conclusion to his journey. Following this week's elimination, we're down to the top five: Josh Krajcik, Melanie Amaro, Rachel Crow, Chris Rene and Canty, who will face off when The X Factor returns December 7.

Watch a clip of the elimination here: