I think it's fairly inevitable that we're going to see a Sam and Nicholas final two (soz Luke), and to be honest I think if this happens, Sam will walk it, one of the main reasons being that people will vote for her purely to make sure Nicholas doesn't win.

I can't think of another final two where one of the acts has been actively disliked by a large number of people. I know Nicholas is lovely and talented, but he doesn't have The X Factor, and the majority of people seem to be aware of this now.

James vs. Jahmene, Little Mix vs. Marcus, Matt vs. Rebecca, Joe vs. Olly, Alexandra vs. JLS... none of those ten finalists had any kind of strong hate against them. Nicholas seems to.

If Nicholas is leading on Saturday night, I think Sam could easily overtake him.

Sam vs Nicholas would be a closer final 2 than Sam vs Luke.

Sam V Luke are the final 2

I don't think so. I think Sam's going to win anyway, but I doubt many people who think "Nicholas is a nice enough lad, but not good enough to win" will be invested enough to vote for Sam purely based on that reason.

I really don't think people care THAT much.

It will probably be cancelled out by those voting against Sam because she is "old", female and "cannot sell any records".

Every year there is rivalry between the fans of the top two acts - I doubt anyone really hates Nicholas - he is about as inoffensive as it is possible to be.

If Sam get's the most votes and wins it's because people wanted her to win and perfer her over Nick and Luke.

I understand what the OP is saying, but I don't think people dislike Nicholas to vote against him, rather just have a different type of winner in voting Sam and Luke.

Luke's my favourite but I would prefer Sam to win because I think winning would benefit her more in the long run.

I dont know why Nicky is hated though what has done for him to be hated.

Exactly this

Seriously, what hate? Apart from on here where is all this hate that will make people pick up the phones for spite?

So thinking that somebody is bland and boring = hate? Seriously

A bit ridiculous I agree.

I just think there was so much talent this year...then they got rid of that all to have Nick there?? And worst of all people still voting for him over more interesting performers like RC and Tamera.

I haven't really seen people "hate" (I wish FMs wouldn't throw that word around so loosely) Nicholas, just people who think he's a weak and boring singer who has "taken the place" of better acts. There are also people - like me - who are well aware that acts who win solely for being cute never do well afterwards. If Nicholas wins it will be Leon Jackson all over again and, frankly, who wants to see that?

Exactly, do people care that much who wins some crappy tv show?

I don't understand why people are hating on Nicholas,he has an amazing voice,it might not be as strong as Sams but he is still good and people are voting for him because they like him and want him in the competition,whoever wins,the public chose them to win because they wanted them to and not to spite another act !!!

BIB - Quoted for truth. Although no doubt when whoever is announced as third some of their fans will scream "fix"

My favourites were/are Luke and Tamera but I've always liked Sam too. I'll vote for Luke tonight but do expect him to finish
3rd. I prefer Sam to Nicholas so hope and expect she will win.