The X Factor top three took the stage on Wednesday night for their last performances before the finals.

The contestants - Jeff Gutt, Alex and Sierra, and Carlito Olivero - sang three songs, which included performances with Johnny Rzeznik of The Goo Goo Dolls, former X Factor U.K. contestant Leona Lewis and Prince Royce. It was during their solo performances, however, where the contestants truly shined.

After Jeff Gutt performed Aerosmith's Dream On, all four judges gave him a standing ovation.

"For me, this is the very, very first time where I've actually believed that you believe that you could win the show," Simon Cowell said. "Everything just felt authentic... I think you are the real thing."

The rocker, who also performed Radiohead's Creep, expressed his thanks to his mentor Kelly Rowland.

"I wouldn't have been able to do this without you," Gutt told Rowland in the pre-performance video. "If it would've been anyone else it wouldn't have worked."

Gutt wasn't the only one to win the judges' praise. Carlito Olivero also received a similar reaction after he performed Santana's Maria Maria.

"I'm really proud of you. You have come such a long way," Rowland said. "I feel like it was a really nice performance tonight."

Cowell added: "You have earned my respect, America's respect... It was the first time where I believed that you had a future in the music industry."

When the love birds, Alex and Sierra, collaborated on Ed Sheeran's hit Give Me Love, they also didn't cease to amaze the judges.

"I'm so absolutely blown away. I listen to your live recordings on my iPod," Demi Lovato said. "I'm a fan and I'm connected with you guys."

While the top three did a great job, only one will be crowned the winner on Thursday night. Who should it be?

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