‘The X Factor’ Reveals Top 17 Contestants

First Published: October 19, 2011 1:30 PM EDT Credit: FOX

Caption Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell take part in the auditions for “The X Factor”

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- “The X Factor” top 16 was revealed on Tuesday night – and quickly became a Top 17 after one cut caused Simon Cowell to proclaim, “I hate this job sometimes.”

On Tuesday’s show, after Simon cut Melanie Amaro, he was left with an uneasy feeling.

“I think I’ve made a massive mistake, I do. An hour ago I felt fine, in hindsight, I can feel it in my gut… I made a big mistake,” he said after sending the 19-year-old Sunrise, Fla., singer home.

The judge was quick to remedy his decision and hopped on a plane to deliver some good news to Melanie.

“I had to come here and tell you something, I wanted to personally come here and apologize to your family, for the mistake I made, this comes from me and the other three judges – we’re going to ask you to come back into the competition. We want you back on the live shows,” Simon told the singer and her family.

“Yes,” she said overcome with emotion.

With Melanie back in the competition, “The X Factor’s” Top 17 has been revealed.

The Girls - mentored by Simon Cowell Simone Battle Drew Ryniewicz Rachel Crow Tiah Tolliver Melanie Amaro

The Boys - mentored by Antonio “L.A.” Reid Brian Bradley (aka “Astro”) Phillip Lomax Marcus Canty Chris Rene

Groups - mentored by Paula Abdul InTENsity Lakoda Rayne The Stereo Hogzz The Brewer Boys

Over 30 - mentored by Nicole Scherzinger Leroy Bell Josh Krajcik Dexter Haygood Stacy Francis

“The X Factor” returns on Tuesday October 25 on FOX.

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