The X Factor judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini has announced 4th Impact, Alien Uncovered and Reggie n Bollie as the first three acts through to the live shows.
Filipino sibling group 4th Impact were the first group selected.
Talking about their progression from the Judges' Houses stage of the competition, they told hosts Olly Murs and Caroline Flack: "We are very grateful."
The girls, who have been the bookies' frontrunners for weeks, sealed their place with a performance of Eminem's Love The Way You Lie featuring Rihanna.
Alien Uncovered were the second group announced for the live shows by Fernandez-Versini.
Their raunchy rendition of Usher's Bad Girl impressed the 32-year-old and her guest judge in Rome, rising pop star Jess Glynne.
The final group through was a surprise choice: Ghanian duo Reggie n Bollie, formerly known as Menn On Point.
Their interpretation of Twist and Shout, the song made famous by The Beatles, helped them beat gospel groups Melody Stone and BEKLN Mile and The New Kings to that all-important spot in the live shows.
"We are going to entertain you every week!" they vowed.
Hosts Murs and Flack asked Fernandez-Versini to explain her choices: "Obviously, we have two very different girl groups; I can only do so much with a choir. The people who just left the stage are as talented," she said.
For the first time in X Factor history, the acts judged to have performed best at Judges' Houses were announced live.