Hitting the big time: Cher Lloyd performs to a small crowd in Birkenhead...and Wagner was there too

By SARAH FITZMAURICE

Big star? Although she has been tipped for chart success with will.i.am Cher Lloyd had to settle for playing to a crowd of a few hundred in Birkenhead last night


Being a finalist on The X Factor can bring varying levels of post-show fame.

Something Cher Lloyd found out when she had to settle for the small time performing to a small crowd in Birkenhead last night.

The 17-year-old wannabe sang at the Pacific Road Arts Centre alongside fellow X Factor finalist Wagner Carrilho as winner Matt Cardle and Rebecca Ferguson wowed a crowd of thousands as they performed at Twickenham.

Despite the differences in venue it's early days for post-X Factor fame and Cher has been named as the most-talked about celebrity of the year.

Cher was the most discussed person using a combination of Google searches, YouTube views, Tweets and Facebook likes, a study compiled by Agency PHD found.

Cher has also been tipped to expect some serious chart success alongside will.i.am. who has revealed the pair have made a single together.

The Black Eyed Peas star tweeted: ‘The day after the last xfactor…cher loyd (sic)and I went in the studio and made a mega smasher.’

He also posted: ‘@CherLloyd hey cher, when should we release the song we recorded in London???...(It’s a smasher)


Headliner: Cher performed to the crowd who were also treated to a performance by Wagner


But although collaborations with the American star will no doubt lead to international recognition for now at least Cher has to settle on small time gigs.

The moody teenager took to the stage in black harem pants, an 80’s inspired print hoody and a denim jacket.

After being booted off the X Factor Wagner told the crowd he would be ‘gone gone gone’, but he has refused to leave the limelight and also took to the stage in The Wirral.


X Factor? Wagner performs to a capacity crowd at the Pacific Road Center in Birkenhead last night


And it seems the 54-year-old has picked up a loyal army of fans during his stint on the show.

Wagner enjoyed a taste of the dizzying heights of stardom, performing to a capacity crowd...in Birkenhead.

His followers at the Pacific Road Arts Centre were eager to catch a glimpse of the silver haired warbler.

He is arguably the least talented contestant to have ever made it through to the live shows, but a lack of singing ability and good looks has not stopped this Brazilian.

His followers surged forward as he went to greet members of the crowd and it seemed that fans could not get enough of him.

Many pushed forward to greet the X Factor finalists and others took out their mobile phones for a quick snap.

In return, or perhaps as punishment Wagner treated viewers to a set which saw him playing a set of drums and shaking his hips looking very confident on the stage.


Doing a Jedward: Despite a lack of good looks or talent, Wagner still has a loyal following and he greeted the crowd who pushed forward to meet him



What a difference: Matt Cardle and Rebecca Ferguson took to the stage at Twickenham to sing to thousands as Cher and Wagner performed in Birkenhead


As Cher and Wagner performed to a crowd of hundreds, Matt Cardle and Rebecca Ferguson were wowing thousands of spectators at a rugby match at Twickenham.

Wagner bowed out of the singing show alongside Katie Waissel in November after the show’s judges voted unanimously to send him home.

After it was announced he would leave Wagner told Dermot: ‘Like a bat out of hell, I'll be gone, gone gone’ and ‘I loved every moment that I spent here, and I have achieved so much.’

But it seems for the moment at least that Wagner can enjoy a Jedward-style notoriety and he will be joining the rest of the X Factor finalists on the X Factor tour, which begins in February next year.


The X Factor: Cher Lloyd's X Factor Audition (Full Version) - itv.com/xfactor



The X Factor: Wagner sings She Bangs/Love Shack - The X Factor Live - itv.com/xfactor



The X Factor: Matt Cardle sings Just The Way You Are - The X Factor Live show 2



The X Factor: Rebecca Ferguson's X Factor Audition (Full Version)


source: dailymail

Hat's not very stylish: Rebecca Ferguson hits a rare fashion low in daft blue hat at Twickenham

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

What are you wearing? Rebecca Ferguson wears an unusual blue hat as she performs at the Harleqins V London Irish rugby match at Twickenham Stadium


Since her first audition last summer, X Factor finalist Rebecca Ferguson has won over fans with her stylish dress sense.

But it appears even fashionistas such as Rebecca can have an off day as she performed at a rugby game in a bizarre blue hat last night.

The mother-of-two's delicate features were overshadowed by her pillbox hat, which appeared to be sprouting long blue feathers over a foot long.

The Scouser, 24, belted out Show Me Love - which she performed on the X Factor semi-final - as she joined the programme's winner Matt Cardle at Twickenham stadium.

The two X Factor finalists sang prior to the Big Game 3 between the Harlequins and London Irish in south west London.

One fan at the game was clearly unimpressed with Rebecca's hat. Mark Nicolson wrote on Twitter: 'Rebecca Ferguson singing at eh rugby way eh. Stupidest hat ever.'


Contrasting: Ferguson's headgear faux pas ruined an otherwise stylish ensemble of fitted coat and sparkly shirt


Despite her questionable headgear, Ferguson did impress the thousands in the stadium with her powerful singing voice.

Writing on Twitter, she enthused: 'Had fun singing Show Me Love at the Big Game 3. Great crowd xxx.'

Also writing on his Twitter after the gig, Cardle said: 'Just finished Twickenham... Was amazing! Thank you so much.'


Throwing himself into the performance: X Factor winner Matt Cardle also sang


Also sharing the turf with them was X Factor 2009 contestant Jamie 'Afro' Archer, who performed The Mighty Quinn.

Despite Cardle winning the show, it appears controversial contestant Cher Lloyd was a bigger talking point this series.

The 17-year-old has been named as the most talked about celebrity newcomer this year in a digital buzz list - compiled from the amount of times she appeared in Google, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube hits.

While winner Cardle was second on the list, boy band One Direction and Katie Waissel were third and fourth place respectively.


Remember me? Jamie 'Afro' Archer, from X Factor 2009, joined the 2010 alumni at the gig


Although she divided viewers, the Malvern wannabe is already eyeing chart success with the help of Black Eyed Peas rapper Will.I.Am.

The pair performed a duet on the X Factor final and according to Will, recorded an original one straight after.

Writing on his Twitter page on Monday, Will said to Cher: 'Hey Cher, when should we release the song we recorded in London??? (It's a smasher).

'The day after the last X Factor...Cher Lloyd and I went in the studio and made a mega smasher.'


x factor Rebecca Ferguson



X Factor winner Matt Cardle is Xmas No1



source: dailymail

Hat's not very stylish: Rebecca Ferguson hits a rare fashion low in daft blue hat at Twickenham

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

What are you wearing? Rebecca Ferguson wears an unusual blue hat as she performs at the Harleqins V London Irish rugby match at Twickenham Stadium


Since her first audition last summer, X Factor finalist Rebecca Ferguson has won over fans with her stylish dress sense.

But it appears even fashionistas such as Rebecca can have an off day as she performed at a rugby game in a bizarre blue hat last night.

The mother-of-two's delicate features were overshadowed by her pillbox hat, which appeared to be sprouting long blue feathers over a foot long.

The Scouser, 24, belted out Show Me Love - which she performed on the X Factor semi-final - as she joined the programme's winner Matt Cardle at Twickenham stadium.

The two X Factor finalists sang prior to the Big Game 3 between the Harlequins and London Irish in south west London.

One fan at the game was clearly unimpressed with Rebecca's hat. Mark Nicolson wrote on Twitter: 'Rebecca Ferguson singing at eh rugby way eh. Stupidest hat ever.'


Contrasting: Ferguson's headgear faux pas ruined an otherwise stylish ensemble of fitted coat and sparkly shirt


Despite her questionable headgear, Ferguson did impress the thousands in the stadium with her powerful singing voice.

Writing on Twitter, she enthused: 'Had fun singing Show Me Love at the Big Game 3. Great crowd xxx.'

Also writing on his Twitter after the gig, Cardle said: 'Just finished Twickenham... Was amazing! Thank you so much.'


Throwing himself into the performance: X Factor winner Matt Cardle also sang


Also sharing the turf with them was X Factor 2009 contestant Jamie 'Afro' Archer, who performed The Mighty Quinn.

Despite Cardle winning the show, it appears controversial contestant Cher Lloyd was a bigger talking point this series.

The 17-year-old has been named as the most talked about celebrity newcomer this year in a digital buzz list - compiled from the amount of times she appeared in Google, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube hits.

While winner Cardle was second on the list, boy band One Direction and Katie Waissel were third and fourth place respectively.


Remember me? Jamie 'Afro' Archer, from X Factor 2009, joined the 2010 alumni at the gig


Although she divided viewers, the Malvern wannabe is already eyeing chart success with the help of Black Eyed Peas rapper Will.I.Am.

The pair performed a duet on the X Factor final and according to Will, recorded an original one straight after.

Writing on his Twitter page on Monday, Will said to Cher: 'Hey Cher, when should we release the song we recorded in London??? (It's a smasher).

'The day after the last X Factor...Cher Lloyd and I went in the studio and made a mega smasher.'


x factor Rebecca Ferguson



X Factor winner Matt Cardle is Xmas No1



source: dailymail

'I feel like Becky again!' X Factor's Rebecca Ferguson gets back to normality as she goes Christmas shopping in Liverpool

By SARAH BULL

Shopping trip: X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson steps out in Liverpool yesterday to pick up some last-minute Christmas presents


She's had an action-packed few months, become a national sweetheart and coming second on The X Factor.

But, for the festive period at least, it's back to normality for Rebecca Ferguson, who was spotted doing some last-minute Christmas shopping in Liverpool yesterday.

The 24-year-old singer admitted she was looking forward to taking some time away from the spotlight to spend Christmas with her children Lillie, six, and four-year-old Karl.


Military chic: Rebecca looked chic in a navy and red coat, black tights and cute black suede


She said: 'It’s so nice to be home for Christmas. I feel like Becky again. We’ve got our tree up. I just wanted to get a few more treats for the kids.

'They’re really excited. I’m looking forward to Christmas with my family and my babies in Liverpool.'

The singer looked stunning in a military-style red and navy blue coat, teamed with black tights and cute suede boots for her shopping trip, and was mobbed by fans as she got out of her taxi ready to hit the stores.


Singing star: Rebecca performing during the final of The X Factor


Rebecca, who won the nation over with her down-to-earth attitude during her time on The X Factor, also admitted she was finding it strange not being part of the reality show.

She added to the Liverpool Echo: 'I’m going to miss everyone, especially One Direction and Matt, but I’ll see them all on the X Factor tour next year.

'Doing The X Factor was very emotional. I first auditioned in March so it’s almost been a full year for me.

'I want to thank everyone that voted for me and supported me. I want to tell them I’m so happy. It’s not the end!'


Rebecca Ferguson and Christina Aguilera sing Beautiful - The X Factor Live Final


source: dailymail

Watch out Kris! X Factor winner Matt Cardle admits he has a crush on 'gorgeous and incredible' mentor Dannii Minogue

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Promotional tour: Matt Cardle at a book signing for his autobiography Matt Cardle: My Story in Manchester today


She's the mentor who believed in him from the very beginning, and helped him win the final of The X Factor.

So it's no wonder Matt Cardle has more than a little respect for Dannii Minogue.

But now the 27-year-old singer has revealed he liked Dannii more than a friend, admitting he found it difficult to resist her 'incredible' blue eyes.


Admission: Matt revealed he has a crush on his X Factor mentor Dannii Minogue


Asked who he found more attractive, Cheryl Cole or Dannii, Matt replied: 'Dannii, definitely. I have a thing about blue eyes and Dannii has the most incredible eyes.

'She's wicked. She's clever, funny and gorgeous - the best mentor I could have had.'

And Matt is already thinking about the perfect Christmas present for Dannii, although he admits he is struggling to come up with ideas.


'She's gorgeous!' Matt and Dannii together at the X Factor final


He told Grazia magazine: 'Dannii is at the top of my presents list. I need to get her something special, but I have no idea what! What the hell do you give to Dannii Minogue?'

Since Matt won the X Factor earlier this month, there has been a lot of speculation about his personal life, especially when he was pictured flirting with former S Club Juniors singer Stacey McLean last weekend.

However, Matt, who was seen at a signing for his autobiography My Story in Manchester today, insists he is very much single.


Busy boy: Matt signs copies of his book at Selfridges in Manchester



Popular: Many girls had queued for hours in a bid to catch a glimpse of the singer
He said: 'What can I say, I love women. I'm a young bloke, I'm single and I'm no angel, but I don't see myself as a typical babe magnet.'


During his time on the ITV talent show, Matt was rumoured to have started dating show stylist Grace Woodward. But the singer refused to confirm or deny the reports.

He said: 'I'm too much of a gentleman to say anything - I don't kiss and tell. When I first met her, I was terrified.

'She was so confident and ballsy but we hit it off. The whole process is so stressful and Grace was a great support.'

Matt has already found huge success since beating Rebecca Ferguson to be crowned the winner of The X Factor, and achieved his first number one with his debut single When We Collide in the Christmas singles charts on Sunday.

And he says he is hoping the success will continue, adding: 'I want people to realise this is something I've spent all my life trying to make happen.

'I'm not going to put on a suit and say I'm a pop star. I'm going to write songs, I want to break America, I want to work the hardest I've ever worked.'


The full interview with Matt appears in Grazia magazine, out now


Matt Cardle Punches Dannii Minogue in The Face 12/12/2010


source: dailymail

Ladies' man: Charmer Cardle parties with former S Club girl at his hotel - despite 'no women' pledge after winning X Factor

By JODY THOMPSON

Eyes down: X Factor winner Matt Cardle appears to be checking out Stacey McLean's rear view as they walk down a corridor near the suite at London's May Fair hotel where he currently lives


Just last week he pledged he was giving up women to concentrate fully on his new career - but former painter and decorator Matt Cardle celebrated landing his first solo Number One last night with a beautiful brunette.

The sex-mad single Essex lad, 27, had said he'd sworn off the ladies so he could knuckle down and capitalise on his X Factor win.

But after going straight into the singles charts at Number One last night with debut solo single When We Collide, he was spotted with former S Club Juniors' and 2009 X Factor wannabe Stacey McLean, 21, at his hotel.

The pair had met earlier - and flirted outrageously - at an S Club Juniors reunion party that evening.


Close: Matt smooths Stacey's hair, unaware he's been seen


They then decided to continue the party at the hotel's Palm Beach Casino next to the hotel, but had to brave the cold night air - and photographers - to get there.

Asked just last week about how girls would now throw themselves at him following his victory in the X Factor, he said: 'It is pretty shallow and I am wary of why they are like that. I am not thinking about sex.'


You bet: Matt gambles on continuing the good time by taking Stacey - and his bodyguard - to the Palm Beach Casino near the hotel


Despite being being linked with stylist Grace Woodward, dancer Sarah Robinson and make-up artist Lauren Clements during the series, Matt insisted: 'I am not going to let things get in the way. I'm really going to knuckle down.

'I want the songs right, the album right and my career right before I think of anything like that.'


When we collide? Stacey seemed very attracted to Matt as they chatted in the bar at the May Fair Hotel, just hours after he learned he'd landed his first solo Number One



'Look, you're No. 1'! Stacey appears to be showing Matt the singles chart on her phone



You're so funny!: The former S Club Juniors star made a big show at laughing at all of Matt's hilarious jokes


However, it seems his head was somewhat turned last night by former teenybopper Stacey, nickname CeCe.

She was in S Club Juniors, also known as S Club 8, along with Frankie Sandford and Rochelle Wiseman, now of The Saturdays. They group - an offshoot of S Club 7 - split in 2004 after just three years together.


Sunday night out: The Saturdays Rochelle Wiseman and Frankie Sandford both joined their former S Club Juniors bandmates for a reunion at the May Fair Hotel last night



One night only: All eight former members of S Club Juniors pose for the camera at London's Jewell bar earlier in the evening (L-R), including Hannah Richings, Stacey, Calvin Goldspink, Aaron Renfree, Daisy Evans, Frankie, Rochelle and Jay Asforis


However, Stacey has yet to match some of her former bandmates' successes, and though she auditioned for the X Factor last year, only got down to the last six.

She's about to star in G*MANIA, a Glee-inspired musical about to tour the UK.


All smiles: Matt shows no sign of his big night out as he gets ready to sign copies of his new book at Waterstones in London


Matt meanwhile is meeting his adoring public later today with the launch of his autobiography at Waterstones flagship London store on Piccadilly.

Matt Tweeted: 'Looking forward to the book signing :) waterstones in Piccadilly if anyone fancy's some light reading this morning, if anyone fancy's some light reading ! Xx love u aiden . . Xx'

Matt Cardle: My Story was rush-released after he won the X Factor final on December 12.

He beat Rebecca Ferguson into second place and One Direction came third.


Matt Cardle - When We Collide (Official Music Video 2010)



source: dailymail

X Factor winner Matt Cardle is Christmas Number One with debut single When We Collide

By SARAH BULL

Success: Matt Cardle, seen out in London last night, has achieved the Christmas number one


X Factor winner Matt Cardle has clinched the Christmas Number One with his debut single When We Collide.

The 27-year-old singer's cover of Biffy Clyro's track sold 439,000 copies in six days, and beat stars including Rihanna to the coveted top spot.

After finding out he had achieved the Christmas number one, Matt said: 'I can't believe it. As if winning wasn't enough. I honestly didn't think I'd even make it on to the live shows, let alone win and now be the Christmas number one.

'I can't even begin to describe how if feels. It's nuts, crackers and crazy. To think that many people have supported me and bought the record is absolutely mind blowing.'


Popular: Matt's cover of Biffy Clyro's When We Collide sold 439,000 copies in six days


There have been various internet campaigns to stop Matt getting to number one, including a re-release of the original track from Biffy Clyro, called Many Of Horror.
However, the track only charted at number eight.

Other attempts came from The Trashmen, who reached number three with their novelty track Surfing Bird, and anti-X Factor project Cage Against The Machine.


Matt, who beat Rebecca Ferguson to be crowned the winner of The X Factor earlier this month, told fans on Twitter he was incredibly excited about finding out the chart results, tweeting: 'Off to capital radio. . ! So exited. . May be a little bit of wee. . :) xx'

Official Charts Company managing director Martin Talbot described Matt's sales figures as 'a truly impressive achievement'.

He said: 'Besides being a record for a non-charity single this year, it might even have been higher given the freezing conditions which have gripped the UK in the past couple of days and which have kept many consumers off the high streets.'


Matt Cardle playing the paint shade challenge at the Big Top 40


source: dailymail

Matt Cardle 'spends New Year with X Factor dancer Sarah Robinson'

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

New relationship? Matt Cardle is rumoured to be dating X Factor dancer Sarah Robinson


X Factor winner Matt Cardle has apparently found love with stunning dancer Sarah Robinson, who he met on the ITV show.

The 27-year-old singer was said to be instantly attracted to Sarah when he met her at the beginning of the live programmes and, after weeks of flirting, the pair decided to give their relationship a go when he was crowned winner of the talent contest.

And things are going so well for the new couple that Matt even spent New Year with Sarah, 24, in her hometown of Newcastle after enjoying a quiet Christmas with his family in Essex.

A source told The Sun: 'Sarah is really stunning, Matt's a lucky boy. They were getting close during their routines but the flirting was spilling over after the show.

'Matt travelled to Newcastle and they checked into a hotel. They have gone from strength to strength.'

Sarah, who has been a backing dancer for stars including Paul McCartney and Shirley Bassey, caused such a stir on this year's show that she was banned from dancing with One Direction because she made them too nervous because of her stunning looks.

The relationship is the latest pairing for Matt, who has already made a name for himself as something of a ladies' man.


In action: Matt has already found huge success since winning The X Factor last year


As well a rumoured relationship with the X Factor's stylist Grace Woodward and make-up artist Lauren Clements, he was also seen kissing former S Club 8 singer Stacey McLean.

And all Matt's reported flings come after he was quoted as vowing to stay single after winning The X Factor.

Referring to his womanising image, Matt said: 'I could have a worse reputation - it’s not a terrible thing to be accused of, but at the end of the day I’ve not done anything with any of these women I’m meant to be with.

‘I honestly haven’t touched anyone since I’ve been in this competition. It’s a bit weird, you think your private life will stay private for a little bit longer than that.





source: dailymail

She's got the X Factor: Leona Lewis turns up heat in Miami in hot pink dress... and Natasha Bedingfield flashes some flesh too

By SARAH FITZMAURICE

Sizzling: Leona Lewis looked stunning in pink as she performed at the Jam On The Sand New Year's Eve party last night


She is undoubtedly the most successful X Factor contestant of all time and judging from her performance last night it’s easy to see why.

Dressed in a show-stopping short fuscia dress, which emphasised her killer curves, she did what she did best and sang her heart out.

Performing at the New Year’s Jam on the Sand party in Miami beach, the 25-year-old beauty belted out her anthem Bleeding Love.


Sultry: Leona opted for feline-inspired eye makeup and wore her hair loose


As wind blew her hair back and the trail of her skirt billowed she leaned forward to reveal an impressive cleavage.

Covered from head to toe in glitter with sequins adorning her dress Leona glistened on stage as she sang.

And it wasn't just Leona who was flashing some flesh on stage as the singer was flanked by two dancers who had their shirts unbuttoned.

One of whom was her new boyfriend German dancer Dennis Janch, who she has been dating for several months.

The gorgeous singer demonstrated her impressive vocal range as she sang the melancholy love song, which reached number one in 30 countries around the world after being released in October 2007.

As the song finished and the crowd cheered Leona shouted: ‘Thank you so much have an amazing year good night!’


Great abs: Natasha Bedingfield also took to the stage in Miami and flashed a toned midriff to the crowd


Also performing at the Jam on the Sand party, Natasha Beddingfield who performed showing off her midriff and her husband, who she brought on stage for a New Year’s kiss.

Dressed in leather trousers, a pale orange blouse and structured jacket Natasha sang her set before dragging husband Matthew Robinson out in front of the crowd for a smooch to see in the New Year.


First kiss of the year: After performing Natasha brought her husband out on stage for a smooch

source: dailymail