Settling into your newfound fame then? X Factor contestants are ready for the paparazzi

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Standing out from the crowd: Storm Lee is impossible to miss with his red hair and crazy sunglasses, while Rebecca Ferguson wears an eye-catching hat


They've barely been famous, but it looks like this year's X Factor contestant are already enjoying their newfound fame.

Popping out to the shops during a break from rehearsals for their first live performance on Saturday, the wannabe pop stars looked more than ready for the paparazzi in their flamboyant outfits.

Scottish-American Storm Lee, 37, looked like a pop star reminiscent of the Eighties with his bright red hair, leopard-print tie and unusual, oversized sunglasses.

His edgy look was in complete contrast to single mother Rebecca Ferguson, 24, who was going for a lady-who-lunches look in a beige shift dress, black high heels and an eye-catching brown hat.

A short time later, Rebecca's groupmates Cher Lloyd, 17, and Katie Waissel, 24, were both spotted looking just as ready to be photographed.

Despite heading to rehearsals, Cher was dressed to impress in a pair of white lace leggings, over-the-knee boots, grey cardigan and dramatic, heavy make-up on.


Controversial contestants: Cher Lloyd goes for a grown-up look (left), while Katie Waissel stands out from the crowd in her biker-meets-business woman ensemble


Meanwhile, ever flamboyant Katie went for a haphazard combination of biker chick-meets-office worker in her brown trousers, red high heels, leather jacket and vintage Guns 'N' Roses T-shirt.

The finalists have been hard at work all week preparing for their first live televised performance on Saturday's show, when they will find out which 'wildcard' contestants will be joining them.

But this week, more attention seems to be focused on the plight of recent reject Gamu Nhengu, who is facing deportation after her family's visa application to remain in Britain was rejected.

Fans reacted in outrage when judge Cheryl Cole opted to save Cher and Katie over Gamu during the judges' houses section of the contest, which was screened last weekend.


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Some fans accused Cheryl of giving her lookalike Cher special treatment after she allowed the teen to progress to the Final 12, despite not being able to sing at the Judges' Houses stages.

Fears were raised for Miss Lloyd after she buckled under the pressure during her final audition for Mrs Cole and failed to sing after battling a sore throat.
The show’s producers are keeping a close eye on her and have made a counsellor available to all contestants.

Mrs Cole decided to send Cher through based on her previous performances.


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But this week her father hit out at claims that she was too frail to take part, saying ‘her mental state is fine’.

Darren Lloyd dismissed the concerns. He told the Daily Mail: ‘People have said she cracked under the pressure with her audition on Saturday night but that was rubbish.
‘She had tonsillitis and found it very difficult to sing. We are totally behind her and support her. She deserves to be in the live finals.

‘Cher is absolutely delighted and excited to be in the live finals. Her mental state is fine, she’s focused and excited,’ added Mr Lloyd, from Malvern, Worcestershire.


source :dailymail