Cheryl Cole Has X Factor

19 October 2009

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Cheryl Cole received a standing ovation from her fellow 'X Factor' judges after her performance on the show last night (18.10.09).

The Girls Aloud singer - who is a mentor on the ITV programme - impressed Simon Cowell and Dannii Minogue with her rendition of new solo single 'Fight For This Love'.

Simon told Cheryl afterwards: "This is really going to pain me... but that was incredible. I would take you in my category any day. It is really hard to come out from here to up there.

"It was a great performance and unfortunately you are going to be number one next week."

They are young. They have room to grow. Practice, practice, practice.

Cheryl - who was cheered on by her husband Ashley Cole and bandmates Kimberley Walsh, Nicole Roberts and Sarah Harding - donned a red and black military-style outfit as she thrilled the audience with her high-energy dance routine.

Following her performance, the 26-year-old star told 'X Factor' host Dermot O'Leary: "I feel fantastic. I've really enjoyed myself. It took me right back to the days when I was on 'Pop Stars: The Rivals'. I would like to thank everyone for all the support and making me so welcome."

However, Cheryl's triumphant evening was dampened when one of her acts, Rikki Loney, became the second contestant to leave the series after leaving viewers and judges cold.

Whitney Houston - who was the special guest mentor to the acts last week - also performed on the evening.

The singing legend suffered an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction midway through her rendition of comeback single 'Million Dollar Bill' when a strap on her floor length silver dress came loose.

But Whitney didn't let her dress mishap affect her performance and strutted around the stage as dollar bills floated down from the ceiling.

Afterwards, Dermot quizzed her on what she thought of this year's contestants.

Whitney, 46, said: "They are young. They have room to grow. Practice, practice, practice."