MALVERN’S X Factor star Cher Lloyd put in another top notch performance as she continued her smooth progress through the TV talent contest.

Opening the show on Saturday night, Cher took the chance to highlight both her singing and rapping abilities as she tackled the hit Empire State of Mind, originally by Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys.

Dressed in a pink hoodie and with huge production values, the performance marked a return to more familiar territory for Cher after her stripped-back performance of Shakespeare’s Sister’s Stay the previous week.

The talented 17-year-old again received high praise from the judges.

Dannii Minogue told her: “You seemed to be so fresh and the singing continues to be right for you. I really loved it - incredible.”

And Louis Walsh tipped her to go all the way in the competition.

“You’re singing and you seem comfortable on that stage now,” he told her. “I love the styling - you’re going all the way to the final.”

Only Simon Cowell offered any negativity, criticising Cher’s mentor Cheryl Cole for a lack of originality in the performance.

He said: “Any other week I would call that an incredible performance but after last week I’m disappointed. Last week was 100 per cent original and to be honest this week it was a little bit copycat, and I’m not blaming you.

“All I’m saying is that in the standard of the competition this year, to make the finals you’ve got to be more original and your mentor got a little bit lazy.”

Ms Cole disagreed however, telling him they had found the “perfect balance”.

Addressing Cher, she added: “What’s obvious is you’re comfortable when you rap, you sing, differing your direction.”

Cher was not fazed by Mr Cowell’s comments, telling show host Dermot O’Leary: “I appreciate what’s been said. You’ve got to have something else to back you up.”

Cher’s family were in the audience again and dad Darren said his daughter was still enjoying the X Factor experience.

“She’s fine, she’s still up on that cloud,” he said.

Cher returns to the screen tomorrow evening (Saturday) when the remaining nine contestants will all be tackling songs by Elton John.