MALVERN’S X Factor sensation Cher Lloyd put in a high energy performance as she continued her run on the TV talent contest.

The 17-year-old former Dyson Perrins student dazzled the judges with an extravagantly staged mixture of No Diggity by Blackstreet and the Tears for Fears classic Shout.

Dannii Minogue, who had been somewhat critical of Cher’s performance the previous week, was full of praise this time around.

“This really felt like what you would do at your concert,” she said. “The staging was mind-blowing. I love the way you look and - as a last note - you sang it really well.”

Simon Cowell added: “I can only tell you it did not feel like you were someone taking part in a competition. It felt like you were someone who had had five hit records and just come back with your new single.”

Cher’s mentor on the show, Cheryl Cole, was thrilled with her performance.

“You are everything that a pop star should be and I thoroughly enjoy you every Saturday night,” she said.

Cher’s family were once again in the audience cheering her on, and got to see her for 10 minutes after the show on Saturday evening (October 23).

“We thought it was the best (performance) so far,” said her dad, Darren. “She loved it.”

He urged everyone to continue voting for Cher and keep her in the show. Cher’s performance also went down a storm at local pub the Anchor Inn, where her uncle Damian Lloyd is a regular.

The pub is backing Cher all the way and is showing every X Factor programme on its big screen.

Landlady Jayne Peters said: “The Saturday night shows have been attracting quite a big crowd and everyone thought Cher’s performance this week was fantastic.

“I think the further Cher goes in the competition the more and more people we’ll see supporting and getting involved - and I think that she will be in it for quite a while yet.”

Tune in to ITV1 tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday to see if Cher makes it through another week.