Nicole Scherzinger is putting on a brave face after her girl Hannah Barrett's shock exit from X Factor. The judge tweeted: "'That last performance of Hannah said it all. Thanku to the believers! We didn't lose because we are #Li-ving & this is just the beginning for @HannahBMusic'.
© Photo: RexNicole comforts her protege
The post was accompanied by smiley instagram images of Nicole and her mentee, who gave a gutsy performance of Etta James' I'd Rather Go Blind in her sing off against Rough Copy.
Clearly proud of the way her act had risen to the occasion, the American beauty put her arms around the 17-year-old as it was announced she was going out and wiped away her tears. Greggs Bakery worker Hannah said she felt "blessed" for the opportunity to take part.
She repeated the sentiment on Twitter adding: "Guys I wasn't upset to tonight I was genuinely happy I was just emotional after that song because it meant so much to me."
© Photo: InstagramThe pair try to remain positive
The drama started the evening before when Tamera Foster forgot the lyrics to her song during Saturday's show. Gary Barlow said it was like watching a "car crash" – although Sharon Osbourne and fellow contestant Sam Bailey stood up for her saying she had an amazing voice for a 16-year-old.
When it was announced on Sunday's results show that Hannah and Rough Copy had received the fewest votes from the public – meaning Tamera was saved from taking part in the sing off the blonde teenager looked stunned.
No one was more surprised than Tamera that she wasn't in the sing off
Nicole expressed her disappointment live on air, saying: "I'm so disappointed and furious with the British public right now that they have my girl in the bottom two for the third time.
"She voted to save Hannah but was outvoted by the other three judges. Earlier the audience had listened to R'n'B legend Mary J Blige duetting with Jessie J on Christmas anthem Do You Hear What I Hear?
© Photo: RexJudges Gary Barlow, Nicole, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh on elegant form
The loudest screams of the night came when One Direction took to the stage to perform their new single Story of My Life, having flown in from LA where Harry Styles sparked rumours about his love life by having dinner with Kendall Jenner.
Next week the contestants will take on two songs – one of which will be chosen by the public , adding a jukebox element to the show for the first time.
