It's that time of the year again. This weekend the X Factor live finals begin – and the hopefuls have been primped and preened ahead of their big debut. Posing for a glamorous photo shoot, the contestants certainly look ready to conquer the pop world, each transformed into a potential chart topper.
First up, the girls. Cheryl Cole's controversial choices Cher Lloyd and Katie Waissel, and Rebecca Ferguson have each received a make over, all three dressed in the type of super-fashionable outfits their mentor loves. Playing it very cool are Dannii Minogue's boys, Nicolo Festa, Aiden Grimshaw and Matt Cardle - the man tipped to win. While not yet accustomed to fame, the trio appear at ease in front of the camera and already set for stardom.
It's a case of new opportunity, new hair colour for Storm Lee, who seems to be channelling his inner punk. The 37-year-old is in Louis Walsh's Over 28s group with Mary Byrne and John Adeleye. Simon Cowell's groups have all had superstar treatment too – 1 Dimension and Bell Amie, who were both put together by the judges – transformed into future teen pinups, and FYD looking super sharp in their shot.
Before the live shows have even begun, this series of the X Factor has proven to be the most controversial. Cheryl's decision to send through Cher, 17, and Katie, 24, instead of viewers' favourite Gamu Nhengu has caused outrage amongst fans. And in the face of that, both girls have spoken out.
With concerns being voiced about her weight and nervous disposition, Cher said of her judges' houses audition: "It was very unfortunate. I was ill at the time. Come Saturday they'll think, 'She picked herself back up.'"That's what I'm going to do. I'm a fighter. I'm tiptop now and can't wait to show them all what I've got."
Katie, meanwhile, has told the press she's felt in the middle of a "whirlwind" since being chosen for the finals. "I'm super focused about this upcoming show," she said. "I just can't wait to show the public and voters that we all deserve to be here."
