Nicole Scherzinger and Tulisa Contostavlos may be rival judges on the X Factor, but the pair joined forces on Monday night to support fellow panel member Gary Barlow, as he was honoured at the Music Industry Trust Awards.Both ladies pulled out all the stops in dazzling black numbers. Nicole opted for a long gown with cut-out panels whilst Tulisa wore a mid-calf length satin dress with a wide belt and peep-toe shoes.Also from the X Factor were host Dermot O'Leary, judge Louis Walsh and Xtra Factor co-host Caroline Flack, who went for casual chic in a leather mini-skirt and blouse.
Gary Barlow's friend Kimberley Walsh and newly single Myleene Klass didn't want to miss the occasion to support him and went all out in matching red outfits. The Girls Aloud singer wore a Jacques Azagury red lace dress whilst the classical musician wore an asymmetrical red sequinned mini dress.
Ahead of the event, Gary tweeted: "So excited for tonight's Music Industry Trust award dinner. Looking forward to catching up with family, friends and colleagues."
Gary was presented with the prestigious honour by Sir Elton John, who said Gary was a "thoroughly fine human being" who had come through bad times without any bitterness.The Prince of Wales, who is currently on tour in Australia, also paid tribute to the Take That frontman in a video message recorded before embarking on his Jubilee tour. "Over the past 25 years, you have become one of the great stars of the British music industry and you are the very embodiment of that rare species, 'a national treasure'," he said.
The Prince added: "It seems to me you inspire goodwill wherever you go and your appeal transcends the ages, a very rare feat if I may say so. "An emotional Gary said: "I've been doing this for 22 years now, and the one thing that's more apparent to me than ever before is how much I love performing. To be able to do it, I feel really lucky, I never want to turn my back on it. It's so special when you get something like this, because it's recognised within the industry. I'm a lover of this industry, I'd do anything to protect it, and when you're given something from that industry, I'm honoured. "The 41-year-old singer surprised the audience by performing a solo set including a cover version of Van Morrison's Moondance, before reuniting with Robbie Williams for his new single Candy. Gary was then joined on stage by his other three bandmates, before Robbie came back for a rousing rendition of Never Forget.
Afterwards, Robbie tweeted: "There is nothing better than having the band back together for a moment." Gary had previously hinted about the brief reunion, sending a tweet to Robbie which said: "Get those lights switched on and then get round here for a sing song!"