X FACTOR finalist Diana Vickers has wowed the nation with her singing talent.
The 17-year-old from Accrington was named as one of 12 finalists on the hit TV show last Sunday.
Now she will sing live on Saturday night when the public will decide who goes through to the next round.
Speaking to the Observer this week, Diana said: "I am just so excited about everything."
The bubbly teenager discovered she was one of six girls to be mentored by Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole.
The contestants were flown to a luxury villa in Cannes in the South of France.
Singing Sinead O’Connor’s Nothing Compares 2 U, Diana said she had felt nervous about her performance last Saturday in front of Cheryl and Girls Aloud pal Kimberley Walsh.
But Cheryl commented: "She’s captivating."
Kimberley agreed, adding: "I was mesmerised."
And there were tears of joy from Diana when she was told she had made it to the final 12.
Diana, who has spent the past week rehearsing in London for the live Saturday night show, said: "I am going to sing one of my favourite songs, I can’t say which one but it’s really beautiful.
Diana, a pupil at Westholme School, Blackburn, said she had been upset by "wild child" claims which appeared in national tabloid newspapers featuring pictures of her pole dancing and drinking with pals.
She said: "I was really shocked at first but when I realised it had been blown out of all proportion I laughed. I am a 17-year-old girl and I am doing this which is so much bigger.
"My family and friends, the people who matter, know what I am like."
Diana, who admitted she had been missing mum Ann, dad Eddie and sister Charlotte, 21, added: "It seems like forever since I saw my family. I’m really looking forward to seeing them. I’ve been a bit homesick but Cheryl has been an absolute star. She has been really supportive.
"My schoolfriends have been great too. They ring me a lot and have told me there are posters all around the school saying Vote for Diana which is great."
Proud dad Eddie, a financial adviser, told the Observer: "She is really enjoying it. She’s excited but taking it all in her stride."
And mum Ann, who works in Marks and Spencer in Blackburn, said: "I am so proud of Diana. We never thought after that first audition in Manchester it would come as far as this. We just hope it continues. Diana is doing what she loves."
YOU can see Diana perform live on The X Factor at 7.15pm on ITV on Saturday when members of the public are asked to vote for their favourite. The results of the voting will be aired in a special programme later in the evening at 10pm.
http://www.accringtonobserver.co.uk/..._for_live_show