AN EAST Lancashire singing star has safely made it through to the next round of the X Factor live shows after performing a solo cover 'for the first time'.

Ribble Valley singer song writer Grace Davies was up first on Sunday's live show performing a cover of Anne-Marie's Ciao Adios.

She was praised by judges for going 'out of her comfort zone' as she performed in the 'Viva Latino' themed week.

After her performance Grace said: "This is the first time I did a cover solo.

"I just really wanted to try and do that and I had a lot of fun."

Guest Rita Ora also said she was 'a huge Grace fan' and praised her for singing 'authentic music'.

The warehouse worker and club singer from Langho, is one of the favourites to take the series title.

However this week she failed to retain her 'prize fight' title she won last week and did not receive the most votes out of Sunday's performers.

Grace received positive feedback from the majority of judges but Simon Cowell commented she was 'not at her best'.

Mr Cowell said: "This is not you as an artist.

"It is great that you showed your personality

"If it was me I would have put your own kind of twist on the song

"But it was nice to see that side of you."

However mentor Sharon Osbourne gave her a standing ovation and 'loved' the performance.

She said: "I know this has been a tough week on everyone but you sailed through it.

"You're always at ease and that makes everyone watching at ease.

"It was a lot of fun and great to hear something up tempo and I loved it."

Judge Nicole Scherzinger said: "What a great way to open up the show.

"I would have liked to see you enjoy it a little bit more.

"But you sounded amazing."

Louis Walsh was also full of praise for the promising singer.

He said: "You sounded amazing.

"You showed the sign of a true artist.

"We knew you were great songwriter and now we can see you're a great performer."

Before her performance Grace was celebrating after finding our her performance of her own song 'Too Young' last week made it to number two in the iTunes chart.

She said on the show: "To think that so many people enjoy my music is the best thing in the world.

"That is just a song I wrote in my room."