Cut above the rest! Katie Waissel shows off dramatic new hairdo as Simon Cowell brands her X Factor performance 'genius'

By CHRIS JOHNSON

Transformed: Katie Waissel had her hair cut and dyed hours before her X Factor performance last night, seen right arriving at Fountain Studios in north-west London earlier in the day


She's been the most controversial X Factor contestant of the series and been saved from eviction of numerous occasions.

And after all the drama, it seems Katie Waissel was hoping for a fresh start on the X Factor last night as she unveiled a dramatic new short haircut.

The singer had the cut and dye job done just hours before the show last night, having arriving to the studios in north-west London earlier with her old flowing blonde and black hair still in tact.

Former receptionist Katie looked incredibly demure as she stepped out on to the stage, wearing a beige Sixties-style dress.

It was in marked contrast to some of her brash appearance earlier in the contest, when she donned a huge bird's next wig.

Having come in the bottom two three times, Katie appealed to the viewers by singing Help by The Beatles.

Mentor Cheryl Cole said of her efforts: 'That was the best performance of the night,' while Simon Cowell added: 'Lyrically it was genius.'

Louis Walsh said: 'I love the fact that you sang a song called Help.


Fresh start: Katie showed off her new dramatic short haircut as she sang Help by The Beatles which the judges gave her high praise for


What a difference: Katie seen right performing on the show two weeks ago looking less demure in a birds nest wig and white eyelashes


'You need help because people are not voting for you and I don't know why.'
The 24-year-old has been forced to sing for survival on three other occasions after coming in the bottom two after viewers' votes were counted.

Bookmakers William Hill said she is currently joint favourite to be voted off the show along with Wagner with odds of 13/8.

Meanwhile, it was another win for Dannii in the style wars as she looked sophisticated in a brown halter-neck maxi dress.

Cheryl opted for an odd armour-inspired short dress, complete with threads hanging off it.


Making an entrance: The judges step on to the stage, from left Dannii, Louis, Cheryl and Simon



Style wars: Cheryl Cole donned a short armour-inspired dress while Dannii looked graceful in a brown halter-neck maxi number




source: dailymail