WITH Malvern’s X Factor sensation Cher Lloyd continuing to take the show by storm, her former performing arts teacher says she always knew she was destined to be a star.

Cher again wowed the judges and the voting public with an innovative performance of Jay Z’s Hard Knock Life to make it safely through to next Saturday's (October 23) third live show.

Her continued success comes as no surprise to Grace Elliott, who taught Cher at Dyson Perrins Sports College.

“I can remember her as far back as when she was in Year Seven and she has always been a little star,” she said. “She is just a natural performer and I am so glad that someone out there has noticed and given her this chance.”

She said Cher’s progress in the competition is the talk of the school.

“Everyone is following her progress quite intently,” she explained. “Cher’s success is an inspiration but that has always been the case since we first met her.

“We miss her at the school and we wish her every success.”

Cher’s performance on Saturday earned high praise from three of the four X Factor judges.

Simon Cowell told her: “I absolutely loved it. I see a future here, you are exciting and you take risks.”

Louis Walsh added: “You have a great attitude and swagger, you look like a little mini Cheryl (Cole), you look like a pop star.”

Cher’s mentor on the show, Cheryl Cole, said: “You look like a pop star, you sound like a pop star, your attitude is like a pop star, you are a pop star.”

Only Danni Minogue expressed any reservations, questioning the choice of song and saying she was less impressed than by Cher’s previous performance.

“Tonight it just didn’t work for me,” she said.

Cher’s father Darren, who again watched his 17-year-old daughter from the audience at The Fountain Studios in Wembley, said: “It was very good and I was extremely proud.”

See Cher continue her X Factor experience on ITV1 at the weekend.