ACCRINGTON'S Diana Vickers has made it through to the third phase of the X-Factor after wowing the judges with her rendition of a Michael Jackson hit.

Following on from Louis Walsh's lead last week, Simon Cowell labelled barefooted 17-year-old Diana “the one to beat” after she performed Jackson’s 1988 song Man in the Mirror.

Judge Dannii Minogue said the Westholme student's performance was “box fresh” and mentor Cheryl Cole praised her, saying “after all the tears in rehearsal that is the best I have heard you sing.”

Former Marks and Spencer shop assistant Diana also proved popular with the public and was voted through to the next round of the show.

Speaking after the results, her mum Anne said: "She is a Michael Jackson fan, but it's not the sort of material she usually sings.

“I think she gave it a twist and really made it her own.

“We were over the moon when she got through. We are taking each week as it comes, but we are so proud of her."