A Catch-Up With The X

It's the start of a new year and generally the time when people, attempt, to make changes in their lives. No group of people have been given a greater springboard into 2011 than this years X-Factor contestants. The likes of Waissel, Lloyd and Cardle have had so much press over the last 6 months there's no doubt that 2011 is their oyster. So what have they been up to of late?

Little Miss Lloyd has (no shockers here) headed out to America and has been in Miami recording with producer RedOne, who's also worked with Lady GaGa, and is pictured above with artist 'Porcelaine' on a little break from being in the studio.
The petite singer has also been busy getting inked! Adding to her existing collection of a bow on her lower back, musical note on her left hand, and a Spanish phrase up her right fore-arm which means 'pocket full of dreams', Cheryl's protegee now has a diamond on her right hand and a piece of text up her left fore-arm that reads 'All that you haveis your soul' (all pictured below).

Cher has now hopped across country to hook up with Will.I.Am in LA, flying none other than first class. The 17 year old has reportedly signed with Simon Cowell's Syco label despite rumors of her signing with Jay-Z and Will.I.Am.

Runner up Rebecca Ferguson headed back to Liverpool to enjoy a quiet Christmas with her family and 2 children. She also sang at Twickenham stadium at the Harleqins V London Irish rugby match, and saw in the New Year performing at Liverpudlian club Koko, dressed in an amazing white hat and maxi-dress combo. 

The stunning Scouser has said she's found it difficult adjusting to life after the X-Factor, but with the tour around the corner and, like Cher, recently signing to Cowell's label it looks like Becky has a year to look forward to.

Winner Matt Cardle has no doubt been on a non-stop promo tour for his single 'When We Collide', but I was slightly more interested in his crazy new year celebrations with X-Factor bestie (and personal fave of mine) Aiden Grimshaw. The pair (pictured below) reportedly lived it up in Newcastle at Tup Tup Palace, racking up an £8,000 bar tab! Leaving the club at 3am the reality-show hotties headed back to their hotel to carry on the party until 6am. Nicely done boys!

So whether they're jetting around in first class, signing record deals or just enjoying the spotlight and partying into the wee hours of the morning, you definitely wont find the X-Factor bunch painting, decorating or working back in Tesco anytime soon.