A “PERFECT” performance and the seal of approval from Katy B sent a market trader through to the next round of the X-Factor.

Chloe Paige wowed the judges as she performed chart topper Katy B's track Crying for No Reason when she took to the stage.

The singer took to social media after the show aired and said “Chloe, that was amazing. You have such a beautiful voice. Thank you so much for picking my song”.

The judges were impressed, with high praise from Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and new panel member, Radio 1 host Nick Grimshaw.

The former Girls Aloud member said: “I don't know how somebody your age finds something so deep like that, you literally sang from your soul.”

Mr Grimshaw added: “That was perfect. I feel you performed that with everything in your body.”

The 21-year-old market trader, a graduate of music college BIMM, captured the hearts of the public with her audition viewed more than 200,000 times on YouTube in just 24-hours.

Adam Bushell, BIMM Brighton college manager, said: “It was fantastic to see Chloe perform to an audience of millions on the X-Factor, and get the feedback the she thoroughly deserves.

“Chloe was a model student at BIMM who never let her obvious talent be a substitute for hard work. I really hope she goes on to even greater success, doing what she so obviously loves. All at BIMM wish her every success for the future.”

Miss Paige was moved to tears by the praise from the judges and was mobbed with hugs by her friends and family before she had even left the stage.

Vaseema Hamilton, principal of BIMM, said: “The BIMM Brighton team were thrilled but not surprised to see Chloe’s stunning audition on X Factor .

“Whilst with us she was a dedicated and shining talent and we wish her all the best as her career takes off.

“She will follow in the footsteps of our other alumni George Ezra and James Bay.”

However her performance was not without controversy as people on social media criticised her decision to wear a bindi, a forehead decoration worn in South Asia, during her audition.

The third episode of The X Factor will air at 8.15pm on Saturday September 5.