Paula Abdul's minuscule metallic dress and eye-popping cleavage steals the show from Nicole Scherzinger's X Factor performance

By Sarah Fitzmaurice

Last updated at 8:51 PM on 16th December 2011

She took to the stage performing her new song and stepped out in no less than three figure-hugging ensembles, so tonight should have been Nicole Scherzinger’s time to shine.

But the X Factor judge was upstaged by none other than her fellow judge Paula Abdul.

The 49-year-old stole the show in a miniscule silver and gold dress, which left little to the imagination.

Stealing the show: Paula Abdul managed to steal the show from Nicole Scherzinger's performance in her eye-popping low cut dress

The glittering number certainly showed off plenty of leg but emphasised her ample cleavage with plunging neckline.

Paula, who was the only judge without an act in tonight’s semi-final show, ensured she was still part very much part of the action.

As Marcus Canty was told he was heading home Paula made her way to the front of the stage to congratulate Nicole.

Glitter girl: Th 49-year-old flashed plenty of flesh in the tiny silver and gold ensemble that left little to the imagination and showed off her incredible figure

Dark: Nicole took to the stage to perform her new track Pretty in an all black ensemble so the night should have been hers

Earlier as Steve Jones had tried to talk to LA Reid, Marcus and Chris Rene Paula was seen making her way into shot interrupting the conversation to kiss the men.

Perhaps Paula was simply ensuring she caught Simon Cowell’s attention, after he admitted he had nearly had sex with her in an interview yesterday.

But who could blame the singer for wanted to show off her incredible figure which would leave women more than half her age envious.

Sharing the love: Paula interrupted Steve Jones as he was talking to LA Reid and his acts to give kisses to everyone

Right up front: As Marcus learned he was going home Paula was seen front of stage, despite not having any acts left in the competition

Whatever the reason all eyes were firmly focused on Paula.

Nicole also displayed her fabulous figure in her three ensembles arriving out on stage in one shoulder white dress with ruffled detail.

Taking to the stage to perform her song Pretty Nicole mixed things up with a pair of tight leather trousers a plunging tuxedo top and an intricate silver necklace that hang around her chest.

Misty: While Paula might have stole the show in her tiny dress, Nicole put all her effort into her performance

Dream come true? Nicole told Steve: 'Oh my gosh I've been waiting so long to be up here it feels amazing'

After singing her new track Nicole told Steve Jones: 'Oh my gosh I've been waiting so long to be up here it feels amazing.'

The Welsh presenter then turned to Simon for his review of Nicole's performance.

The Syco boss joked: 'I'm sitting in Nicole's chair so I'm going to critique like her.'

What a joker: Simon Cowell mocked Nicole by telling her she was the 'ultimate waterfall' in his critique of her performance

Speaking to Nicole he lamented: 'I believe in you, you believe in me', before adding, 'You transcend the universe, you are the ultimate waterfall.

As she returned to the stage Nicole showcased her third and final outfit for the evening a purple backless gown which caressed her figure to perfection.

Nicole wasn't the only performance of the evening and viewers were treated to Florence and The Machine who sang Spectrum.

Marcus Canty was voted out of the competition leaving Chris Rene, Melanie Amaro and Josh Krajcik to battle it out in the final next week.