The transformation's complete! Tulisa Contostavlos channels Cheryl Cole in low-cut bandage dress for official X Factor photo
By Sarah Bull
Last updated at 10:33 AM on 5th August 2011
But, in the first official portrait shots of the UK judges, it seems Tulisa Contostavlos' transformation into the former Girls Aloud star is complete.
From her low-cut Herve Leger bandage dress, a brand of which Cheryl is a huge fan, to her voluminous brown curls and lashings of smoky eye-make-up, Tulisa has more than a hint of Cheryl about her as she adopts the singer's favourite hands on hips pose and stares into the camera.
Time to shine: Tulisa Contostavlos steals the show in her low-cut bandage dress in the first official portrait shots of the judges on the UK X Factor
Inspiration? Tulisa has more than a hint of Cheryl about her in the photograph, from her choice of dress to her hair and make-up styling, through to her choice of pose
Meanwhile, former Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland fades into the background somewhat in a relatively boring black and gold embellished dress.
However, in an accompanying interview, Tulisa revealed her flawless appearance in her official photo and at the X Factor auditions is down to a 'glam squad' of hair and make-up artists.
She said: 'I’m lucky to have a ‘glam squad’ of hairdressers, make-up artists and stylists who help with red carpet events.
Bland: Kelly Rowland opted for a relatively boring black and gold embellished dress for her shot
Inspiration? Tulisa appeared to have taken inspiration from former judge Cheryl Cole with her pose for the shot
'Once you’ve factored in hair straighteners and false lashes, it usually takes two hours.'
Tulisa also revealed she has been 'experimenting' with different labels during the audition process.
She added: 'I loved experimenting with labels like Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen during the auditions but I'm a high street girl at heart. River Island and Lipsy are my faves.'
However, despite hitting the fashion mark on virtually ever occasion in recent weeks, Tulisa said she wasn't always such a style queen.
Here come the boys: Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh are suited and booted for their photographs
She laughed: 'Anything I wore under the age of 20 is pretty atrocious. In particular, this hideous pink and black puffa jacket - cringe. Hopefully there aren’t any paparazzi photos out there of me wearing it!'
N-Dubz singer Tulisa has shot to fame since joining the X Factor panel, but says she is still trying to go under the radar as much as possible.
She said: 'I try to live my life as normally as possible with no airs or graces. I rarely read the papers, don’t buy into the hype and I’m an expert at hiding from the paparazzi!'
And Tulisa added she received some much-needed advice from Simon Cowell before her first day.
She said: 'He told me to be myself. I approached meeting him as I would a battle - I was determined to win him over and impress - thankfully I succeeded.
Judgement day: The judging panel ahead of the start of the UK show later this year
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