Back to the day job: Kelly Rowland steps up to show the X Factor contestants how it's done while flaunting her ultra-toned body

By Marcus Barnes

Last updated at 11:39 PM on 4th December 2011

She shot to fame as a member of Destiny's Child, alongside superstar singer Beyoncé and Michelle Williams.

So it was only a matter of time before X Factor judge Kelly Rowland shed her duties as critic to the contestants and showed them exactly how it's done.

And tonight's show saw her do exactly that with an energetic performance of two of her hit songs, which saw her stripped down to virtually her underwear.

Slender and toned: Kelly Rowland looked in amazing shape during her performance on tonight's X Factor

Must have taken some work: The singer flaunted her athletic physique in a sparkling crop top and short shorts

The 30-year-old looked in fantastic shape as she hits the stage to sing David Guetta produced track When Love Takes Over, followed by her most recent song Down For Whatever.

She entered the stage wearing what appeared to be a sheer dress with a train, however midway through the performance, part of the outfit was removed to reveal just a crop top and short shorts.

The sparkling combination showed off Kelly's amazingly toned physique and her flat midriff.

Slight deceiving: Kelly kicked off her routine wearing a bodice with a train attached which created the illusion of a dress

She worked her way through both songs joined by an increasing number of dancers, culminating in a stirring and rather raunchy performance.

After the performance Dermot handed over to the judging panel for some feedback to which Louis excitedly enthused: 'You put it down girl! You remind me of a young Tina Turner. I'm buying the album tomorrow!'

However despite her energetic performance Kelly came under fire for her singing, which some said was not as good as the contestants she'd been hired to judge.

Raunchy routine: The former Destiny's Child singer was surrounded by an increasing number of topless dancers

It was that some parts of her performance were lip-synched, no doubt owing to the choreography.

But even her live singing was criticised by fans, with many taking to Twitter to unleash their negative remarks.

One user, named mattlong100 wrote: 'Just watching X Factor after sky plused it and kelly rowland was absolutely terrible. She is supposed to be a mentor on how to sing well.

Criticism: Some fans were unimpressed with Kelly's singing, taking to Twitter to vent their dismay

While another, called fi_the_goalie said: 'Kelly Rowland - not actually decent singer, but you know whip off your clothes, and everyone's all over you!'

In fact, the general response was much the same with users comparing her to her former Destiny's Child counterpart Beyoncé.

Due to rather unfortunate scheduling, A Night With Beyoncé aired immediately after the X Factor so comparisons between the two were easily made.

Par for the course: Dermot commented that Justin Bieber was renowned for his flirting

Bieber fever at Christmas: The 17-year-old performed his festive single Under The Mistletoe

Her performance followed that of another global superstar, Justin Bieber.

The 17-year-old hit the stage to perform one of the tracks from his Christmas album Under The Mistletoe.

He sang the song, of the same name, wearing a Michael Jackson-esque red leather jacket.

Emotional: Kelly saw one of her acts, Misha B, voted off the show tonight

Towards the end of his performance he approached the judging panel and sang at both Kelly and Tulisa Contostavlos.

After his performance Dermot O'Leary jokingly confronted Justin – who famously flirted with former X Factor judge Cheryl Cole the last time he was on the show - and he admitted he can’t help chatting up the ladies, commenting: 'Sorry man, it’s a habit.'

Dermot then said: 'That's what we've come to expect from Mr Bieber.'

Later in the show, Kelly was left in shock and dismay when one of her contestants, Misha B, was voted off the show.

Despite positive responses to her songs on yesterday's show, the 19-year-old Mancunian missed out on a place in the final.