Exeter X Factor star Shelley Smith has praised the show's "little fighter" Luke Friend after she wowed crowds at the big Christmas lights switch-on in city centre.
The 34-year-old, who lives in Exminster near the city, reaffirmed her support for the Teignmouth teenager who reached the final five of the ITV talent show at the weekend.
She said: "Luke was absolutely phenomenal, once again. He's a ready-made artist who's becoming more determined ever week. He's a little fighter."
The 17-year-old, whose mentor is Louis Walsh, impressed the judges with his version of One Direction hit What Makes You Beautiful on the 10th anniversary show.
Ms Smith added: "Luke always looks like he's really enjoying himself, because he's so smiley. Some of the others need to take a leaf out of his book."
The Devonshire Diva was the star attraction at the Guildhall shopping centre switch-on on Thursday just over a week after she dazzled at the Echo's Pride of Exeter awards,
She said: "Thursday night was so fun. I loved it and I could have kept on singing. My little girl (Madeleine) was beaming and everyone was so lovely."
Before his show performance, Luke got some advice from previous winner Shayne Ward who said it was time one of Louis's boys won the competition again.
He was praised for his rock version of the pop track that sold more than five million copies worldwide and is among the biggest selling singles of all time.
Sharon Osbourne said : "For me, you are the dark horse in this race. You are coming into your own now. Everything you do, you have that naughty edge. I know you are going to be in that final."
In the previous week, Luke was forced to sing for survival of being placed in the bottom two following his performance of Elton John classic Your Song.
But after surviving, his spirits were boosted further when singer Adele tweeted him to tell him that she loved his performance and that she wanted him to win.
Gary Barlow said: "Being in the bottom two could have been the best thing that's ever happened to you. Seeing how much passion you had was great. You're so individual, you've got a complete lane of your own."
On Sunday he was the first contestant through to next week, before Nicholas MacDonald and favourite Sam Bailey joined him in the clear.
Despite forgetting her words while performing James Arthur's "Impossible", Tamera Foster was given the green light to reach the semi-finals.
Hannah Barrett was later sent home after a sing-off with Rough Copy on Sunday night's result show.
