VIDEO: Click the play button to watch The Star's exclusive interview with Lucie and clips of her performing at Escapade nightclub in Barnsley.

The 17-year-old has barely had chance to catch her breath since her sudden elimination from the show two weeks ago - when Simon Cowell shocked the nation by voting for Jedward over her.

At the mention of Cowell the 17-year-old singer wrinkles her nose and sticks her thumb down, then bursts into giggles.

"I'm only joking," she assured The Star.

"As a person I'd give Simon a thumbs up - as a judge I'd give him a thumbs down," she grinned. "He's a great guy and what people have to remember is he's producing a TV show as well as a singing competition.

"John and Edward are brilliant and I support Simon's decision to keep them in."

So does that mean she's a fan of Jedward mania?

"I love John and Edward," she nodded. "They're great guys, really entertaining and absolutely hilarious. They work so hard and they do deserve to be there."

Lucie says the X Factor experience was an emotional rollercoaster but she wouldn't change a minute of it.

"The last couple of months have been completely crazy. It's been terrifying, nervewracking, just every type of emotion, but overall just an unbelievable experience.

"My first audition was back in April and I had no way of knowing I'd end up getting so far, I'm so proud of myself and have honestly enjoyed every moment."

Lucie's highlights include meeting Whitney Houston, who she says is amazing, and her favourite celebrity mentor Michael Buble.

"Buble's masterclass was the best," she smiled. "He gave us invaluable advice and was just so nice and down-to-earth. It was really great to meet him.

"Since X Factor the last couple of weeks have been crazy, I've been performing all over the place.

"There's the X Factor tour coming up next year, but after that I'd love someone to want to give me a record deal. I want to be a recording artist and I'm not going to stop until I get there. I'm going to push myself as hard as I can, this is the time for me to do it."

In addition to Stacey, Lucie is keeping her fingers crossed that pals Olly and Joe will be in the grand final in a few weeks.

"I'd love to see the three of them there," she said.

Don't forget, the X Factor finalists will be appearing at Escapade nightclub in Barnsley every Wednesday night and Chesterfield every Thursday night. Don't miss your favourite.

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