Before Rowetta’s appearance we are shown a clip of Simon’s weekly team meeting. Simon Cowell compliments Rowetta on her singing but expresses concern that she has started smoking again and reminds her that she has got to be in tip-top condition.

Stylist Sinitta remarks that Rowetta is one of those lucky people who don’t have to sleep all night to be able to sing well the next day. She makes the point "If you’re that good with that amount of abuse, ...(just think)... how amazing you’re gonna be if you really take care of yourself!"

Rowetta takes the advice on board and promises that she’ll make a proper effort to kick the smoking habit. It’s when Simon tells her "I passionately, passionately want you to do well!" that Rowetta’s tears begin to flow.

It’s obvious that she is equally passionate; not only to win but also to justify the faith Simon and his team have in her talent.

Back live in the studio Kate Thornton announces that Rowetta will sing U2’s "I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For", with backing from a gospel choir!

Dressed elegantly in a stylish white suit and sporting a new hairdo, Rowetta looks and sounds very comfortable.

As she sings the choir gradually draws closer and closer. However there is one thing for sure, they won’t drown her out!

Rowetta delivers a powerful yet very controlled performance. If anything she seems to be performing within her own boundaries, which must be a scary thought for some of the other contestants!

As she meets up with Simon and Kate to face Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh, Rowetta is in buoyant mood. She tells Kate "I love Simon! Love him."

Kate: It’s Rowetta! Louis?

Louis: Kate, What a fantastic start to this show. I mean Rowetta, you’ve just proved to everybody why you’re still in this competition. You’ve got an amazing voice. I don’t think you needed a choir. You were just fantastic.

Sharon: Rowetta, you are just so real, you don’t try to be something you’re not, you’re j... you’re so real and honest...and I must agree with Louis, you didn’t need a choir you’ve got a voice

Louis: And also Sharon, she’s got new hair, the new hair is much nicer than the last time.

Sharon: Fab! You look fabulous! (Cheers)

Kate: What did Minnie think?

Sharon: Minnie knows Rowetta is a dog lover and she loves her very much. (She holds Minnie’s paws and claps them together) Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! (The audience let out an ahhhhh!)

Kate: So Simon?

Simon: This show is getting weirder by the minute. (laughter) Erm, you know what Rowetta? (Simon puts his arm around Rowetta’s shoulder) This is why we allowed older singers in this competition. You’ve done everyone proud including yourself.

Rowetta: Thank you.

Simon: You’re a little star. (big cheers)

Rowetta: Thank you (she kisses him) I love him. I do love him, he’s brilliant off camera, honestly. (Sharon shouts a jokey something, presumably not entirely in agreement!) ...no he is!

Sharon: Bloody hell!

Kate: You’ve cleaned up with the praise. You must be delighted?

Rowetta: I am, but I just hope people vote for me because I was on first, it is really hard going on first and I hope you don’t forget me when it comes to voting... Please, because I don’t want to leave the competition... I’m loving it! He (Simon) is great, everybody’s great! I love everyone, I’m having a ball! (smiling) Please!

Kate: Now listen, for the last ten years you’ve been over there (points to the choir). You’ve been a backing singer supporting other artists.

Rowetta: (lets out a little cry)

Kate: Tonight you’ve got 30 of your own backing singers. Are you starting to feel like the star they think you are?

Rowetta: It’s really hard because me daughter’s there, and me best friend and they’ve wanted this for me for years. For various reasons I’ve had to be a backing singer... but I hope I’m ready. I hope I can handle it! (Cheers of encouragement from the audience.) I’m trying me best. Thank you!