X Factor star James Arthur has been limbering up for tonight's heat with a starring role at a Labrinth gig.
The rapper and producer invited the tattooed contestant to join him on stage after being impressed by him when he appeared as a guest on last Sunday's show on ITV1.
Labrinth performed on the results programme alongside Emeli Sande. He had been keen to meet the wannabe and they ended up jamming together backstage.
They got on so well that James headed up to Labrinth's show at Manchester Academy and rapped during the performance of chart hit Earthquake with his own lyrics, to cheering crowds.
James - who had a panic attack a fortnight ago as a result of appearing on a live edition of X Factor - said: "It was a totally unreal experience being on stage with Labrinth. He put on a great show and is a real hero of mine.
"It was a honour to be able to perform with him."
James is said to have been talking about his appearance all week after enjoying his meeting with Labrinth.
Sande also told James she would like to work with him at some point.
The next live edition of X Factor will be screened tonight at 8.20pm