Diana Vickers 'loves live energy'

Diana Vickers has said that she feeds off the energy of the audience at her live shows.

The former X Factor contestant told the Daily Mail that she did not feel comfortable on stage when she first appeared on the reality talent show.

Vickers said of auditioning for the programme: "I didn't want to do it at first, because it sounded like too much effort.

"Most of the other performers - Alexandra, Ruth Lorenzo and JLS - had all sung live before. My stage experience consisted of singing in the school choir and doing a couple of school plays.

"But I loved music. When I got home from school, I'd go straight to my room and listen to CDs. I was always playing Queen, The Beatles, Kings Of Leon and Tina Turner."

She added of her music career: "Singing my own songs has been the best part of this. And I now feel much more comfortable on stage. I love feeding off the energy of a live crowd."

Vickers, who performed with collaborator Nerina Pallot in London earlier this week, embarks on her second UK tour next month.

> Click here to read our review of Diana's debut album