HUDDERSFIELD’S Ashford Campbell has been pumping up Nu Vibe ahead to this weekend’s X Factor public vote.

Campbell, fellow Huddersfield wannabe Jordan Higo and the group gave a mixed performance last week as the judges decided who to drop.

They went for Amelia Lily but Nu Vibe’s rendition of Chris Brown’s track Beautiful People also met with mixed reviews from the four-strong panel of judges.

Kelly Rowland said she was “really impressed”.

However, Take That frontman Gary was less complimentary, commenting: “I feel like I didn’t really hear any of you sing together.”

He also accused them of “hiding behind the song”.

One national newspaper reported that their Nu Dubz mentor Tulisa Contostavlos told them to work harder or they faced being voted off the show.

However, the group say the comments have spurred them on to do a better job this week and they promise viewers that they will show them that they really can sing.

Ashford’s mum Bernadette Baptiste, of Lowerhouses, said the band should be given credit for doing their best with a difficult dance track.

She said: “They got a lot of criticism but they made the most of a song that wasn’t the best for them.

“The song was a dance track so it was very difficult for them to show their vocals.

“A lot of the other contestants had big songs they could belt out and backing dancers.

“The lads didn’t have anything like this but they came out and made the most of the stage.

“They did get some negative comments but I’ve also heard a lot of positive things said about them.

“Most people I have spoken to think they’re fantastic. They are young and good looking, trendy and they can sing.

“You’ve got to expect some criticism with a show like this, but I think it’s a good thing that they’ve had these comments early because now they will really step up their performance.”

This weekend’s show is expected to have a ‘love and heartbreak theme’ with the 12 remaining contestants being asked to show their vulnerable side by performing mellow and romantic tracks.