HUDDERSFIELD teenagers last night cruised through the first elimination round of The X Factor – despite being slated by Gary Barlow.

Boy band Nu Vibe wowed millions of TV viewers with a performance of Chris Brown’s Beautiful People on Saturday.

The group – which includes Jordan Higo, 16, from Crosland Moor, and Ashford Campbell, 19, of Lowerhouses – were praised by X Factor judge Louis Walsh after their performance.

He told Nu Vibe they were "cheeky chappies."

The Westlife manager added: "I loved the energy. Young girls are going to love these five guys."

Louis added that Ashford was "the main man in this group."

Fellow judge Kelly Rowland said she was "really impressed" with the boy band but warned them to stay focussed as the competition progresses.

The former Destiny’s Child singer told the group: "I was worried at the beginning because it’s five guys and there’s a lot of testosterone floating through there.

"But I really, really enjoyed watching you. I hope you keep your eyes on the prize."

However, Take That singer Gary Barlow criticised the performance, accusing Nu Vibe of "hiding behind the song."

He told them: "I feel like I didn’t really hear any of you sing together. I feel like I was watching five solo artists rather than a band.

"There’s room to gel."

But X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos leaped to the group’s defence, calling Gary "mental".

The N-Dubz singer added: "These boys are the next generation of boy band and they are going to blow people out of the water."

Asked what he thought of the judges’ comments, Ashford said: "This is what dreams are made of.

"Every comment we take on board. We’ll make sure our next performance is a step up from the last one."

Jordan was the head boy at Newsome High School and is now on the Huddersfield Giants scholarship scheme.

Ashford is studying languages at Leicester University.

The Huddersfield pair are part of five-strong Nu Vibe along with 16-year-olds Bradley Johnson and Richard Jeynes-Milford, and Stefan Romer, 19.

The group made it through "boot camp" to take part in the final 16 who perform in live elimination shows each weekend.