RAINFORD singing sensation Bradley Johnson has survived the X Factor live show’s big shakeout in heartstopping style as judge Tulisa threw a lifeline to his band Nu Vibe and sent them sailing into the last 12.

Bradley (16) from Rainford and his newly formed band Nu Vibe performed on the first live show on Saturday evening, wowing the crowd with their performance of Chris Brown’s Beautiful People.

But judge Gary Barlow’s said of their performance: “I felt like I was watching five solo artists rather than a band”.

Tulisa responded: “People have been waiting for my feisty side and here it is... you must be mental.”

And Bradley’s performances have been wowing students and staff at his old school.

Dee Griffiths, deputy head teacher at Haydock Sports College where Bradley attended said: “I think he’s done very well to get this far. For such a young man he’s got so much confidence and it’s easy to forget that he’s only 16.

“As a school were all really delighted that one of our former pupils has come so far, it’s great not only for Haydock and St Helens but also the North West.

“He only came to the school in year 10 and at the time he had a bit of a reputation. During his time here however he really knuckled down it’s great to see how he’s achieved.

“He has great support from everyone here at the school, all the children are rooting for him and we all hope that he can continue his success in the competition.”

Returning for Sunday’s show, Nu Vibe successfully avoided being one of the four to leave in the show’s big twist that saw each judge axe one of their acts.

Before successfully getting through however, the boys had to endure a tense wait which saw judge Tulisa choose between them and 2 Shoes.

A shocked Bradley consoled rivals 2 Shoes with a hug after the decision.

He later said: “I think its rehearsals, You’ve got to smash them and feel confident with your performance before you actually go out on stage and if you do that you’re alright.”

Bradley and band members Ashford Campell, Stefan Romer, Jordan Higo and Richard Milford are one step further to becoming the first X Factor group to win the competition and now join the final 12 finalists in next week’s live finals to compete for the public vote.