MATT Cardle breezed through to the final three in the X Factor after winning a standing ovation for a stunning duet with Rihanna.

Cardle, from Little Maplestead, near Halstead, sang Dido’s Here With Me before performing with the R’n B star, singing her hit Unfaithful.

He is joined in the final three by boy band One Direction and Rebecca Ferguson. Cher Lloyd, who performed with Will.I.am from the Black Eyed Peas on tonight’s show, was eliminated.

Urging fans to vote for former Suffolk schoolboy Matt, his mentor Dannii Minogue said: “He is a genuinely beautiful, down to earth guy. He has the voice of an angel.”

Voting will continue until tonight’s final, when the winner of this year’s crown will be revealed.

Previous winners include Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke and Shayne Ward.