KATIE WAISSEL'S family have issued a plea to get behind Harefield's singing sensation after she battled through another X Factor sing-off on Sunday night.

The 24-year-old came through her third song for survival on the hit ITV1 show, displaying the strength and tenacity that has become her trademark.

But Katie's mum and dad are appealing to local residents to get behind their 'brave daughter' and help her avoid the bottom two this weekend.

Diana Waissel told the Gazette: "She is in good spirits and we are upbeat about it. The way she handled it, to just sit down and say 'sod it, this is all I have to give', shows she has heart.

"I think she will turn it around and she can still win. She is unique, she is what the judges are looking for.

"So much has been written about her, I think that's why people aren't voting for her. But she does have a big fan base, so we need to get them to vote.

"Some people have the wrong perception of Katie but she has a lovely kind heart. The stick she has taken over the last few weeks, to go out there with a smile on her face takes a very brave person."

On Saturday (6), Katie performed one of her idols' songs, Don't Speak by No Doubt's Gwen Stefani, to whom she has been compared.

It received a mixed response from the judges, with Simon Cowell saying she struggled. But he added: "Parts of the performance were brilliant, I love the look and I love the fact you're not a whinger.

"You have had a couple of tough weeks and you come back battling every time."

For the second successive week and third time altogether, Katie finished in the bottom two of the public vote on Sunday (Nov 7) and was forced to perform another 'song for survival'.

Her performances in the sing-off have been hailed by many as her best, and she impressed again with Please Don't Give Up On Me by Peter Gallagher.

Mentor Cheryl Cole surrounded herself in controversy once more by refusing to cast a vote for either of her acts.

That left Louis Walsh to send home Katie's rival, Treyc Cohen.

Mrs Waissel added: "We need local people to support her, Katie definitely has the X Factor!"

And dad Maurice said: "Katie needs your votes!"