Cher Lloyd got a helping hand in her quest for stateside success when she joined Taylor Swift for a duet in front of thousands of fans.

The X Factor finalist was invited onstage while Taylor performed the first of two sold-out shows at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on Monday night.
‘You didn’t think we would do a show here and not have a special guest?’ teased Taylor as she paraded across the stage in a white t-shirt and red skirt.

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Quite a double act: Taylor Swift and Cher Lloyd perform a duet of Want U Back at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on Monday night

As a drum roll preceded Cher’s arrival the country star added: ‘She is a long way from home – she’s actually from the UK, and she sings this song that has been in my head ever since it came out last summer.
‘I know you probably know it; the feeling that when you break up with somebody and then you’re like, “Ugh, I shouldn’t have done that. I want you back.”’
The audience – some 15,000 in total – roared their appreciation as the diminutive star took to the stage in a black leather outfit to perform a duet of Want U Back.

Feeling jumpy: The pair turned in an energetic performance for 15,000 fans at the cavernous venue

Pals: Cher Lloyd posted this image on Twitter shortly after her performance with Taylor Swift on Monday night

The track sold more than a million copies and climbed to number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 following its release in 2012 – her biggest US hit to date.
Dressed in a black leather dress and matching basque, Cher delighted those in attendance during an energetic duet with Taylor, whose two live shows in LA are part of her current RED tour.
While her popularity in the UK may have waned since her emergence on The X Factor in 2010, Cher’s career seems to be blossoming in the US, where debut album Sticks + Stones climbed to number nine on the US album chart.

Costume change: Taylor had a quick change of dress for a solo performance at the Staples Centre, the latest venue on her RED tour

In attendance: Tobey Maguire and wife Jennifer Meyer watched Taylor Swift perform in concert at the Staples Center in Los Angeles

Wielding the axe: Taylor Swift performs for 15,00 fans at the Staples Centre

Following her surprise performance Cher tweeted: ‘Had the most amazing time performing with @taylorswift13, She’s the sweetest girl I’ve ever met!!! Loved it!!! Xxxx.’

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The message, posted for her 5 million Twitter followers, came with a black and white image of the pair embracing backstage after the show, which was attended by actor Tobey Maguire and wife Jennifer Meyer.
During the gig Taylor also joined singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles for a rendition of her track Brave.
Cher’s new single, I Wish featuring rapper T.I, is expected to drop later this year.

Seeing red: Taylor wears a plunging gown for a theatrical performance during the first of two shows in Los Angeles