Tyla Bertolli & Mel B: We’re Closer Than We’ve Ever Been

Tyla Bertolli

She may be the latest X Factor eliminee, but Tyla Bertolli says her close friendship with new judge and under 25 mentor, Mel B, is far from over.

In fact, it was a heartfelt conversation – and a shared bottle of red wine – with Mel B following Tuesday night’s “heartbreaking” elimination from show, that helped Tyla realise she’d already won something special during her short time on the show – a Spice Girl’s friendship.

“After last night, Mel and I opened a bottle of Pinot, enjoyed a glass of red wine together, and I had a big cry,” Tyla told WHO on Sept. 29, the morning after her early exit.

“She knows how much she means to me,” Tyla added before insisting there is no bad blood between the pair following Mel’s decision to send fellow under25 contestant – and Tyla’s roommate - Jacqui Newland, through to the next round instead of Tyla.

“Mel wrote me the sweetest card. She has a hot of hard love, and she’s really competitive, but I know she’s my biggest fan,” the 19-year-old, who hails from Melbourne, added.

And while Tyla won’t be sharing any more moments on air with Mel B, don’t expect the two to cut ties with one another anytime soon. “She’s going to continue to be my mentor, and we’re even going to dinner together tonight [Wednesday.]”

Elimination aside, who does she want to see come out on top in the end? Taking a motto from her mentor, Tyla is all about Girl Power: “I want Christina Parie to win, and I think she will.”

The 2011 season of X Factor airs at 7:30pm Tuesday & Wednesday on the Seven Network.