The singer, who was a member of flop group One True Voice, has ditched his clean-shaven boyband looks for the spiky hairdo.
Daniel, 31, will dazzle on tonight's final audition show. He said: "Since I quit One True Voice I've been trying to make ends meet as a gigging musician. I want to succeed to make my family proud."
One True Voice was created by ITV1 talent show Popstars: The Rivals in 2002 - the same show that also made Girls Aloud who have achieved huge success with Cheryl Cole.
The judge was quick to recognise her old show pal Daniel - and gave him a standing ovation for his rendition of Seal's Kiss From A Rose.
The X Factor is on ITV1 tonight at 7.45pm.

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This article has 5 comments
omgg hes well fitt :P x
goodd lookk daniel pearcee
iloveyouu ....(L)
im gurnnnaaaa votee forr uu whenn u aree onn the actuall thingg .. xx
By Jadee... Posted September 28 2009 at 8:58 AM.
Good for him. I think he looks great with the new look .I disagree with carl, his old generic, bland style did nothing seriously for his recording career and his new style gives him a greater presence than all the other insipid clones on the show.
By dara.. Posted September 27 2009 at 4:08 PM.
Had no interest in Xfactor until I saw you sing again. Always thought you should have been a star the first time round after popstars.
Good luck you deserve it!
By Elaine.. Posted September 27 2009 at 11:52 AM.
It's just my opinion! But I think if daniel changes his stage appearance the viewers and the judges might just take him serious as a recording artist. So the first thing that he has to do is to say cheerio to the hairdo.
By Carl.. Posted September 27 2009 at 9:59 AM.
Good on you Daniel for having the courage to have another go, wish you the best of luck mate
By Alexin.. Posted September 20 2009 at 2:57 PM.