Lorde sends cupcakes to New Zealand X Factor contestant

Pop star Lorde has sent cupcakes and a handwritten note to a contestant on The X Factor in her native New Zealand who hit headlines after two judges were sacked for belittling him on air.

British pop star Natalia Kills and her husband, Willy Moon, were removed from the show after they aimed a barrage of harsh comments at wannabe singer Joe Irvine following his performance on Sunday night's (15Mar15) live broadcast.

Irvine, who was labelled a "laughing stock" by Kills, and compared to fictional serial killer Norman Bates by Moon, has won a slew of celebrity support following the incident.

Singer Ed Sheeran sent him a supportive tweet, and now Royals star Lorde has ordered him a box of cupcakes emblazoned with the message "Keep being Joe".

A handwritten note which accompanied the cakes reads, "Hi Joe, just wanted to say: your individuality, positive energy and spirit are infectious! I think you're doing an awesome job on the show so far. I'm a performer too, and wanted to say that no matter how many people make fun of me for how I dress, move and act, I'm being me - and that's what's important. Good luck and lots of love, Lorde."

U.K. singer Ellie Goulding has also showed her support for Irvine in a message on Twitter.com, writing, "Can't stop myself from commenting on NZ X Factor situation because I can't stop thinking about how mean it was. Thank goodness they're gone."