Who Wore the Best Heels? “The X Factor” Season 3 Judges in Saint Laurent and Charlotte Olympia

When The X Factor kicked off its third season in 2013, all eyes were on the red carpet at Cecconi’s in West Hollywood—not just for the star power, but for the standout footwear. Judges Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato were joined by newcomers Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio, who brought a serious fashion game to the premiere party.

💫 Step Into the Spotlight: X Factor 2013 Shoe Moments

A decade later, the event remains a fun snapshot of early 2010s red carpet style. From Kelly’s bold Saint Laurent sandals to Paulina’s crystal-studded Charlotte Olympia pumps, the ladies didn’t hold back when it came to statement heels. Keep scrolling to revisit their looks and decide which pair is the most memorable.

Kelly Rowland Stuns in Saint Laurent “Paloma” Sandals and Glenn Martens Set

32-year-old recording artist Kelly Rowland showed some skin in a revealing V-neck crop top and a matching skirt, both from the Glenn Martens Fall 2013 collection. We love that her long skirt had a center thigh-high slit as it showed off not just her legs but also her heels.

Singer Kelly Rowland arrives at The X Factor Season 3 premiere party at Cecconi’s West Hollywood on September 5, 2013, wearing a V-neck crop top and matching skirt, subtly showcasing her Saint Laurent “Paloma” sandals (Credit: FayesVision / Brian To / WENN)

Her sandals aren’t hard to identify. We’ve already seen them on various celebrities, including , , and , on multiple occasions. Kelly Rowland also wore them at .

These popular striped suede and lamé leather sandals are now sold out, but you can still shop more recent styles from the same designer at .

A closer look at Kelly Rowland’s feet, featuring her striking striped suede and lamé leather Saint Laurent “Paloma” sandals

👠 Explore Kelly Rowland’s Best Shoe & Fashion Moments:

• 📏 —spotlighting heels from designers like Gianvito Rossi, Christian Louboutin, Aquazzura, and more.
• 🎤 at a 2013 NYC concert—leather vest, shredded denim, and statement boots.
• 👗 , including Saint Laurent “Paloma” sandals and Christian Louboutin Zoulou booties with buy links.
• ✨ she wore to the 2016 StyleMakers Awards—an elegant red carpet moment.

Detail shot of Kelly Rowland’s Saint Laurent “Paloma” sandals, highlighting their distinctive striped suede and lamé leather design and high heel

Paulina Rubio Elevates Her Look with Crystal-Covered Charlotte Olympia “Paparazzi” Pumps

Paulina Rubio looked glamorous in a white long-sleeved dress featuring sparkling embellishments that dangle around the hem and cuffs. She styled the dress with a pair of matching sparkling pumps!

Paulina Rubio poses at The X Factor Season 3 premiere party on September 5, 2013, wearing an embellished white long-sleeved dress and sparkling Charlotte Olympia “Paparazzi” pumps

Her nude Paparazzi heels from Charlotte Olympia didn’t just sparkle with panels of Swarovski crystals—they also worked visual magic.

Thanks to the seamless match with her skin tone, the 1.5-inch island platforms and soaring 6-inch heels . Nude heels are known for their elongating effect, as they visually extend the leg by blending in rather than breaking up the line, especially when paired with a low-cut vamp and a round toe, like these.

Paulina Rubio’s stunning nude Charlotte Olympia “Paparazzi” pumps, featuring sparkling Swarovski crystal panels and a hidden platform

👠 Explore Charlotte Olympia Highlights:

• ✨ at CinemaCon—freshly.
• 🏆 (later revived) with a curated list of her best-selling heels from the label.
• 🌹 at the Love, Rosie premiere.
• 😺 by Charlotte Olympia, spotted in Manhattan.
• 🎬 at the Power Rangers premiere.
• 🏅 —features standout pumps like “Love Me,” “Luna,” and “Dolly.”

Paulina Rubio showcases the leg-lengthening effect of her nude Charlotte Olympia “Paparazzi” pumps, featuring a classic round toe, hidden platform, and sparkling crystal embellishments

Demi Lovato Keeps It Classic in Black Saint Laurent “Janis” Pumps

Returning judge Demi Lovato arrives at The X Factor Season 3 premiere party on September 5, 2013, in a sleek black ensemble, complemented by her classic Saint Laurent “Janis” pumps

Returning judge Demi Lovato wore her usual rocking style. Her all-black ensemble consisted of cropped pants, a black jacket, and a bustier-like top. Her plain black “Janis” pumps from Saint Laurent complemented her getup.

A detailed shot of Demi Lovato’s classic black Saint Laurent “Janis” pumps, showcasing their understated elegance and sturdy platform

👠 Explore Demi Lovato’s Best Shoe & Fashion Moments:

• 📏 , with favorite heels from Saint Laurent, Zanotti, Louboutin, and more.
• 👢 featuring Christian Louboutin’s ‘Ambertina’ heels at a 2013 industry event.
• ✨ : Demi stuns in a Lanvin gown and Giuseppe Zanotti gold “Coline” sandals.
• 🎤 , featuring her early red carpet looks in Burberry and Balenciaga heels.
• 🌹 : Burgundy Giamba heels that stole the spotlight at BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards.
• 💼 : Crystal-embellished ankle-strap sandals paired with Chanel accents.

Demi Lovato’s plain black Saint Laurent ‘Janis’ pumps, a versatile choice that completed her edgy X Factor premiere look, are clearly visible alongside her prominent ‘Let Go & Let God’ foot tattoo

👠 Explore X Factor Shoe & Style Highlights:

• 🎤 at X Factor UK auditions—sleek patent leather and sky‑high stiletto heels.
• 🦋 : Nicole stuns in Sophia Webster butterfly‑wing heels during X Factor Boot Camp.
• ✨ : Chunky Aquazzura “Kaya” platform sandals completed her bold look at X Factor UK auditions, London.
• 👠 and Gianvito Rossi pumps at The X Factor Season 3 Finale—statement styles with Balmain and leather accents.
• 🔵 as X Factor USA Season 3 judge—electric blue dress with Saint Laurent shoes.