'Croydon facelift' leaves gaunt Victoria Beckham looking like Lorraine Chase on her return to American Idol

On her American Idol debut last month, critics complained Victoria Beckham's super-skinny appearance was 'off-putting'.

But as she returned to U.S. screens last night for another round of auditions, it seemed little had changed.

The former Spice Girl look as skinny as ever as she joined Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson on the judging panel in Denver.

Bones protruded from her collar and her 'Croydon facelift' hairstyle only served to make her look more severe.

Skinny Spice: Victoria Beckham made her second appearance on the American Idol judging panel last night

On the panel: Posh was once again by Simon Cowell's side, where she focused more on fashion than on singing

Doppelganger: Lorraine Chase

For British viewers, her tight bun may have conjured up memories of Lorraine Chase, who is famous for her Campari adverts in the mid 1970s.

Posh's contribution again received a lukewarm response from American television critics, with one noting: 'While she certainly spoke up more, the value of what she had to say was as meaningless as her previous guest-judging stint.'

However, she received something of a backhanded compliment from the New York Times, who commented on her tendancy to comment more on the singers' outfits than their singing ability.

The critic noted: 'How much more lucid is Victoria Beckham on the subject of fashion than music?' 

During the auditions, Victoria openly flirted with Texan singer Casey James, 27, asking him what he looked like with his hair down.

After letting down his blonde ponytail, Victoria told Simon he looked like a model and urged for him to be put through.

Simon slammed the singer for his lack of charisma - starting a battle of the sexes amongst the four judges.

Victoria said: 'He looks like a model. Simon, he's got a great look.'

Not a critics' favourite: Victoria, with Kara DioGuard, again received a lukewarm response from television reviewers

Kara, who has worked as a songwriter for the likes of Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Miley Cyrus, then encouraged him to show a bit more skin.

'What about unbuttoning your shirt a little bit?' she said.

After standing in front of them half-naked James received an extra vote from Randy Jackson to get through to the Hollywood round.

'You wont regret it,' James said.

Cowell quipped:'You will when you watch this back - its really, really embarrassing.'

Flirting with Posh: Victoria said Texan singer Casey James 'looks like a model'

Take it off: Fellow judge Kara encouraged the hopeful to show more flesh

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