(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Cheryl Cole has emerged from seclusion for the first time since she was sacked from US X Factor with a new blonde hair do.

The 28-year-old, who celebrates her birthday today, looked happy and healthy as she unveiled her new locks. She is said to be planning a special party to mark her makeover, which will have a lavish blonde ambition theme.

"Cheryl wants Friday to be her big return to the limelight, and she will be making a dramatic entrance," a source told British newspaper The Daily Mirror.

"Cheryl will put her credit card behind the bar around 40,000 worth of champagne and spirits will be flowing through the night.

"She hasn't had a drink in nearly three months and will be going for it on Friday. She'll be the first on the dance floor and one of the last to leave."

The location has been kept secret with Cheryl expected to text guests closer to the time.

The Girls Aloud singer appeared to want to make a fresh start after an embarrassing few weeks and showed that she has not given up on her American dream. She was pictured going to the US Embassy in London's Mayfair armed with visa paperwork.

Meanwhile, Cheryl's ex-husband Ashley Cole reportedly visited music mogul Jay-Z's New York offices to get advice about getting into the music industry.

British newspaper The Daily Mail reports that Ashley spent an hour in the Manhattan office building and is said to be keen to launch his music career once his soccer days are over. (C) Cover Media