Britney Spears explains why she walked out on ‘X Factor’ audition

Earlier this week, there were reports of another walk out from the new X Factor judges during the latest round of auditions, while a singer tried to perform one of Britney Spears’ songs. Now, Spears explains that she was only following Demi Lovato’s suggestion by walking out.

People reports that Lovato, Spears and L.A. Reid could not take the performance of Spears’ “(You Drive Me) Crazy” by a man in drag during the auditions Monday in Greensboro, NC. While the three of them walked out, Simon Cowell stayed to watch, telling the man, “I don't think she quite understood your tribute.”

The man was in tears though, explaining that he auditioned for the show because he can’t pay his phone bill. When she returned, Spears said, “I really respect the tribute...It was really nice.”

On Wednesday, Spears explained to Us Weekly what happened. Even though she was the first to leave, she said walking out was Lovato’s idea.

"I was following her. I was taking her lead...She was like, 'Let's go!' And I was like, 'Okay.' It was our dinner break, anyway,” Spears said.

Lovato added, “I was really uncomfortable because I was like, 'Oh my gosh, he's on the floor crying because he thinks he's done such a good job.' I felt so bad. I laughed at first, but then I felt bad.”

The walk-out came just as Fox released the first two promos for the new season of The X Factor, both highlighting Spears’ judging.

Here’s the first one:

And here’s the second:

The new season of The X Factor starts on Wednesday, Sept. 12.

image: Fox