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It takes a lot of courage to perform a song in front of its original artist — and that's just what X Factor hopeful Paige Thomas did on the Nov. 21 episode.
So how'd she feel about singing “Everytime” — a song made famous by Britney Spears in 2004 — in front of the judge?
“When I heard that song I was like yes, I have been dying to do a Britney song,” the 22-year-old tells Life & Style. “It’s one of her best songs ever.”
“[It wasn’t daunting to sing] because I absolutely adore Britney,” she adds. “I’ve been a fan of hers for so long. When I found out that she was one of the judges, it was one of the main reasons I auditioned.”
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But there was one thing Paige took into consideration.
“I was worried," she tells us about the song, which was apparently written about Britney’s ex Justin Timberlake. "After initially hearing [it], I felt cool. But when we started working on it I thought, this is going to hurt me or help me. To me that song is not about breaking up. I see it more about my dark past meeting the future positive me. Shedding one persona and moving into a new light.”
“Right before I went on stage, I told my vocal coach I was so nervous,” she adds. “I couldn’t believe I was doing it, am I crazy? But life is about taking risks and if you don’t, you never know what you can do.”
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Taking the risk paid off. Following her number, Britney gave her stamp of approval. And the very next night, she was safe from elimination.
“I was so happy — I wanted to scream out ‘I love you Britney!’” Paige says.
Do you think Paige has what it takes to win the competition? See her rendition of "Everytime" below and check out her next performance on Nov. 28 on FOX at 8 P.M. ET.
