Figure from Her Past Makes Britney Spears Emotional at X Factor Audition

Britney Spears teared up at auditions for The X Factor in San Francisco over the weekend when she was forced to judge someone from her past, reports People magazine.

A source tells People that when a certain male contestant took the stage, judge Britney recognized him right away and smiled.  "I know him," Britney reportedly told fellow judges Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and Demi Lovato. "We did a duet together 10 years ago."

Then, the unnamed contestant broke down, according to People, and told Britney and the audience, "I'm gay.  At the time I didn't think I was worthy.  I didn't think you thought it was okay that I am gay."  Britney responded, "I think it is fine that you are gay."

The source adds that as the contestant started to talk about how he'd had a lot to deal with over the past ten years, Britney "was comforting him," but added, "It must have been a shock for her to see him.  You could tell she was emotional and she really felt for him."

But when it came to judging this blast from the past, People reports, Britney gave the guy a "straightforward critique."  The source says, ""She handled it unbelievably well and really stepped up to the situation.  It was probably the most personal and emotional situation for her that's happened so far on X Factor."

Unfortunately, the source wouldn't confirm the singer's identity or say whether or not he made it through.

The second season of The X Factor premieres Wednesday, September 12 on Fox.