Britney's tearful X Factor reunion

Britney Spears has been reunited with an old friend on the US X Factor.

The pop princess, who forms part of the judging panel this year, got a shock when one of the hopefuls walked into the auditions, People reported.

"I know him," said Britney. "We did a duet together 10 years ago."

The singer - who has not been named yet - then started to cry and revealed to the panel that he was gay but that he hadn't told Britney about it before.

"At the time I didn't think I was worthy. I didn't think you thought it was OK that I am gay," he said.

Britney then replied: "I think it is fine you are gay."

A source said: "When he started crying and saying he thought he'd never see her again and that he'd had a lot to deal with, Britney was comforting him to calm him."

The Toxic singer is sitting on the panel with Simon Cowell, LA Reid and Demi Lovato.