X Factor USA judge, Britney Spears, got a blast from the past at a recent audition for this years show, when a singer with whom she had previously duetted with came on stage to try out for the hugely popular singing talent show.

But the surprises didn’t stop there when, before a note came out of his mouth, the old friend confessed to the global superstar that he was in fact gay.

When the auditionee first came onto the stage, Britney recognised him instantly, exclaiming:   “I know him. We did a duet together ten years ago.’

A witness confirmed:   ”She recognised him straight away. She got this huge smile on her face and her eyes lit up. It was so sweet.”

However, her smile was soon frozen exactly in place with shock when the unnamed hopeful told the crowd:  ”I’m gay”.

A very stunned Britney listened open-mouthed as her old friend explained how he had known of his sexuality at the time of their duet, some ten years before, but had not wanted to say anything as he thought she might not have been OK with it.

Directing his tears at Britney, he confessed: “At the time, I didn’t think I was worthy. I didn’t think you thought it was OK that I am gay.”

Britney, who rushed to comfort the hopeful and help calm his nerves, put his mind instantly at rest when she then told him: “I think it is fine you are gay.”

This act of real compassion and kindness seems to have gone down very well with the American public!

A source told America’s People magazine: “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.

“She’s been through a lot in those ten years, too, so it must have been a shock for her to see him. She handled it unbelievably well and really stepped up to the situation.”

Watch a clip of Britney’s arrival at this years auditions below: