Britney Spears had an awkward encounter with one of her fans during taping of The X Factor recently.

The 30-year-old singer turned talent judge was so bemused by a drag artist who sang one of her songs that she literally stormed off the set.

People magazine reports that the audition in Greensboro, North Carolina left the Hit Me Baby One more Time starlet stunned.

Britney apparently watched on in a amazement as the man, dressed partially as a woman, sang her hit (You Drive Me) Crazy, along with fellow judges Demi Lovato, L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell.

And after Britney walked off she was followed by L.A. and Demi but Simon stayed behind.

'I don't think she quite understood your tribute,' he told the singer.

'I had to fight real hard to get here,' the tearful performer replied adding that he was on welfare and nearly missed the audition because he couldn't afford to pay his phone bill.

But when Britney eventually returned she told the man that she 'really respect the tribute. It was really nice.'