Furious X Factor contestant Michelle Lawson storms off stage as she brands judges' decision to eliminate her a 'bag of c**p'

With X Factor making and breaking the dreams of many countless singing hopefuls, it's understandable that emotions often run high.

And it was no exception for mother-of-two Michelle Lawson when she appeared on the show on Saturday night, declaring that at 37 it was her last-shot attempt at hitting the big time.

In her initial audition, she got three yes votes from judges Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Mel B and Louis Walsh.

However, it didn't seem as though she'd taken the acid-tongued judge's advice on board as she performed Jennifer Hudson's And I Am Telling You on Saturday's episode.

Louis, who is normally a positive critic on the judges' panel, said to her: 'You can definitely sing, but I honestly don't think you're what we're looking for on the show. It was a little bit over the top, it was a little bit shouty.'

Noise: Louis Walsh deemed her performance of Jennifer Hudson's And I Am telling You 'a little bit shouty

Cheryl went on to criticise Michelle's 'vocal acrobatics', prompting Michelle to hit back: 'I don't know what to say. I'm 37 and this is my last shot at it. And you won't give me another chance.'

After each judge voted no, Michelle surmised: 'Devastated is an understatement,' before making a rapid departure from the stage.

And while her exit seemed graceful, but the time she got to the backstage area, where families of hopefuls normally wait with host Dermot O'Leary, a furious Michelle snipped in front of cameras: 'Don't even speak to me!'

Not music to my ears: Cheryl Fernandez-Versini criticised Michelle's use of 'vocal acrobatics