People said she may be too unstable yet for a show like X-Factor, and people may be right! According to TMZ via several people in the audience, she was upset after a contestant messed up her song, “Hold It Against Me.” More details on her walk-off below.

Marisa Mendez

Britney did not come back immediately … and four contestants auditioned in front of the remaining judges … and an empty seat.

Someone connected with the show tells us Britney was not upset over the song — and that she “Just took a short break.”

The show is currently on a break — so we don’t know if or when she will return to her seat.

tmz