Tearful Byrne forced to change 'X Factor' song choice

‘X Factor’ hopeful Mary Byrne had to change her song for this week’s performance after breaking down in tears during rehearsals.

The Irish contestant was left sobbing after struggling to hit the right notes on ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’, which was a hit for Diana Ross in 1970.

After another poor rendition, a tearful Byrne said: “This isn’t me. I can’t do it, I really can’t.”

However, her mentor Louis Walsh stepped in and told the 50-year-old hopeful she could sing another song on the Guilty Pleasures-themed show tonight.

Walsh said: “Mary just freaked out. She didn’t like the song. She was in tears and I was really worried about her. I sat her down and said: ‘Look, we should change the song. You have to be comfortable doing this.’ But she’ll get through this, she has huge talent.”

Mary will now perform the Ben E. King track ‘I Who Have Nothing’.

Despite the hiccup, Walsh is confident Byrne will stay in the competition.

Walsh said: “We had to change it but she'll be fine and I know everyone in Ireland is behind her.”