BILLERICAY'S Lauren Platt impressed the judges on the X Factor tonight despite battling a throat infection.

The 17-year-old has struggled with her voice all week after becoming ill but still managed to perform.

Former X Factor winners Little Mix picked Lauren's song- Clarity by Zedd and viewers saw the youngest contestant open up about her home life.

Lauren, a pupil at The Billericay School, was supported in the studio by her parents Sasha and Brad as her friends and family joined her on stage.

Judge Louis Walsh said: "If you were making a record today, that's the type of song you would sing. I loved the staging, I loved the energy and I know you had a really bad week because you were sick and didn't tell anybody. For me that was faultless."

Mel B praised the song choice but said she was distracted by the production and said: "I could feel you weren't enjoying it, so therefore I didn't enjoy it."

Disagreeing, music boss Simon Cowell, said: "I could tell you were straining a little bit vocally on that because you have been sick. I have to disagree with Mel. I thought having your friends and family on stage with you made it more real. It wasn't distracting. I think you needed some production around you. This is the kind of record you would make in the real world."

Mentor Cheryl Fernandez-Versini had the last word.

The former Girls Aloud singer said: "I have to say sorry to you for giving you strep throat. She has been incredibly ill this week. Yesterday she had no vocal and we didn't know if she was going to make it. Tonight I could not be more proud of you for getting out there like a trooper."

With two performances this week, Lauren also impressed with her rendition of Don't You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia.

Mel B said: "You absolutely smashed it" and Louis Walsh said the youngster is "the perfect little pop star."

Lauren will next perform in the results show, Sunday night at 8pm, ITV1.