The road to fame has not been easy for Stacy Francis, the 42-year-old single mother and native of Brooklyn, New York. Three weeks ago Francis won over America’s hearts when she appeared on The X-Factor, auditioning for a chance to compete for a $5 million record contract. Before performing a moving rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “You Make Me Feel (Like a) Natural Woman,” the singer revealed how she nearly gave up on her dreams. Years ago she was in an abusive relationship and her boyfriend made her believe she was not talented enough and too old to make it as a singer.

The X-Factor has no upper age limit for contestants so Francis is reminding us all that there the is no expiration date on true talent.

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Last night the songstress gave her most memorable performance with a soul-stirring take on Prince’s anthem “Purple Rain.”

Before performing she revealed in a behind-the-scenes interview that she has given up everything to be on the show, and was even wearing a dress and a pair of heels that she borrowed from a friend.

After her performance the judges were in tears as was Francis while she told the judges that this is her last chance to make it, “I just want to be on stage,” Francis reiterated. “It’s all I live and breathe for.”

WATCH STACY FRANCIS PERFORM ‘PURPLE RAIN’ HERE

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