Paige Thomas Puts Up a “Fight” With Demi Lovato, Sings Rick Astley On ‘X Factor’

Why is it that every time Paige Thomas is set to perform on 'X Factor,' they must mention that she's a single mom of a little girl? Is it to gain sympathy votes? To test our attention spans? Oh 'X Factor,' we shake our fists up in the air at you.

The single mom was coming off a pretty low week last week -- even her mentor Demi Lovato gave a harsh critique of her performance, calling it pitchy. But this time around, Thomas was taking the reins because she feels Lovato just doesn't "get her" quite yet. She put up a fight with her, and opted not to take the professional's advice in order to showcase her talent during a big production full of glitz, glamour, and dance.

Thomas wanted to sing "a classic song," so when she got on stage, her foot on a ladder, and dressed in a black leather jacket and jeans, and started singing Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up' in a slowed down tempo, we raised an eyebrow to rival Meryl Streep's divalicious Miranda Priestly in 'The Devil Wears Prada.'

The set (and her outfit) all felt very Michael Jackson, but without the King of Pop. Thomas attempted some sexy choreography, but it all came across as more hilarious than serious given the song choice.

"This is the first time you have looked and sounded like a legitimate pop star," said Simon Cowell, obviously affected by the smoke machine. The rest of the judges agreed, calling it her best performance to date, but... wait, drama! Cowell doesn't believe for a second that Lovato had anything to do with the set up of the performance because Thomas went against her wishes, and that that's the reason why she did so well tonight.

That's all.