The X Factor: Pressure Builds as Britney Spears and LA Reid Choose Top Contenders

(FOX)

The pressure keeps building on “The X Factor” as the 24 contestants left do all they can to impress the judges.

On Thursday night, it was pop diva’s Britney Spears’ turn to take the “Teens” to her Malibu pad and have them prove they should remain in the competition.

Spears brought Black Eyed Peas’ frontman will.i.am to help her choose the best talent: “he has such a fresh sound and he knows what the kids are listening to,” she said.

The “I’m a Slave for You” singer expressed her concern about the contestants in the “Teen” category being able to handle the pressure of show business.

“Very talented young girl,” said Spears about Carly Rose Soneclare, who blew her and will.i.am away. “I’m just kind of scared that she may not be able to cope with the pressure of everything.”

On the other hand, will.i.am felt that Soneclare would evolve from a caterpillar into a dragon as she gained experienced in the music industry.

As for music executive L.A. Reid, who was disappointed in having to coach the “Over 25” singers, he brought teen superstar Justin Bieber with him and said he “was having a change of heart” in regards to wanting a different group.

J Biebs was torn with the idea of cutting two of the contestants, but Reid helped him reminding him what is at stake for the winner.

"If you had to go into your bank account and write a check for $5 million, would you give it to that guy?" asked Reid.

Jason Brock, Vino Alan and  David Correy nailed their performances impressing Reid and Bieber, while Daryl Black and Tate Stevens and Tara Simon, who was unaware of her pitch problems, might be in jeopardy to be sent home.

Next week, one contestant in each group will make it through to the live auditions.