Just like her idol Aretha Franklin, teen singing sensation Misha Bryan will say a little prayer before she steps on The X Factor stage tonight. (SAT)

The 19-year-old, from Longsight, wowed the judges at her first audition in Manchester with her version of the soul legend's other classic, Respect.

And – speaking to the M.E.N. ahead of the first live show – she said: "I'll say a quick prayer before I go on stage.

“My aunt, grandma, and my nieces and nephews have always been so supportive and now everyone in my community is right behind me.

“The last time I was at home I walked down my grandma's street and there were posters in the windows and people are wearing T-shirts with my name on.

"I just need to stay calm. It's a mix of a being a bag of nerves and feeling great excitement but I'm just hoping the adrenalin will help me put on a great performance.

“I can't reveal which song I'll be singing, but I can say it is one by one of Britain's most iconic new artists."

Misha was speaking after it was revealed FOUR acts will be axed this weekend, one from each category by each mentor.

Student Misha, whose mentor is Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland, will

showcase her fun, girly, new look this weekend.

It is a dramatic departure from her usual uber glamorous diva outfits.

Gone are the colourful killer heels replaced by sensible flat black boots.

She has emerged as one of the favourites to win the show, with Betfred giving her odds of 10-1 behind Frankie Cocozza, Amelia Lily and Janet Devlin.

The former Trinity High School pupil's heart-rending tale of how her aunt brought her up from the age of three months - because her mother was unable to look after her - moved millions of viewers.

She can also count on support in high places, with celebrity backers including boyband JLS. The group, who were runners up in The X Factor 2008, have said they want her to win – and cult online gossip columnist Perez Hilton is also behind her.

Misha revealed that she has been lapping up the luxurious surroundings of the contestants' palatial pad, which is equipped with pool, steam room and gym.

And she said she had been getting on well with around 10 female room-mates. She said: "It's good. Obviously, it's not the norm to be sharing with so many but it's all about adapting to your environment.

“Every day is different. Sometimes you have an early start, sometimes you have a lie-in. We have vocal training, we exercise in the gym.

“It's all so exciting but I just want to thank everyone in Manchester for all the support. I won't let you down."

*Stop Sobbing! See Weekend supplement p7.

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