X-FACTOR contestant Alice Bottomley says visiting New York and meeting singer John Legend were incredible experiences.
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Bottomley said she had been listening to Legend's music for many years and was thrilled to have the opportunity to perform for him.
"He's an incredible man and I've been listening to his music for years and years and when he came down the stairs I was super stoked," she said.
"He's an incredible producer, writer, singer and performer so it was amazing to sing in front of someone of that calibre."
She said far from being a prima donna, Legend was quite shy.
It was amazing to sing in front of someone of that calibre.
- Alice Bottomley
"I think Ronan is pretty quiet so when I see him and John interacting, John's even quieter but completely humble," she said.
"He came down and gave us a cuddle and tried to make us comfortable and not freak out. He's a beautiful man."
Bottomley said Legend didn't give her any specific advice, but spoke to mentor Ronan Keating about her singing skills.
On Wednesday night's episode, Bottomley learned she had made it to the final 24 and would visit an overseas location for the home visits stage.
Bottomely and fellow contestants visited New York for five days, where they performed for Legend and admired the sights, while filming.
"New York was amazing - I'd never been to America before," Bottomley said.
"It was incredible to see Central Park and go to Times Square."
Bottomley said she didn't go clubbing in New York because she had to rest her voice.
"It was just about going away somewhere away from home and having access to someone like John Legend," she said.
The home visits stage is the final stage before the X-Factor finals, which will involve singers performing live.
On Tuesday's show, Bottomley will find out if she is one of 12 contestants to make it through to the finals.
John Legend is an American singer-song writer who has won nine Grammy Awards.
Legend's hit singles include All of Me, Ordinary People and Used to Love U.
Legend has collaborated with artists Kayne West, Lauryn Hill, Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, to name a few.
Alice Bottomley was born in Castlemaine and has experience on stage and in musical theatre.
She has been popular the judges, with Dannii Minogue telling her, "You're naughty, you're cool, you're sexy, you're fine and you sing damn good," after her audition.
