It's been a series of ups and downs for 'X Factor' contestant Stacy Francis. First, thanks to the lack of an age limit for contestants, the 42-year old was allowed to compete despite an almost crippling lack of self-esteem.

Then, the standing ovation for her knock-out audition was followed by judge Simon Cowell telling her to tone it down after her next performance. To cap it off, the day Francis arrived at boot camp she had received the devastating news that her father had died.

Last night she revealed that she'd missed her dad's funeral in order to stay in the competition. Was her sacrifice worth it?

Single mother Stacy Francis blew 'The X Factor' judges away with her audition last month.

Proving that it's never too late to make your dreams come true the 42-year old Francis seemed on her way to the top. Her stunning performance of Carole King's 'Natural Woman' won her a standing ovation and saw her safely through to the "bootcamp" round of the competition.

However, just two weeks ago, the Brooklyn native received the devastating news that her father had died. TMZ reports that Francis strongly considered quitting the show to be with her family but ultimately decided to stay because that's what her father would have wanted.