Jamie Squire, Getty Images
As the 30-year-old Aguilera performed 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' she flubbed the fourth line of the song's first section, singing: "What so proudly we watched at the twilight's last [unintelligible lyric]," instead of "'O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming." Critics and bloggers were quick to point out Aguilera's blunder, while footage of the mistake has already become a popular video throughout the internet. Now the singer has released a statement, apologizing for the incident.
"I got so caught up in the moment of the song that I lost my place," the statement reads. "I can only hope that everyone could feel my love for this country and that the true spirit of its anthem still came through."
Despite the critical backlash of the embarrasing moment, Christina Aguilera's friends and fans have come to her defense. Singer Natasha Bedingfield tweeted, "She did great! She sung her heart out. Didn't you see one of the players was so moved he was crying?! I'd like to see you try and do that!" Jordin Sparks added, "The test of a true artist is continuing even when things go a little left and not letting people know it did during the performance. I love Xtina."
Watch Christina Aguilera perform 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'
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