Fergie - Fergie Defends Aguilera's Super Bowl Blunder

The Dirrty hitmaker has hit the headlines for mixing up the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner before Sunday's (06Feb11) big game.

Critics have been quick to jump on her blunder, but Fergie, who hit the stage with the Black Eyed Peas for the half-time show, has urged the media to back off - because performing at one of the world's most-watched sporting events is nerve-wracking enough.

Fergie says, "I did (feel for her) because, you know what, it's such a huge venue, your nerves just take a hold of you, so I completely understand. She's one of the best singers of our time, so nobody can take that away from her. You get nervous at these things; she's human!"

And Fergie has accepted criticism of her own vocals at the event in Arlington, Texas, adding, "Some of my notes were pitchy to me, but that was just over-excitement, I was nervous. But it's just exhilarating, the whole thing was so big. That's a once in a lifetime thing, it was just so exciting."