English singer Ellie Goulding has defended her pre-game performance at the AFL grand final after she appeared to miss the cue to her backing track, claiming she gives 100 per cent onstage "even when people don't give much back".
The English singer's two-set show was criticised on social media after she took more than half a minute to begin singing Love Me Like You Do - leaving some wondering if the singer was lip-synching.
But Goulding responded to the comments on Twitter after the event on Saturday night, claiming she did not lip-sync and blaming a technician for the hitch.
"Incidentally the sound guy who pressed playback twice and triggered both band tracks simultaneously is nowhere to be seen... ??"
An hour earlier she said she loved it when people think she lip-syncs, because it is "a rad compliment", and added that, given she wasn't on top form on Saturday, she was pleased with her performance.
"Considering I had no voice yesterday and a sleepless night because of the meds I would say it's been a good day :) thanks for the love x
"I give 100 per cent in my performances even when people don't give much back. My fans know that. That's because I love what I do so much. :)
"Truth be told I've been unwell the past week and I could do with a long spell chill but I was determined to give everything for Oz today."
Grand final entertainment producer Michael Gudinski also refuted claims that Goulding lip-synced.
"Ellie performed live vocals to a backing track. This is a very common practice for performances in situations such as the Grand Final," he said in a statement to the media.
"Unfortunately a technical issue at the start of Ellie's performance caused a brief hiccup but Ellie went on to prove just how much of a superstar she is, belting out two of her massive hits.
"Claims that Ellie lip-synced her performance are absolutely untrue."
Goulding joined Canadian Bryan Adams and US crooner Chris Isaak for the entertainment for Saturday's grand final, in which Hawthorn beat West Coast to win the premiership for the third time in a row.
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