LeAnn Rimes has drawn harsh criticism for her performance with Carly Rose Sonenclar on Wednesday's "X Factor." The 30-year-old country star joined the 13-year-old singing prodigy for a duet of "How Do I Live." (Watch their performance below.) While some viewers speculated that LeAnn was trying to out-sing the "X Factor" hopeful, others have gone so far as to accuse the star of possibly being drunk on the show.

LeAnn's fans have quickly come to her defense, praising her vocals and appearance on the "X Factor" stage. The recently troubled star looked radiant and certainly happy to be there. "I love this girl so much," she said after the performance, hugging her teen duet partner. "She's such an amazing talent; I want to wrap her up and just hold her!"

Illness is a possible excuse for LeAnn's unusual stage presence. She tweeted Tuesday (Dec. 18) that she was sick with a cold. The singer has also taken to Twitter to defend her "X Factor" performance.

"In my 18 years of performing, I have never been anything but professional onstage," she posted Thursday. "It is a shame that gossip and lies are overshadowing the performance of Carly, a very talented young girl. And while I have not given any media outlet a quote, if you want one, here it is: 'It was an amazing opportunity to share this experience with Carly and I know I'll be watching for her to win tonight.'"

Little Big Town also appeared on Wednesday's "X Factor," singing their huge hit, "Pontoon" with another Top 3 finalist, Tate Stevens. Watch their performance here.

The "X Factor" season finale airs tonight (Dec. 20) at 8:00 PM ET on FOX.

Watch a Report on LeAnn Rimes' 'X Factor' Performance

Flip Through Photos of LeAnn Rimes

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Watch LeAnn & Carly Rose's Duet

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