Martin Bashir apologised as he forgot his words while singing on Celebrity X Factor.
The journalist stopped in his tracks during his reggae performance of Easy by The Commodores and said sorry for the blunder.
"I've forgotten my words, I do apologise," said the broadcaster best known for his hard-hitting interviews with the late Princess Diana and Michael Jackson.
"It's not easy up here people," explained host Dermot O'Leary on the ITV singing show.
Judge Simon Cowell handed it over to Martin to give his opinion on the performance and he said the slip-up happened after he had to change his original song choice before the live show.
"I'm not trying to make excuses but my song had to be changed very late," he said.
"I've been anxious all evening and it went out of my mind."
"Things were likely to go wrong," agreed Simon.
But fellow judge Louis Walsh harshly likened the performance to a 'father of the bride' at a wedding.
Viewers took to Twitter to discuss the moment.
"I do love a Live TV car crash moment. Wonderful," said one.
"@MartinBashir - styled that out like a legend," said another.
"Martin Bashir you are a legend even if you forgot your words!! Well done mate," said a third.
And another tweeted: "@Louie_Walsh MATE that was proper harsh!! Core blimey! #brutal."
There was a shock last weekend when Love Actually star Olivia Olson became the first star to be sent home from Celebrity X Factor over Martin.
The American singer was sent packing by Simon Cowell who had to decide between the pair.
