THE North-East singer chosen to perform the national anthem at the FA Cup Final has apologised after missing the opening.

Karen Harding, from Consett, County Durham, appeared to miss her cue for the start of God Save the Queen.

Millions around the world watched as she struggled with her earpiece while Manchester United and Crystal Palace players and fans sang the words around her at Wembley.

The 24-year-old eventually joined in and her voice can be heard.

She took to Twitter to explain there had been ‘technical difficulties’.

She said: “OMG. Biggest audience of my life and I get technical difficulties! Argh so sorry Guys,” she tweeted, before adding: “Mortified!! I don’t know what happened.”

Last year, Harding had a hit with tune called ‘Say Something’.