Watch the awkward moment Rita Ora forgets X Factor star's name live on TV - The Mirror

Simon Cowell picked his fellow judge up on her slip-up afterwards but she insisted it was a joke

Rita Ora was left red-faced while judging the X Factor last night.

The star couldn't have looked prouder when she started to introduce her act Monica Michael to the stage.

However, a few seconds into her speech, matters quickly took a turn for worse.

“Coming up next it’s someone who is amazing, and she’s my girl," announced Rita.

The Body On Me hit-maker then looked like she was starting to panic as the live studio audience became silent, waiting to find out which act would be taking to the stage next.

Desperately trying to think of Monica's name, Rita stalled: "It's... my girl."

At that point, X Factor boss Simon Cowell realised his co-judge had forgotten the name of her own act.

He snapped: "You've forgotten, haven't you?"

But Rita refused to admit Monica's name had slipped her memory and brushed the music mogul's comments to one side.

"No! It’s… no, I’m joking, it’s Monica!," she said.

Unsurprisingly, not everyone was convinced - particularly those tuning in at home.

Taking to Twitter, one viewer wrote: "Rita Ora 100% forgot that girls name on ex factor just now and badly tried to cover it up as a joke.

Another posted: "Oh. Sweet. Jesus!! Rita Ora forgot Monica Michael's name hahahaahahahahaha She was like a deer in headlights!"

The X Factor returns to ITV tonight at 8pm.