Country singer Rimes joined the 13-year-old for a performance on Wednesday night's live finale, but was criticised by viewers who speculated about whether she was drunk.
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Rimes was quoted by TMZ denying such rumours, while also implying that her performance was affected by Sonenclar's nervousness.
The site stated that she said: "I was trying to help this 13-year-old girl who was having some trouble with the song."
Sonenclar's mother has reportedly reacted angrily to Rimes's comments, with sources saying she believes Rimes 'trashed' the duet and the contestant's chances of winning the show, and insisting that her daughter actually outperformed the star in their duet.
> X Factor USA: Five things we liked most about season two
Rimes has since denied making the above comments, but TMZ insists that her representative supplied the quote.
The X Factor USA crowned its second season winner on last night's show (December 20).
Photo gallery - X Factor USA live finals part 2:
The X Factor USA Season 2 - Live finals part 2: Finalists Carly Rose Sonenclar, Fifth Harmony and Tate Stevens perform
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