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Lauren Alaina performed the National Anthem at Game 5 of the World Series and those watching at home saw nothing but a flawless performance.

Behind the scenes though, Lauren admits she almost turned the opportunity down.

Back in 2011, Lauren forgot some of the lyrics while performing the National Anthem during the Thanksgiving Day NFL game between the Detroit Lions and the Green Day Packers.

Alaina was 17-years-old at the time and took to Twitter to acknowledge her mistake.

Thank you everyone for the kind words. But the truth is I messed up. I’m gonna spend the rest of the day being thankful for all my blessings

— Lauren Alaina (@Lauren_Alaina) November 24, 2011

However, some viewers weren’t happy, calling her Un-American. 

Fellow American Idol alum,  Kellie Pickler, took to Twitter at the time to defend her friend saying, “IN A TIME WHERE BULLYING IS AT ITS WORST I’M SO DISAPPOINTED THAT GROWN MEN & WOMEN ARE RIPPING APART A 17YR OLD. WHEN PEOPLE FALL YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO HELP THEM UP, NOT KICK EM’ FURTHER DOWN. DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU. BE KIND.”

IN A TIME WHERE BULLYING IS AT ITS WORST I’M SO DISAPPOINTED THAT GROWN MEN & WOMEN ARE RIPPING APART A 17YR OLD. WHEN PEOPLE FALL…(CONT)

— kellie pickler (@kelliepickler) November 24, 2011

It took 10 years for Lauren to overcome her fear and sing the National Anthem again.  She shared with fans on Facebook the following message.

“That sweet, young girl that sang the  National Anthem and messed it up on national television. The one that was viciously bullied on the Internet and called UnAmerican. I haven’t been able to find the courage to do it ever since that day. I’ve been asked probably 50 times and declined. The fear had been too much for me to overcome.”