George Michael defends Olympic performance

George Michael has defended his performance at the Olympic closing ceremony 2012.

The singer took to Twitter today to insist he won't let critics ruin his enjoyment of the experience.

The former Wham! star raised some eyebrows when he performed his brand new single White Light rather than one of his classic hits.

Speculation surfaced that George had used the event, which was watched by people all over the world, to generate sales for his new song.

"Morning everyone! Had a GREAT time at the closing! I hope you are not bothered by the press reports of my scandalous 'promotion'!!! Please join me in telling them to f**k off! [sic]," he wrote on his profile.

George added that he chose to perform this particular track because it reflects the ordeal he has gone through.

The 49-year-old was hospitalised with pneumonia while on tour in Vienna last year and battled for his life.

"It was my one chance on tv to thank you all for your loyalty and prayers, and I took it. X [sic]." he wrote about his Olympic performance on Twitter. "And I don't regret it. Xxxx [sic]."