Abdul has sympathy for Britney

American Idol judge Paula Abdul has leaped to the defence of Britney Spears, after the pregnant pop star received a barrage of criticism for her parenting skills and choice of husband.

The media and public have frequently berated the Toxic singer since she started dating now-husband Kevin Federline in 2004, because his girlfriend Shar Jackson was pregnant with his child when he started romancing Spears.

Spears has subsequently come under fire for her dress sense and mothering of baby son Sean Preston.

Backstage at the Teen Choice Awards, where Federline made his live debut with his first single Lose Control, Abdul admitted she felt sorry for Spears and wasn't impressed by Federline's performance.

Abdul tells USA Today online: "The person I feel saddest for is Britney."