VIDEO: Houston, We Have A Problem: Whitney's Blunder Down Under

Whitney Houston laid an egg on the opening night of her Australian tour, RadarOnline.com has learned, as the diva reportedly appeared disoriented, breathless and exhausted during her first Aussie concert in a dozen years.

Whitney Houston Throws A Diva Fit Down Under

The 46-year-old coughed, wheezed and even paused during her set at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Monday night, according to the Associated Foreign Press. She also failed to properly name some of her backing band as she introduced them to the audience.

Houston's management team defended the diva, denying she was ill during the performance and saying it it was "happy'' with the opening performance -- but fans and music journalists are blasting the gig.

"She couldn't entertain a dead rat, to be honest," a fan told local media, according to the AFP.

Even the promoter who brought Houston to Australia has admitted she was not up to standard.

"Was it an A? No, it was probably a B+," said Andrew McManus, "It was not a train wreck. She was hitting most of the notes, yes her throat was a little croaky. She was on stage for two-and-a-half hours dancing, singing, running. Was she a little out of breath on a couple of songs? Yes, she was. But I don't apologize for that, she had a red-hot go."

Houston will have two days' rest before her next performance in Sydney on February 24.