French poke fun at Bruni's singing

Carla Bruni is being mocked mercilessly across France after having recorded arguably the most dreadful David Bowie cover of all time.

The somewhat feeble take on Bowie's 'Absolute Beginners,' which has been leaked on the internet may well signal an abrupt end to the pop singing career of France's First Lady.

It suggests that the self-styled 'pop artist' has been told to postpone her new album of songs because it will further the widespread unpopularity of her husband, President Nicolas Sarkozy.

But it is the charity version of Bowie's 1986 classic which prompted the most antagonism towards France's First Lady Bruni, who has been likened to the spoilt French queen Marie Antoinette.

According to critics, she frequently struggles to reach notes on the recording, and is often drowned out by the piano accompanying her, and at times have forgotten the lyrics. Her singing also sounds like one of a regular smoker.