ASHLEE SIMPSON made herself put up with the constant criticism she faced in the aftermath of her lip-synching controversy, because losing her cool would have further dented her self-esteem.

Last year (04), Simpson was famously caught miming on US TV show SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, resulting in many stars voicing their disapproval.

But the PIECES OF ME singer was determined not to let the uproar get her down.

She tells MTV, "I've been through a lot of tough situations throughout this whole year, but I've managed to keep myself together because I figure, you know, things happen to everybody.

"If I just let go and crumble, then I would be so upset with myself, just like anybody would. It's all about keeping yourself together and looking forward to the future."