DENVER (AP) — Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper’s flattering comments about Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia turned into a bit of a flub.

The governor mistakenly referred to Garcia as a “rising sex star” Wednesday. He made the remark while introducing him at a childhood literacy event attended by about 40 children at a Denver elementary school.

Hickenlooper routinely introduces Garcia as a “rising star” and a “rock star” at public events. The Democrat immediately caught his slip, which was recorded by radio station KOA. The Denver Post reported the comments Thursday.

According to the tape, Hickenlooper says, “Now I get to introduce that rising sex star — symbol. I mean, symbol — not star.”

After some awkward laughter, he deadpanned that it might go down as one of his most difficult news conferences.