Beyoncé’s singing of the national anthem at President Obama’s second inauguration has been widely praised, but it doesn’t appear to have been a live performance.
Beyoncé allegedly lip-synched her performance yesterday. And while prior to the inaugural she posted a photo of herself practicing the “Star Spangled Banner” with her band on Instagram, Master Sgt. Kristin DuBois, public affairs chief for the United States Marine Band, confirms that “it was [Beyoncé’s] decision to use pre-recorded music.”
That pre-recorded music did include vocals, DuBois clarified.
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Beyoncé has been on a winning streak since the beginning of this year, including the (brief) reunion of Destiny’s Child, an upcoming HBO documentary, and her highly anticipated gig headlining the Super Bowl halftime show, but this lip synching controversy could be a major dent to her integrity as a singer.
According to the Associated Press, Kelly Clarkson’s representatives said her performance of”My Country, `Tis of Thee” was sung live.
Beyoncé’s camp has yet to address the reports publicly.
One thing is for sure: Her Twitter fanbase, the #BeyHive, will defend her like there’s no tomorrow.
We’ll continue to post as more details surface.
For the latest music news, follow Kyle Harvey on Twitter at @HarveyWins.