Could it be? Did Beyonce lip sync the National Anthem instead of singing it live at President Obama's Inauguration Day 2013 ceremony on Jan. 21? Was she faking it as President Obama stood by, his hand solemnly on his heart? In a word, yes.
*Update: The U.S. Marine Band is now saying they did NOT play live for the National Anthem, but did so for all other songs. They are also back-peddling on the Beyonce thing, saying they "aren't in a position" to claim the pop star did or did not sing live. Beyonce reps still have no comment.
According to the U.S. Marine Band, rumors of a Beyonce lip sync job on Inauguration Day 2013 are entirely true. It isn't uncommon that artists record their best work under ideal studio conditions before these big events. All music scheduled to play as part of inauguration ceremonies is pre-recorded because there needs to be a safety net in case of technical failure or weather interference.
This makes sense. After all, hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people brave the cold, the crowds and often great distances to see a memorable, historic event take place in person. That event wouldn't have much 'oomph' without at least the appearance of live music, so Beyonce pre-recorded a track of herself singing the National Anthem well before the event. Just in case.
More Inaugural Coverage: Michelle Obama Eye Roll Video Goes Viral - Watch Now
However, according to the Washington Post Tuesday, the U.S. Marine band says the decision was made at the last minute to have Beyonce lip sync along with the recorded track instead of sing the anthem live. The U.S. Marine band did play live, however, as it was a balmy (by D.C. inaugural standards) 40 degrees outside and not a drop of rain in the sky. Why not play live at such a monumental event?
Well, Beyonce hasn't given a reason for her choice to not sing live on Inauguration Day 2013 just yet. Could it have been stage fright? Did Bey lose her voice cooing over baby Blue Ivy too much? Stay tuned...
You can watch Beyonce singing at the Inauguration Day 2013 ceremony online here now in the video presented with this article. (It sure looks like she's singing, anyway! She had us pretty much fooled at the time we watched it on live TV from 2,500 miles away. Our patriotism dulled our cynicism and look where it got us.)
Does it matter that Beyonce semi-faked it? It was her voice. She definitely sang the song. It wasn't live, though, and that's what the fans thought they were hearing. Leave a comment and tell us if you feel cheated, or if you feel the moment was beautiful regardless of the song being pre-recorded and pantomimed.
Did you miss Sasha Obama's adorable yawn during her dad's Inaugural address? Watch it here now.
Comments