UPDATE at 10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013: After the story regarding Beyonce not singing "The Star Spangle Banner" live on Monday at President Barack Obama's second inauguration ceremony went viral on Tuesday afternoon, the story regarding a Beyonce-lip synch is being denied by Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Gregory Wolf who said the U.S. Marine Band's portion of the song was prerecorded because Beyonce did not have a chance to practice with the band. The earlier story by Master Sgt. Kristin du Bois was that Beyonce's portion of the performance was prerecorded. The answer to the mystery might lie with the representatives of Beyonce - or Beyonce, herself - and no one from the Beyonce camp is talking, yet.
Staying above the fray, representatives for Kelly Clarkson said that Clarkson's performance of "My Country 'Tis of Thee" was unquestionably performed live.
The original story posted at 2:50 p.m. Monday: If you thought Beyonce – full name Beyonce Knowles – sang “The Star Spangled Banner” (The National Anthem) at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration ceremony on the Mall of America in Washington, D.C. near-flawlessly on Monday, you are probably correct. After all, reports now come out from various sources, including the New York Post, that Beyonce was lip synching every word of the song. That means she wasn’t singing live for the president and the live audiences on site and via widespread television coverage.
Kelly Clarkson performs "My Country 'Tis of Thee" Live at Obama's Second Inauguration Ceremony (Video)
Beyonce was one of three solo singers at the ceremony which publicly swore in President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden on the Mall of America in Washington, D.C. James Taylor sang with his guitar, Kelly Clarkson sang as she was accompanied by the United States Marine Band, and – now the public learns – Beyonce didn’t sing.
At one point, Beyonce adjusted something in or near her left ear - probably so she could hear herself sing as she was lip synching?
According to reliable sources, all music is pre-recorded for the inaugural ceremony because things may come up which require the use of a pre-recorded track. In the case of Beyonce’s performance – at the last minute – instructions were given to play the pre-recorded track of Beyonce’s singing voice though the band continued to play live. The reason for Beyonce not singing live was not given.
With all the singers who would have given anything to have had the opportunity to sing "live" at this historic event, maybe the powers-that-be could consider having "back-up" singers ready to replace a singer rather than a "back-up" recording.
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