Confirmed: Beyonce Lip-Synced the Star-Spangled Banner at Inauguration

First of all, don’t shoot the messenger. A day after Beyonce Knowles performed an incredible version of the Star Spangled Banner for the entire country, at the Inauguration, a number of outlets are reporting that she actually lip synched her performance. While folk watching TV couldn’t tell, close observers and press seated just below the podium, in front of the “President’s Own” Marine Corps Band, noticed. In fact, they say that it was evident that the band wasn’t actually playing during the song. How do we know? Well, we don’t–as we weren’t there. However, the day before the ceremony, Beyoncé posted pictures to her Instagram showing that she was in a recording studio (we assumed she was simply rehearsing). She holds a copy of the sheet music to “The Star Spangled Banner” in front of a microphone attached to a recording device, and in another she sits in front of recording equipment while members of the Marine Corps Band stand clutching sheet music behind her. What’s more? A spokesman for the Marine Corps band told the Washingtonian: 

“We don’t know why Beyoncé decided to use prerecorded music. All music [for inaugural ceremonies] is prerecorded as a matter of course, and that’s something we’ve done for years and years. The Marine Band did perform live throughout the ceremony but we received last-minute word that Beyoncé wanted to use the recording.”

The spokesperson also added that everyone knows Beyoncé is a gifted singer, and her decision has no bearing on her musical ability. Anywho, check the performance below and chime in on if you think she lip synched and if it really matters.

[youtube width=”590″ height=”415″]http://youtu.be/Z-DSFrGnQrk[/youtube]