Beyoncé Knowles lip-synched her soaring rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” at President Obama’s second inauguration Monday, the Times of London and CNN reported Tuesday. A spokesperson for the Marine Corps Band told the British paper that it is standard procedure to pre-record a backing track for the performance. Beyoncé reportedly decided shortly before her performance not to sing it live.
CNN reported that it confirmed the Times’ story:
CNN has confirmed Times of London report that Beyonce lip-synched the National Anthem during #inaug2013
— Jim Acosta (@jimacostacnn) January 22, 2013