Just like everything else about the Obama administration, contrived for optics only.

undefinedBeyoncé did not sing the national anthem live at President Obama’s inauguration.

Millions of viewers around the world were stunned by the singer’s spectacular rendition of the anthem but The Times has learnt that she was lip-syncing to a pre-recorded backing track.

A spokeswoman for the Marine Corp Band said it was standard procedure to record a backing track and Beyoncé decided shortly before her performance to rely on the studio version rather than risk singing it live on the Capitol. (link)

updateUpdate:  The plot thickens as Beyonce’, the Obama Administration, and the Marine Corp Band attempt to obfuscate…….  avoid…….  excuse…….. etc….. etc…..STORY HERE  

(Washingtonian) — “We don’t know why Beyoncé decided to use prerecorded music,” a spokesperson for the Marine Corps Band told us this morning. “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.  (link)

It figures, given the “take that mitches” from prior snark:

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