Beyonce accused of miming US national anthem at Obama's inauguration

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Published time: January 23, 2013 13:02
Edited time: January 23, 2013 22:02

R&B diva Beyonce has become embroiled in scandal after reports that the singer ‘mimed’ the American National Anthem at Obama's inauguration on Monday instead of actually singing it live.

According to the Times, someone from the Marine Corp Band, which was accompanying Beyonce at Obama’s inauguration, said that the singer did not actually sing Star Spangled Banner live, but lip-synched it.

The person explained to the newspaper that it is standard practice for a singer’s vocal track to be recorded and then played out at a live concert. Beyoncé chose this option instead of performing live to close the inauguration ceremony, according to the spokesperson.

"We did pre-record it and it was Beyonce’s decision at the last minute to go with the pre-recorded version,” the source is alleged to have said. “We pre-recorded all music as a matter of course and have done since time immemorial,” she said. “This is our 54th inauguration…There is no question of there not being any music – it’s not because the performer cannot do it.”

However a statement from the Marine Corp Band later denied its member’s claim saying that no one from the band can really say whether Beyonce was singing live or just miming.

Beyoncé performed the American National Anthem as part of the musical program to celebrate Obama's second inauguration in the capitol, Washington DC.

There has not yet been any comment from the singer.