Updated, Wednesday, 2:00 p.m. ET: It's true what you're hearing about what you heard not being "true." Beyonce's spectacular inaugural performance of the national anthem was indeed lip-synched.
Master Sgt. Kristin DuBois, public affairs chief for the United States Marine Band, confirms to TODAY.com that "it was her (Beyonce's) decision to use pre-recorded music." That pre-recorded music did include vocals, DuBois clarified.
To be fair, all music used in the inaugural events is pre-recorded in case there is any reason -- such as extreme cold or other inclement weather conditions -- that would warrant using a track over a live performance.
"The Marine Band did perform live for the ceremony, parade, and even the prayer service today," DuBois said Tuesday. "At the very last minute, just before she went out, we received the instructions," DuBois said of Beyonce's decision not to sing live.
On Tuesday evening, the Marine Corp. backed off from DuBois' assertion that Beyonce used pre-recorded music that included vocals. "No one in the Marine Band is in a position to assess whether it was live or pre-recorded," Capt. Gregory A. Wolf said in a statement. "There was no opportunity for Ms. Knowles-Carter to rehearse with the Marine Band before the Inauguration so it was determined that a live performance by the band was ill-advised for such a high-profile event. Each piece of music scheduled for performance in the Inauguration is pre-recorded for use in case of freezing temperatures, equipment failure, or extenuating circumstances," the statement also said.
Reps for the singer have still not responded to requests for comment. Reps for Kelly Clarkson, who sang "My Country Tis of Thee" confirmed Tuesday that Clarkson "did sing live" at the inauguration. James Taylor's management confirms that he "did indeed sing and play live" when her performed "America the Beautiful."
Beyonce is not the first person to rely on a backing track at the inauguration. DuBois recalled that in 2008 when Yo-Yo Ma played as part of a quartet at the inauguration, he too opted for the track. "You can't play cellos in 25 degrees," DuBois said. "Sometimes you just need to do it. Beyonce is a gifted singer and her decision has no bearing on her musical ability."
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