Courtesy NBC(NBC News) -- 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 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.
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."
Publicists and agents for Beyonce did not respond to requests for comment.
