WASHINGTON — Beyonce lip-synced the national anthem during her rousing performance at President Obama’s inauguration, according to the U.S. Marine Band.

A band spokeswoman told news outlets Tuesday that the band was notified at the last minute before the performance that Beyonce would use a pre-recorded voice track. Band members played their instruments live with no intonation problems in the chilly conditions ahead of the national anthem, the spokeswoman said.

“The entire performance was live except for the national anthem,” Master Sgt. Kristin duBois told The New York Times and other outlets. “We don’t know why. But that is what we were instructed to do so that is what we did. It’s not because Beyonce can’t sing. We all know Beyonce can sing. We all know the Marine Band can play.”

All inaugural music is pre-recorded in case weather conditions or other circumstances could interrupt the program.

A representative for Beyonce did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Kelly Clarkson’s representative said she sang live to perform “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.”

Inaugural organizers also did not immediately respond to requests for comment on why the musical plans were changed at the last minute.

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The use of a recording is typical in big events.

In 2009, cellist Yo-Yo Ma was questioned about “hand-syncing” for Obama’s first inauguration. Ma said instruments weren’t functioning properly in 19-degree weather.

Even in good conditions, producing good sound can be a challenge in a large space.

Some artists choose to lip-sync. Whitney Houston’s memorable performance of the national anthem at the 1991 Super Bowl was sung to a track.

Walters on the mend after tumble at VIP party

NEW YORK — Barbara Walters says she expects to be home from the hospital soon after taking a spill at a Saturday night party at the British ambassador’s home in Washington.

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The veteran ABC newswoman thanked people who expressed concern in a statement read Monday on “The View.”

She says she’s running a low-grade fever and doctors don’t want to release her until her temperature is normal. Her colleagues at “The View” wished her well on the air, although comic Joy Behar couldn’t resist a joke.

Behar urged Walters to get well and to “lay off the Grey Goose” vodka.

Sting’s girl to debut in new Lucas comedy

NEW YORK — Sting’s daughter Mickey Sumner has signed up to make her off-Broadway debut in Craig Lucas’s new comedy “The Lying Lesson.”

The Atlantic Theater Company said Tuesday that Sumner, whose credits also include the new Noah Baumbach film “Frances Ha,” will star opposite Carol Kane in the comic thriller.

Kane plays a woman who may or may not be legendary screen star Bette Davis, and Sumner will portray a woman who tries to discover her true identity.

Previews begin Feb. 20 with an opening set for March 13. Tony Award-nominated director Pam MacKinnon will replace Anna D. Shapiro as the play’s director.

 


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