There are four words we should never have to say: Back off Beyoncé, everyone.
Apparently, news got out that she lip-synched to a track of the national anthem during President Barack Obama’s inauguration.
According to the New York Times, the singer decided at the last minute to record a version of the song.
“We don’t know why,” said Master Sgt. Kristin duBois, the spokeswoman for the Marine Band. “But that is what we were instructed to do, so that is what we did. It’s not because Beyoncé can’t sing. We all know Beyoncé can sing. We all know the Marine Band can play.”
It’s not uncommon for performers to prerecord their tracks or to use backing tracks for events like the inauguration ceremony in case something happens or the weather is bad. The entire ceremony was performed live with the exception of the national anthem.
Look up the broadcast of her performance, and then compare it with a video recording from the perspective of a spectator from the crowd at the inauguration. Some of the Jumbotrons projecting the speeches and performances may have malfunctioned, which distorted most of the sound.
Remember halfway through her performance, when Beyoncé took out her earpiece to the surprise and delight of viewers? Guess the earpiece was super unnecessary.
Now, here’s the thing: Back off Beyoncé, everyone. According to The Washington Post, even Whitney Houston’s performance at the 1991 Super Bowl was lip-synched.
Ricky Minor, the band leader on the “Tonight Show” and Houston’s musical director at the time, said, “In a crowd that large and loud, it was impossible for Houston to hear herself,” according to an ABC News article.
“Though she did sing, it was her pre-recorded voice that the audience heard,” according to the article.
Are we better than Whitney Houston and Beyoncé? Absolutely not. Let’s not judge fabulous ladies because they played it better-safe-than-sorry.
Vulture published an article this week titled: “Who Betrayed America More: Lance Armstrong or Beyoncé?”
To be fair, it’s a generally flippant article that doesn’t take itself very seriously — something these opinions pages also attempt to get across at times. But the reaction to and disappointment in Beyoncé’s “misstep” is so silly. Why are so many people upset with her performance choice? It’s not an issue. It means people will always want to complain about whatever they feel like picking apart that day. How about we leave Queen Bey alone for two seconds and snap back to reality, folks.
Band director Colonel Michael J. Colburn said Beyoncé “wasn’t comfortable performing without a rehearsal, and I wasn’t comfortable with that either,” according to The Washingtonian. “We always knew that was a possibility.”
Chill out, everyone. This will not affect any of your lives in any adverse manner whatsoever. If you’re a little miffed about it, we politely ask that you get over it.
