“We don’t know why the decision was made,” U.S. Marine Band spokeswoman Kristen DuBois said. “She did not actually sing,” DuBois added, noting Beyonce lip-synched her own voice.
DuBois said Beyonce “pre-recorded” the song the evening before Inauguration Day, after rehearsing with the U.S. Marine Band.
According to the band’s spokeswoman, such pre-recordings are “not unusual.”
Recording musical performances prior to inauguration ceremonies are a necessity in case something should go awry, says DuBois.
“You can’t have an inaugural without the National Anthem.”
CNN has reached out to Beyonce’s representatives for comment.
American cellist Yo-Yo Ma was forced to use a pre-recording during President Obama’s first Inaugural four years ago, due to frigid temperatures.
“We all know Beyonce can sing and the Marine Band can play,” DuBois said. “I’ve been with the band 14 years. It’s not unusual,” DuBois added.
Many inauguration viewers may have also noticed Beyonce pulled her ear piece out during her performance. But DuBois did not have an explanation as to why the pop star removed the ear piece.
The Times of London first reported the story.