Oh, say, did you see Beyoncé Knowles sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at President Obama's inauguration?
No, you did not -- because she was lip-syncing, according to The New York Times.
A spokeswoman for the United States Marine Band -- which accompanied Knowles during the performance -- told the Times that the "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" songbird's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Monday's inauguration a previously recorded track. The admission creates doubts among many Americans about the legitimacy of the inauguration, the Obama presidency and perhaps the nation itself.
Also read: Inauguration Day: James Taylor, Kelly Clarkson and Beyonce Belt Out Patriotism (Video)
Master Sgt. Kristin duBois told the Times that the singer and the band were told at the last minute by the ceremony's organizers to use recorded version of the national anthem that was taped at the Marine Barracks Annex the previous night. DuBois did not say who why the order was issued.
"We don't know why," Sergeant duBois said. "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."
Also read: Richard Blanco: First Latino, Gay Poet Delivers Inaugural Poem (Video)
DuBois added that other performances -- including "American Idol" favorite Kelly Clarkson's rendition of "My Country 'Tis of Thee" -- was performed live.
The Marine Band has not yet responded to TheWrap's request for comment. Nor has a publicist for Knowles, who is scheduled to perform at the Super Bowl half-time show next month, assuming she hasn't been rushed to an undisclosed location by government agents following the lip-syncing gaffe.
Knowles wouldn't be the first inauguration performer to fake it during an Obama inauguration ceremony. Following the president's 2008 election, classical musicians Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman performed to a pre-recorded track due to inclement weather.
Still, as you read this, Karl Rove is no doubt coming up with a reason why the lip-synching incident means that Mitt Romney actually won the election.
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