It turns out America was crazy in love with a recorded version of Beyonce’s “Star-Spangled Banner” at President Obama’s second inauguration.
A U.S. Marine Band spokeswoman tells NBC that the singing superstar decided to use pre-recorded version of the song on Monday.
Master Sgt. Kristin DuBois, the public affairs chief for the U.S. Marine band, said that they did perform live for the ceremony, parade, and prayer service.
“At the very last minute, just before [Beyonce] went out, we received the instructions,” DuBois said of the singer’s decision to lip sync.
Beyonce is not the only performer to leave their song up to fate at a presidential inauguration. Four years ago, cellist Yo-Yo Ma performed John Williams’ “Air and Simple Gifts.” His quartet played along to an amplified recording of the song out of fear the cold weather could ruin the song.
Ma, at the time, said “A broken string was not an option. It was wicked cold.”
Beyonce or her reps have yet to comment.