Beyonce Lip Synching: Aretha Franklin 'Laughed'

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, January 23, 2013

As Beyonce faces controversy for lip-synching while performing the "Star Spangled Banner" on Monday, Aretha Franklin has offered an interesting take on the incident.

Many fans voiced outrage that Beyonce may have pre-recorded her performance of the National Anthem during President Obama's Inauguration after a spokesperson for the U.S. Marines Band sparked speculation.

Noting her adversity to singing in the cold, Aretha Franklin told ABC News that when she heard Beyonce's National Anthem performance was pre-recorded, she laughed.

"I really laughed," said the legendary singer. "I thought it was funny because the weather down there was about 46 or 44 degrees and for most singers that is just not good singing weather."

Franklin performed during President Obama's first inauguration in 2009.

"But she did a beautiful job with the pre-record," the singer told ABC. "Next time I'll probably do the same."

Moreover, the "R-E-S-P-E-C-T" singer said pre-recording a performance was entirely up to the artist.

"I think it's optional really, it's up to the artist," said Franklin before adding that she was unsurprised by Beyonce's pre-recording.

"She wanted her performance to be what she wanted to be and she realized that it wasn't going to be the way she wanted it to be or she was going to be running a risk," explained the singer. "That's probably why she pre-recorded exactly how she wanted it to be heard."

Other Beyonce defenders have interpreted Franklin's comments as taking a dig at the "Single Ladies" singer.

"No R-e-s-p-e-c-t," Thomas posted to Twitter. "Aretha Franklin confesses to laughing at Beyonce lip-syncing controversy."

Twitter user Clara also interpreted Franklin's comments as negative, writing, "Aretha Franklin shades Beyonce: 'She did a beautiful job with the pre-record' OH THE SHADE!"

Alternately, A.J. credited Franklin by posting, "Count me among those that feel people need to give Beyonce a break. If its good enough for the great @ArethaFranklin, well, end of story."

Meanwhile, Captain Kendra N. Motz, Media Officer of the U.S. Marines Band, said that they are not "in a position to assess" if Beyonce lip-synched the "Star Spangled Banner." The Presidential Inaugural Committee requested that the Band accompany the hitmaker in her performance.

"There was no opportunity for Ms. Knowles-Carter to rehearse with the Marine Band before the Inauguration so it was determined that a live performance by the band was ill-advised for such a high-profile event," Motz explained to ABC News.

"Each piece of music scheduled for performance in the Inauguration is pre-recorded for use in case of freezing temperatures, equipment failure, or extenuating circumstances," the Marines Band spokesperson continued. "Regarding Ms. Knowles-Carters' vocal performance, no one in the Marine Band is in a position to assess whether it was live or pre-recorded."

Inauguration Day also saw performances by James Taylor and Kelly Clarkson, who attended Obama's public swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Monday.

"It's always hard for a guitar player to play when it's cold because your hands sort of stiffen up and you know nerves tend to do that to you anyway," explained Taylor while speaking to George Stephanopoulos and Diane Sawyer, before adding that he was happy to get through his performance "without any train wrecks."

Furthermore, Clarkson noted her stress ahead of the live performance of "My Country, 'Tis of Thee."

"Wow… I was incredibly nervous and cold ha," the singer posted to Twitter on Monday.