Beyoncé Wasn't Lip-Syncing: Here's Proof

Professional musician Mike Doughty weighs in
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 24, 2013 10:36 AM CST
Beyoncé Wasn't Lip-Syncing: Here's Proof
Beyonce sings the National Anthem at the ceremonial swearing-in for President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

The Beyoncé mystery continues: Was she or wasn't she lip-syncing at the inauguration? On Slate, one fellow musician declares that, without a doubt, that performance was the real deal. "Beyoncé either sang live, or she's the most gifted lip-syncer in the history of humanity," writes Mike Doughty. It's actually quite easy for a professional musician to spot lip-syncing, he explains. There are a number of clues (mouths lagging behind words, a too-perfect-sounding vocal) that give it away. Similarly, there was a bunch of evidence during Beyoncé's performance that she was singing live.

There were the "barely audible" first few words, some distortion on the mic, and yes, even that moment when she took out her earpiece. There are any number of reasons she might have done that, but none of them proves she was lip-syncing, Doughty writes. But perhaps the most telling piece of evidence that Beyoncé was singing live was "the HELL YES smile on Joe Biden's face," Doughty concludes. "Now, that is, clearly, a dude standing two feet from an electrifying lady singing like a motherf---er." Click for all the technical reasons behind Doughty's argument. As for the official word on the matter, there are still many conflicting reports. (More Beyonce stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X