• Beyonce lip-synched national anthem at inauguration

    By Courtney Hazlett, TODAY

    Updated, Wednesday, 2:00 p.m. ET: It's true what you're hearing about what you heard not being "true." Beyonce's spectacular inaugural performance of the national anthem was indeed lip-synched.

    Master Sgt. Kristin DuBois, public affairs chief for the United States Marine Band, confirms to TODAY.com that "it was her (Beyonce's) decision to use pre-recorded music." That pre-recorded music did include vocals, DuBois clarified.

    To be fair, all music used in the inaugural events is pre-recorded in case there is any reason -- such as extreme cold or other inclement weather conditions -- that would warrant using a track over a live performance.

    "The Marine Band did perform live for the ceremony, parade, and even the prayer service today," DuBois said Tuesday. "At the very last minute, just before she went out, we received the instructions," DuBois said of Beyonce's decision not to sing live.

    On Tuesday evening, the Marine Corp. backed off from DuBois' assertion that Beyonce used pre-recorded music that included vocals. "No one in the Marine Band is in a position to assess whether it was live or pre-recorded," Capt. Gregory A. Wolf said in a statement. "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. 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 statement also said.

    Reps for the singer have still not responded to requests for comment. Reps for Kelly Clarkson, who sang "My Country Tis of Thee" confirmed Tuesday that Clarkson "did sing live" at the inauguration. James Taylor's management confirms that he "did indeed sing and play live" when her performed "America the Beautiful."

    Beyonce is not the first person to rely on a backing track at the inauguration. DuBois recalled that in 2008 when Yo-Yo Ma played as part of a quartet at the inauguration, he too opted for the track. "You can't play cellos in 25 degrees," DuBois said. "Sometimes you just need to do it. Beyonce is a gifted singer and her decision has no bearing on her musical ability."

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  • Alicia Keys changes tune to 'Obama's on Fire' at Inaugural Ball

    Paul Sancya / AP

    Alica Keys performs during Inaugural Ball Monday.

    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    Songstress Alicia Keys paid tribute to President Barack Obama during his Inaugural Ball Monday night by changing the words to her hit tune "Girl on Fire."

    She delivered the tweaked lyrics while seated at a grand piano at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Keys started the song with the line, "He's the president and he's on fire," and continued small tweaks until she hit the chorus, which went:

    Obama’s on fire
    Obama’s on fire
    He's walking on fire
    Obama’s on fire

    Later on, she threw in a mention to the first lady:


    Everybody stands as he goes by
    Cause they can see the flame that's in his eyes
    Watch him as he's lighting up the night
    Everybody knows that Michelle is his girl
    Together they run the world.

    Watch the performance:

     

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  • Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, James Taylor all deliver at presidential inauguration

    By Courtney Hazlett, NBC News

    Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson and James Taylor are used to performing before thousands, but their audience Monday, on the most national of stages, far exceeded that. The three singers each performed songs that were part of President Barack Obama's second inauguration, and each one of them brought their best for the ceremony.

    First up was Taylor, who followed the swearing in of Vice President Joe Biden. As the only musician who was playing his own accompaniment, Taylor was spotted blowing warm air on his hands before strapping on his acoustic guitar for a short, sweet arrangement of "America the Beautiful."

    Clarkson was the second singer to perform. She followed the president's inaugural address. You'd think that would be a tough act to follow, but after Clarkson sang "My Country Tis of Thee," even Sen. Charles Schumer (who was leading the cermonies) was moved. He summed it up perfectly and said into the microphone so everyone on the mall could hear, "Wow."

    Singer Kelly Clarkson performs "My Country Tis of Thee."

    The final vocal performance came from Beyonce. Taking the stage after the benediction from Rev. Luis Leon, Beyonce did her Beyonce thing, belting out a rendition of the national anthem that all future national anthems might just be measured against.


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  • Lupe Fiasco's Inaugural Celebration set ends early after anti-Obama rap

    Tracey Nearmy / EPA

    Lupe Fiasco.

    By Ree Hines, TODAY contributor

    Grammy-nominated rapper Lupe Fiasco received top billing for StartUp RockOn's Sunday night Inaugural Celebration at the Hamilton Live, but he soon went from headliner to unwelcome act after delivering a rap that did anything but celebrate President Barack Obama's inauguration — though organizers say the early end and the political content of the rap were purely coincidental.

    A brief video of the set reveals that Fiasco, who's no stranger to provocative lyrics, rapped, "(Rush) Limbaugh is a racist / Glenn Beck is a racist / Gaza strip was getting bombed / Obama didn't say (expletive)/ That's why I ain't vote for him," sometime before several men approached the stage and the set suddenly came to an end.

    Warning: The following video contains some strong language.

    While the lyrics might have come as a surprise to some, those familiar with the performer and sentiments he's made public in the past couldn't have been shocked.

    In 2011, during an interview with CBS News, he referred to the president as "the biggest terrorist in the United States of America."

    Still, an official statement from the organizers of the inaugural party claims that while they stopped Fiasco's set early, it wasn't due to his anti-Obama content.

    Lupe Fiasco performed at this private event, and as you may have read, he left the stage earlier than we had planned. But Lupe Fiasco was not “kicked off stage” for an “anti-Obama rant.” We are staunch supporters of free speech, and free political speech. This was not about his opinions. Instead, after a bizarrely repetitive, jarring performance that left the crowd vocally dissatisfied, organizers decided to move on to the next act.

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  • Katy Perry and Usher rock for military kids at inaugural concert

    By Jordan Zakarin, The Hollywood Reporter

    As dignitaries, donors and deal makers flooded into Washington, D.C. for the second inauguration of President Barack Obama, his wife headlined an event that boasted its own considerable star power, while transcending the partisan warfare that has engulfed the city.

    In the main, cavernous room of the Washington Convention Center, First Lady Michelle Obama and the Second Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, hosted the Kids' Inaugural Concert, thrown for and in honor of the children of military families nationwide.

    Slideshow: Celebrities in DC

    Joe Raedle / Getty Images

    Launch slideshow

    The event was officially emceed by "America's Got Talent" host Nick Cannon, who stood in front of four massive screens stretching the horizontal length of the ballroom, drenched with projection-illuminated stars and set with light blue columns that suggest the capital is a friendly place worthy of the grandeur described in the kids' textbooks.

    More from THR: Lady Gaga to headline inaugural ball for Obama staffers

    Usher led off the concert with a string of his biggest hits. Perhaps because he has earned universal awareness among elementary school students through his mentorship of Justin Bieber, the Grammy-winner was greeted by dancing children of all ages; there were four-year-olds standing on their chairs, humming along and bending their knees, often holding hands with their mothers.

    Like many that followed, Usher gave a pep talk about the importance of youth activism, and the value of the sacrifices that military children make; it was a seemingly sincere tribute, and was repeated through video messages from stars such as those from Disney Channel's "Shake It Up"; Nickelodeon's "Big Time Rush"; the hit boy band The Wanted; Jimmy Fallon (who deadpanned and called himself One Direction's Harry Styles); Ellen DeGeneres (who drew massive cheers); and David Letterman, whose smiling words were met with absolute confused silence, an ironic highlight for any adult in the room.

    Photos from THR: 10 presidents and their Hollywood pals

    Several cast members from "Glee" -- Darren Criss, Naya Rivera and Amber Riley -- earned their own raucous cheers, as they performed an acoustic song each. Riley's rendition of Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful" was a particular hit.


    Among the more notable details: the concession stand in the back -- more like just a few food carts -- carried both fresh fruit and ice cream. For a first lady that has promoted healthy eating among children, it was a compromise in a special celebratory occasion.

    Obama and Biden took the stage near the end, calling in groups of military kids on video chats broadcast on the big screens. The first lady in particular was earnest in her words, appealing to all ages.

    More from THR: Hollywood gets invited to Obama's inauguration

    "You see, when we said we wanted to host a concert to honor our military kids, let me tell you, everyone wanted to be here. Usher wanted to be here," she said. "Katy Perry wanted to be here. Nick Cannon, the folks from 'Glee,' and all the other amazing performers -- they wanted to be here, too. And let me tell you, they’re not here for me. They’re not here for Dr. Biden. They are here for all of you. Because they know the kind of sacrifices that you all make every single day."

    Soon after, Perry took the stage, in her trademark Uncle Sam-style corset, with a full band and backup singers behind her. She sang for songs -- "Teenage Dream," "Part of Me," "Wide Awake" and "Firework," the last of which was played in front of a photo montage of President Obama with children -- gave the one semi-political moment of the night, celebrating "four more years" of Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.

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  • Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley and more to play at inaugural events

    Christopher Polk / Getty Images

    Singer Katy Perry.

    By Courtney Hazlett, NBC News

    As we get closer to President Barack Obama's second inauguration, celebrity acts continue to sign on to take part in the festivities. The latest boldface names to officially join in the action are Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, Usher, Brad Paisley and the cast of "Glee."

    That crop of singers, along with Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marc Anthony and John Legend, Nick Cannon, fun., and Mindless Behavior are expected to make appearances at various events, including the Kids' Inaugural on Saturday, Jan. 19, and the official inaugural balls that take place the evening of Jan. 21.

    The Kids' Inaugural is hosted by first lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden and is part of their commitment to military families; the concert honors and celebrates the service and sacrifice of the U.S. military and their families. Inaugural officials have not indicated which performers will be at the Kids' Inaugural, and which will perform at other balls.

    For those seeking out public performances, the actual inauguration ceremony on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 21 is the best bet. Beyonce will be there to perform the national anthem; James Taylor is scheduled to sing "Shower the People;" Kelly Clarkson will sing "America the Beautiful." 


    Stay tuned for more as the Presidential Inaugural Committee promises more announcements in the coming days.

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  • Beyonce, James Taylor, Kelly Clarkson to perform at Obama's inauguration

    Win Mcnamee / Getty Images file

    President Barack Obama dances with first lady Lady Michelle Obama as Beyonce sings "At Last" during the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball on Jan. 20, 2009.

    By Courtney Hazlett, NBC News

    Beyonce will sing the national anthem at President Barack Obama's second inauguration, the Presidential Inaugural Committee announced. James Taylor and Kelly Clarkson will also perform at the Jan. 21 event in Washington, D.C. Taylor will sing "America the Beautiful" and Clarkson will perform "My Country Tis of Thee."

    This isn't the first time on an inaugural stage for Beyonce and Taylor. Both artists sang at the inaugural concert held at the Lincoln Memorial ahead of Obama's swearing in in 2009. Taylor sang "Shower the People," Beyonce sang "America the Beautiful." Beyonce made another appearance after Obama's swearing in, accompanying the president and first lady for their first dance at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball with the Etta James classic "At Last."

    Slideshow: Beyonce

    The Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Tuesday that the invocation at the inaugruation will be delivered by Myrlie Evers-Williams, the widow of civil rights icon Medgar Williams.

    The PIC also announced that an inaugural poet has been chosen for the swearing-in ceremony: Richard Blanco, the youngest-ever and first Latino poet will recite a poem at the ceremony. Blanco's works explore his family's exile from their native country and "the intersection of his cultural identities as a Cuban-American gay man," the inaugural planners announced. Previous inaugural poets include Maya Angelou (President Bill Clinton, 1993) and Robert Frost (John F. Kennedy, 1961).

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