Image Credit: Win McNamee/Getty Images

Did Beyoncé lip-synch the national anthem at President Obama’s inauguration yesterday? While Queen Bey herself has remained mum about the matter, several news outlets say “yes” — and though this statement from the United States Marine Band doesn’t reveal whether Beyoncé’s vocals were sung live, it does confirm that the band itself played along to a pre-recorded track.

The reason? Since Beyoncé didn’t have an opportunity to rehearse with the group before Inauguration Day, “it was determined that a live performance by the band was ill-advised for such a high-profile event.” Here’s the full statement, which emphasizes that presidential inauguration music is always pre-recorded, just in case:

The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) requested that the Marine Band accompany Beyonce Knowles-Carter in the performance of the Star-Spangled Banner at the 2013 Inaugural Ceremony. However, 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. Regarding Ms. Knowles-Carter’s vocal performance, no one in the Marine Band is in a position to assess whether it was live or pre-recorded.

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