Beyoncé-Gate??????

[Stinky The Clown]

Really?

"Washington" is worried about this?

Millie Vanillie was a LOOOOOOOONG time ago.

This ain't no Millie Vanillie. There ain't no there there.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

1. What did the President know about this?

And when did he know it?

Congressional subcommittees need to be convened. Answers need to be questioned.

This is series.

[Buzz Clik]

2. Did we not have the same discussion last inauguration?

Cold weather causes you to make changes

Ever see the Macy's Parade on the tube? Does anyone think they are singing live?

(I am curious why Beyonce doesn't simply admit it openly. It's not a big deal until the denials begin)

[hatrack]

3. Yeah, and Yo-Yo Ma's group didn't play live at the last inaugural, either - too cold

BFD

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

7. Yo-Yo Ma probably didn't have his best fiddle at the inauguration

I'm sure his #1 and #2 instruments were in a climate-controlled secure storage area. Whatever he hauled to an outdoor inaugural event was probably a practice or rental piece.

So playing a recording probably was the best idea.

[get the red out]

4. So many problems in the world

and THIS is supposed to mean something.

Once again, the media disgusts me.

[Enrique]

5. Beyontroversy

[BlueStreak]

31. No. It is all-out Beyoncegeddon

Here's a little tidbit. When do you think the last time was that they actually had a live performance at the Super Bowl?

Even the Boston Pops lip-synced. When you have 3 minutes to roll out the stage and no chance to set up mics and do a sound check, you lip-sync, period. There is no other option. It would take hours to get the sound right.

If you want to hear authentic music, support your local clubs. Support live music.

[Garion_55]

6. they should have gotten someone who wasnt

going to lip sync.

id make her come back today, get back up on that stage and do it again live

[Laura PourMeADrink]

9. HAHA ....that's a great idea !

[obamanut2012]

20. Basically everyone lipsynsc to a track

When they sing the anthem. You just don't know it.

Bad form that a Marine Corps spokesperson got involved in this.

[BlueStreak]

32. They are even lip-syncing TAPS at military funerals now

http://www.ceremonialbugle.com/

Support live music.

[obamanut2012]

56. I actually knew that -- thanks for posting it!

[derby378]

71. I think they did that at my father-in-law's funeral

Bataan Death March survivor, and the Army couldn't even send out a real bugler? Come on.

[obamanut2012]

74. The article I read said they don't have enough

Because of budget and reorganization reasons. In some areas, Scouts and retired vets volunteer to do it.

[BlueStreak]

79. There is a group trying to organize volunteer buglers

It seems to me that for the cost of about 1 drone, we could offer to pay professional trumpeters union scale to perform these services in the most honorable, dignified, heartfelt way that the veterans deserve.

For the cost of one Predator drone, we could pay for 50,000 Taps services.

[derby378]

80. A likely story (or, how much of this can we blame on the GOP?)

Kudos to the Scouts and retirees for stepping up to help.

[GoneOffShore]

51. DUZY time!!

[Laura PourMeADrink]

8. I think that it was just because she was so absolutely perfect. It was an "in awe"

moment. Like she was an angel transcending. And then, to find out it didn't really happen was like...Shit..is there anything that beautiful that ever happens for real.

[TorchTheWitch]

61. she was lip-syching - watch the video

She messes up at the end where her mouth doesn't match the audio at all. I think that likely happened because she had trouble with her ear piece and took it out so she couldn't hear her pre-recorded singing to know what to do with her mouth.

I'm not sure what the big deal is here... I figured they all lip-syched anyway at these kinds of functions. Cold air does really bad stuff to the vocal chords. I actually think I'd rather they lip-syched than damaged their vocal chords or ended up sounding like crap just because they're out in the cold.

All that said, I don't think she sounded so great... way too much vibrato going on there. Maybe she always sounds like that, but she's not someone I listen to, so I wouldn't know.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

10. Bill-O sez "Do it Live!"

[Buns_of_Fire]

11. I think we deserve to see her birth certificate.

Born in Houston? Yeah, sure. Where is that in Russia, comrade?

[Fantastic Anarchist]

78. No, that would be Georgia.

[Bluenorthwest]

12. As I said in the thread yesterday which was about Clarkson not being as good as Beyonce...

This is the gig from hell, extremely difficult for many reasons. Many artists use prerecorded tracks because the conditions make excellence impossible.

[Buns_of_Fire]

13. But it IS another reason to be thankful the President was re-elected.

Can you imagine what Meat Loaf's version might have sounded like?

[Fawke Em]

14. BIG difference.

The people who sang for Milli Vanilli WEREN'T the performers we saw.

If Beyonce pre-recorded the song SHE sang, HERSELF, it no big deal.

[Stinky The Clown]

22. Which was precisely the point in connecting this with milli vanilli

[Turborama]

15. Am I the only one who doesn't have a clue what everyone's going on about?

Not that I'm going to lose any sleep over it, in fact I'm blissfully unaware.

[Sedona]

16. this is enlightening

http://watch.accesshollywood.com/video/did-whitney-houston-lip-synch-the-national-anthem-at-the-1991-super-bowl/1452855325001#

[ProSense]

18. I think a lot of this lip sync noise is racist.

Period.

[obamanut2012]

21. THIS

[derby378]

40. Care to quantify that?

I think if you're there to sing, then sing. If you're ill or injured or otherwise unable to perform, we'll understand. Just bow out instead of giving everyone a dog and pony show.

[ProSense]

43. Sure, I think

some people are full of shit: http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2241735

How's that?

[obamanut2012]

46. What Beyonce did is the norm, not the exception

At events like this, especially when singing the National Anthem.

This is being made such a big deal because 1. Obama is biracial and 2. Beyonce Knowles is biracial.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

75. SAY IT!!!!!

[obamanut2012]

24. But what do you think about BeyonceGate?!

[In_The_Wind]

26. again

[obamanut2012]

19. It is truly ridiculous

And is just an attempt to smear Obama somehow, via Beyonce. Not a Beyonce fan, but she is a great singer. In addition, almost everyone who sings the National Anthem lipsyncs along to a pre-recorded track.

People IRL and on DU need to just drop it.

Non issue. Non scandal.

[In_The_Wind]

23. Seriously

. . . really.

[img][/img]

[Cynicus Emeritus]

25. Do fans have a right to full disclosure at a live concert that they

just paid $100 a ticket for, that they are really listening to a recording?

The issue is how prevalent is the use of staged recording by an entertainment industry that charges top dollar for alleged live performances. That is deception in my view, just as are photo shopped enhancement of photographs portrayed as real.

What took place at the innaugaration may be emblematic of an entertainment industry that may be unable to entertain at the quality we expect unless it is artificially enhanced.

[Flashmann]

29. Beyoncé-Gate??????

I think there are standing orders from "on high" to exploit any distraction from actual issues...Just another in a long line of "look over there,while we screw you over here."

All too many people are all too eager to continually jump to the perpetual next shiney object...


ETA*

Was intended as a reply to the OP...I clicked wrong,somehow.....I guess.....Sorry..

[Cynicus Emeritus]

36. I agree - and much comes down to a media which profits from distractions

and diverts from real issues.

That said, I believe as posted that the use of prerecorded audio and lip synching goes on much more than a clueless public knows at "live concerts" and that is deceptive.

[obamanut2012]

47. No

[Stinky The Clown]

59. Would you want to have a big light on the podium saying P R E R E C O R D E D?

Seriously. What you want to see done about this HORRIBLY DECEPTIVE practice that happens all the time?

No one paid to hear her.

Concerts don't happen in sub freezing weather.

By the way, YoYo Mah "faked it" last time. The issue was his cold hands and, more importantly, his cold instrument.

Get a grip.

This is a non issue in this case.

Also . . . . Paying $100 to see a concert is dumb on its face, in my mind.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

60. they didn't PAY FOR A CONCERT

had they, you would have a legitimate point. they paid for the inauguration ceremony...they paid to see Barack Obama.

sP

[Cynicus Emeritus]

67. My point was entertainment deception in general, not the Obama innaugaration

Too much entertainment is promoted as real and candid when in reality it is all scripted and enhanced. No business should be permitted to get away with such deception. I believe that it has come to be more of the norm than the exception and it permeates other aspects of society. There should be a notification that discloses the real situation.

[obamanut2012]

76. Beyonce doing this isn;t the equivalent of "Moonshiners"

Good God, people just have to find SOMETHING to complain about Obama's Inauguration.

[Cynicus Emeritus]

82. Reading comprehension is a virtue

Commenting without reading is neither a virtue nor an attribute.

[JoePhilly]

27. So that means Obama's swearing in was not official!!!!!

[Motown_Johnny]

28. Only people who know nothing about singing care about this.

Ask any struggling musician you know if he/she ever spent some money on renting a recording studio.

Odds are they made the mistake of renting it in the morning, when it is cheaper.

Why is it cheaper in the morning, and why is it a mistake? Well, because most artists preform in the evening. That is what their bodies are used to and to try and your voice just isn't the same in the morning. Add to that the temperature difference and it is clear why she choose to go with a recording.

I don't condone the action, but I do understand it. Only people who don't understand have a problem with it.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

34. Right...she only wanted to insure that she sounded great. No one doubts how much

cares about Obama and how talented she is...for sure.

But everyone wanted to think that she was so caught up in the moment that she gave a 100% perfect performance. We wanted to believe that it was ad lib to perfection. That's all.

[OldDem2012]

30. With all of the major issues facing the US and the world today, this is.....

....not even remotely close to being included on that list.

[The Second Stone]

33. the masses are distracted with bread and circuses

while wars rage and Wall Street robs.

[Ron Green]

38. Yeah, but the circuses at least ought to be live,

and the bread whole grain.

[Horse with no Name]

35. Nobody paid to see Beyonce

As far as I am concerned, they got what they paid for.

It was so cold and honestly, if I knew that my performance would be at a historical event, I don't care how good I was, I would not leave it to chance either.

This was not a "concert". This is something that could possibly be viewed 200 years from now.

I would be mortified about screwing something like that up.

[mfcorey1]

37. Everybody step away from the ledge. It is not that serious. One of the greatest

rendition of the Star Spangled Banner was given by Whitney Houston who lip synched. BTW, most concerts you attend are being lipsynched if they are high energy with a lot of dancing. Time to move on.

[derby378]

41. That's the problem right there, isn't it?

Too many performers who are busy "faking it" onstage.

Give me something real. Give me someone like Calexico or Jarboe or someone who would be appalled by the thought of lip-syncing onstage.

[Orrex]

39. I think we need to see Beyonce's birth certificate

What's she hiding?

[NoPasaran]

69. I demand to see the sheet music!

[Sissyk]

42. IKR??

All the wonderful things that went on Monday, and this is what all the drama is about.

Beyonce looked beautiful. The song was perfection. I don't care if it was pre-recorded or live.

This is Wednesday and what topped the morning news this am? Beyonce, with flash backs to MV!

Give us a break!

[Horse with no Name]

44. You notice that nothing is being said about the Marine Corps Band pretending to play

during this.

If it was so dastardly disrespectful to God and country, they should have just held their instruments at their sides. They were complicit,lol.

[Auggie]

77. +1

[TM99]

45. It is important because it is about integrity and honesty

Had an anonymous member of the Marine Corp Band not admitted to the lip-syncing, everyone would have 'believed' the truth of her 'awesome' live performance. I saw posts here and elsewhere elevating Beyoncé for her 'stirring' renditions and putting down Kelly Clarkson. I am definitely no fan of Miss Clarkson, however, at least she was honest, tried to sing in the cold, and did the best she could.

This was dishonest of Beyoncé. All music for such performances is pre-recorded. When Yo-Yo Ma played at the Inauguration, he was open and direct about using a pre-recorded version. Why? Because he has integrity and was being honest. It was too cold for him to perform well on a very expensive cello. All she needs to do to clear this up is simply admit the truth. Is it worthy of a scandal with 24/7 Fox News coverage? Hell no. Is she still a gift singer? Yes, I personally prefer other voices, but she is well above average in ability.

But why is it is so hard these days for people to just cut the bullshit and own up the the truth of a situation with integrity and decency?

[Horse with no Name]

48. Well the difference is

Clarkson sang a song with the skill level of "Happy Birthday" and Beyonce was slated to sing our NATIONAL ANTHEM. One of the most difficult songs to sing.

However, I do have a very changed opinion of Clarkson. She is classless.

[TM99]

49. It isn't about who is better or worse

as frankly I personally don't like either one of them.

Yes, the National Anthem is a difficult song to sing especially when it is cold and there is no time for a warm-up with the band. There is no shame in using a recording as it is still her singing.

But the point is still about honesty. Without the 'slip up' of the Marine Corp band member, we, the viewer, were left believing that that which was 'live' was actually 'Memorex'

[Horse with no Name]

52. Honestly, who cares?

She wasn't paid to do it. What does it really matter? Have we become so self-centered and narrow minded as to think that everything that happens is a personal affront to us?

She sang the National Anthem. Period. After that, who really cares?

[TM99]

54. Yes, you are right, who cares?

It doesn't matter if she was paid or not.

Is it self-centered to care about honesty?

I, and many others, don't think so.

Maybe you might get something out of reading Harry G. Frankfurt's books On Bullshit and On Truth.

Who cares if Lance Armstrong doped? Who cares if Bush lied about WMD's? Who cares if Zimmerman is lying about Martin attacking him? I could go on all day with examples.

Who cares about truth when we can care about the much more self-centered and narrow minded ideals of image over substance.

[Horse with no Name]

63. Nice strawman you got there

Name one person that Beyonce harmed by lip synching? Just one.
Name one person that Beyonce ripped off by lip synching? Just one.
Name one person that Beyonce killed by lip synching? Just one

This is stupid. She was NOT PAID to perform and if she CHOSE to lip synch it...she did not cheat anyone out of anything.

[TM99]

64. You lack reading comprehension apparently

I didn't say she harmed anyone. I didn't say she cheated anyone. I said she is not being truthful about something that numerous performers who do the same feel no need to be 'silent' about it.

I didn't throw up a 'straw man'. I pointed out that truth matters - not just about those things that do us harm, like my examples - but also those things that don't harm us, like this simple little lie.

Do you know how often I get men, women, and children in my office who say, "So what if I lied to my boss, my teacher, my girlfriend, my spouse, etc, no one got hurt." These patterns of little lies are the bullshit that is so apparent today.

What is stupid is that I see grown men and women here unconcerned with truth in all areas not just their particular political agenda or hot button topic.

If you have nothing more intelligent to reply with, then just bow out. It is a discussion board. You are entitled to your opinion. And guess what? So am I.

[Horse with no Name]

65. No. I just burned your strawman.

You compared her lies to those of Armstrong, Bush, et al.

You lost.

[TM99]

68. Nope, sorry

You asked 'Who cares?' Well, there are large swatches of the population who don't care that Armstrong lied. No one was hurt with that one. Many don't care that Bush lied even though many died because of that one. Many just don't care that someone lied unless it personally affects them.

I didn't misrepresent your position. I didn't draw a fictitious conclusion as you didn't exactly offer a cogent argument. Your response, however, was far more 'strawman' like as you added words I never said, drew conclusions I never presented, and are attacking a point I never made.

I didn't say her lie was equal. I said all lies are equal regardless of intent and outcome. That is why it is important to care not only about little lies like this but the big ones as well. Read On Bullshit as you really might understand then what I was communicating in this limited medium.

If you weren't so focused on 'winning' perhaps you might learn something.

Guess not so enjoy your day.

[BeyondGeography]

53. Ah c'mon

Even Roseanne could sing the national anthem.

[Horse with no Name]

55. LOL...thanks for the visual of her grabbing her crotch.

Fortunately that might be played for the next 30 years for funny moments in Sports.

The inauguration is historical and there is a great likelihood that this moment could be played 200 yrs from now and it would suck to mess up something that important.

Oh yeah...Roseanne ROCKS!

[obamanut2012]

57. ffs

[Egalitarian Thug]

50. Unbelievable. Anything to avoid dealing with reality.

[goclark]

58. Beyonce was fantastic!

Don't care if she had her husband whispering the words in her ear.

She was great!

[Bluenorthwest]

62. If we are going to talk about singers singing let's talk about Jennifer Hudson at the CIC's Ball.

Because she was great. Every time I hear her I am impressed all over again.

[Horse with no Name]

66. SHE is amazing! Agreed! n/t

[Lilyeye]

70. I can't believe people are making a huge deal out of this

This is completely irrelevant and even the most talented of singers have done it before.

[obamanut2012]

73. +1

[Liberalynn]

72. Agreed

It was Beyonce's voice not someone else's. It would be different if she was lip syncing to someone else's but she wasn't.

She's a talented lady and this does not change that.

Much ado about nothing.

[reformist2]

81. It is kind of embarrassing. It's silly to defend this just because she's a huge Obama supporter.

[RobinA]

83. It Amazes Me

how many people don't care about this. It's not life or death, or even the most important issue of the day. Or even in the Top 25 issues of the day. But it's just one more instance of deception in culture today. One needle in an ever-growing haystack of official lying that threatens to take over our lives. A photoshop here, a lip synch there, everywhere a doping cyclist... It erodes our ability to believe much of anything at all, breeds cynicism. Falsity isn't wrong only if it hurts someone.

[TM99]

84. My point exactly

upthread.

It is becoming ever more difficult to distinguish fact from bullshit, spin from reality, and substance from image.

I completely agree with you.