Aretha Franklin Speaks About Beyonce Lip Syncing Ordeal

The Queen of Soul has a thing or two to say about the Beyonce lip syncing ordeal. Aretha Franklin told ABC News that when she heard the performance may have been lip synced to a pre-recorded track, she “really laughed”.

“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,” said Aretha Franklin. She sympathized with Beyonce because she faced similar issues when she performed “My Country ‘Tis Of Thee” for President Obama’s Inauguration in 2009. “I thought it was real funny, but she did a beautiful job with the pre-record ..next time I’ll probably do the same.”

Aretha went on to talk about her experience at the 2009 Inauguration. “I wanted to give people the real thing and pre-recording never crossed my mind,” she said. “I think it’s optional really, it’s up to the artist. In 2009, I wanted everything to be live and on the real side for the moment as it actually happened. Those were my feelings for my performance, but having come face to face with 28, 22 degrees I am not surprised she pre-recorded.”

The questioning came after a Marine Corps representative said that Beyonce did not have the time to rehearse with the band, stating a live performance would have been “ill-advised”.

Beyonce has yet to speak about the lip syncing controversy.

Shanika Simmons