It’s confirmed, Beyonce lip-synced the National Anthem at the 2013 Inauguration!

To close observers, it appeared the performer was not singing live. To press seated just below the podium, in front of the “President’s Own” Marine Corps Band, it was evident that the band wasn’t actually playing during the song—even though band director Colonel Michael J. Colburn was conducting energetically and the band members mimicked blowing into their instruments. Separately, at one point during her performance, Beyoncé removed her earpiece.

“We don’t know why Beyoncé decided to use prerecorded music,” a spokesperson for the Marine Corps Band said this morning. “All music [for inaugural ceremonies] is prerecorded as a matter of course, and that’s something we’ve done for years and years. The Marine Band did perform live throughout the ceremony but we received last-minute word that Beyoncé wanted to use the recording.” The spokesperson also added that everyone knows Beyoncé is a gifted singer, and her decision has no bearing on her musical ability.

Check out Beyonce lip-syncing the National Anthem at President Obama’s 2013 Inauguration below.