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Did Beyonce sing or just lip-synch?

Beyonce performs the national anthem at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol. (Associated Press)
From Wire Reports

Fans who marveled at Beyonce’s prowess when she ripped out her in-ear-monitor during Monday’s national anthem at President Barack Obama’s inauguration might prepare to be a little disappointed.

Suspicions that the anthem performed by Beyonce and the U.S. Marine Corps Band used prerecorded backing tracks were confirmed when Marine Corps band spokeswoman told the Times of London that Beyonce made a last-minute decision to use prerecorded music for her anthem performance. “We did prerecord it and it was Beyonce’s decision at the last minute to go with the prerecorded version,” the spokeswoman told British paper.

There’s long precedent for using prerecorded music at inaugurals, due to the District of Columbia’s tendency to be frigid in winter months, making it difficult for brass- and drum-heavy military bands to perform. Yo-Yo Ma used a similar tactic during his performance at Obama’s last inaugural, as the temperatures made his cello difficult to play in tune. But it’s not yet clear if Beyonce was singing live to a prerecorded vocal track, or if she was lip-syncing entirely.

Shakira welcomes baby boy

Shakira is a mama. A spokeswoman for the 35-year-old Colombian singer says Shakira Mebarak and 25-year-old soccer star Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona welcomed son Milan Pique Mebarak on Tuesday at 9:36 p.m. in Barcelona, Spain.

A statement posted on the pop star’s site says that “just like his father, baby Milan became a member of FC Barcelona at birth.” The statement also says that “both mother and child are in excellent health.” Milan is the couple’s first child.

Sting’s daughter lands stage role

Sting’s daughter Mickey Sumner has signed up to make her off-Broadway debut in Craig Lucas’ new comedy “The Lying Lesson.”

The Atlantic Theater Company said Tuesday that Sumner, whose credits also include the new Noah Baumbach film “Frances Ha,” will star opposite Carol Kane in the comic thriller. Previews begin Feb. 20.

The birthday bunch

Actress Jeanne Moreau is 85. Actress Chita Rivera is 80. Actor Rutger Hauer is 69. Singer Anita Pointer is 65. Actor Richard Dean Anderson is 63. Princess Caroline of Monaco is 56. Singer Anita Baker is 55. Actress Mariska Hargitay is 49. Actress Tiffani Thiessen is 39.