Aretha Franklin Comments On Beyonce's Lip-Sync Controversy: "I Really Laughed"

24 January 2013, 11:53

The soul legend says she empathises with Beyonce on her alleged decision to mime the US National Anthem.

Aretha Franklin says she "really laughed" when she heard reports Beyonce had mimed her performance at US President Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony this week.

The 'Love On Top' singer performed the US National Anthem this past Monday (21st January) but her set has caused controversy over claims she opted to lip-sync to a pre-recorded version of the song instead of singing live.

However, soul legend Aretha Franklin says Beyonce's decision was understandable because of Monday's cold weather conditions, insisting the 'Countdown' star had just wanted her vocal to be perfect.

"I really laughed," Aretha revealed to ABC News, when asked about the controversy. "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.

"I thought it was really funny, but she did a beautiful job with the pre-record," Aretha explained. "Next time I'll probably do the same."

Aretha performed the song 'My Country 'Tis Of Thee' live at Obama's first inauguration ceremony back in 2009 but admits it had proved difficult to perform well because of the cold.

"I wanted to give people the real thing and pre-recording never crossed my mind. 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," she continued. "Those were my feelings for my performance, but having come facet face with 28, 22 degrees I am not surprised [Beyonce] pre-recorded.

"She wanted her performance to be what she wanted and she realised it wasn't going to be the way she wanted it to be or she was going to be running a risk," Aretha added. 'That's probably why she pre-recorded exactly how she wanted it to be heard."

Check out a picture of 'Respect' singer Aretha Franklin below (Credit: PA):

Beyonce's camp has yet to comment on the rumours she lip-synced her performance, although a sound production website has now insisted the US star sang live over the pre-recorded track.

Beyonce is now preparing to announce details of her brand new album ahead of playing the US Super Bowl 2013 halftime show next month.