Beyoncé Lip-Sync Controversy: LeAnn Rimes, Jennifer Lopez Defend Inauguration Performance

Fellow singers step up in support of national anthem crooner in wake of "Star-Spangled Banner" scandal

By Gina Serpe Jan 23, 2013 4:30 PMTags
BeyonceMark Wilson/Getty Images

The supposed controversy over Beyoncé's Star Mangled Banner is continuing apace.

But while some have taken it upon themselves to be outraged (outraged!) by the superstar singer's decision to perform to a prerecorded track and lip-sync the national anthem for President Barack Obama's inauguration, there are plenty of fellow celebs who are firmly backing B.

Like Jennifer Lopez and LeAnn Rimes.

Both singers—who have presumably been there, done that (albeit on a much smaller scale and without the subsequent worldwide hypervigilant fallout)—were asked about the budding scandal while making their own promotional rounds last night, J.Lo while stopping by The Daily Show, and Rimes while talking to Jimmy Kimmel.

And both were nothing but supportive.

"I'm actually taking up for her on this one," LeAnn said, arguing that the decision may not have been the singer's to make. "There are times when people will ask you to do it, and they will not let you do it unless you do it because they want control over what happens."

Follow that? Well, keep paying attention.

"In certain venues and stuff, they do prerecord things, because you're going to have that terrible slapback," Lopez said.

"Sure," chimed in Jon Stewart. "Slapback."

"All performers do have to do it at some point," Lopez added. Just, ideally, not on such a massive stage.

(Originally published on Jan. 23, 2012 at 7:57 a.m. PT)