No wonder it sounded so perfect. Beyonce pulled a Britney at the inauguration, according to multiple media sources.

The London Times reports that the former Destiny’s Child member opted to go with a pre-recorded version of The National Anthem shortly before her performance. Translation: she lip-synced.

Kristin DuBois, a representative for the United States Marine Band, told The New York Post’s Page Six: “All music is pre-recorded for the ceremony because there are so many eventualities and conditions that day. We performed, live, the band. But we received last-minute word that Beyonce was going to use the pre-recorded vocal track. Those were the instructions we were given. We don’t know what the reason why.” Dubois added that Kelly Clarkson indeed sang My Country ’Tis of Thee live.

Beyonce has yet to comment about the semi-scandal.

Lance’s ladies

Sheryl Crow is speaking out about the one who wheeled away, her ex fiancé Lance Armstrong.

The singer, who was with the disgraced cyclist from 2003 to 2006 (during his final two Tour de France victories) was asked by Entertainment Tonight what she thought of his doping confession to Oprah.

“I think that honesty is always the best bet and that the truth will set you free,” Crow said diplomatically. “It must be really hard to walk around knowing you are not telling the truth about something.”

Crow added that the admission was tough to watch: “I know how hard he worked to win those titles,” she said. “I felt bad. I felt bad for him, I felt bad for his family, and I kinda felt like the rest of America. He is a hero that we watched and looked up to and admire.”

The ET interview was set to air Tuesday night.

Armstrong’s girlfriend is currently Anna Hansen, whose father David Hansen told Celebuzz his daughter will probably stick with him. “She’s very tough,” he told the website.

Lance and Anna met while doing charity work in 2008. The duo and their two young kids are reportedly in Hawaii, laying low.

Worry not

Barbara Walters is still in the hospital after a fall Saturday at the British ambassador’s home in Washington, D.C. The 83-year-old news veteran — who reportedly has a cut on her forehead issued a statement that was read out by her co-host Whoopi Goldberg on The View saying that she was running a low grade fever and will return home when her temp returns to normal.

Penske files

Take that John Mellencamp! The rocker’s ex has found love again. Almay model Elaine Irwin is engaged to media mogul Jay Penske, The New York Post’s Page Six confirms. A rep for the 34-year-old Penske, who owns Variety, Deadline and Hollywood Life, told the paper the two got engaged a few months ago in India. Irwin, 43, split from Mellencamp in January 2011; the Jack & Diane singer was soon spotted with current girlfriend Meg Ryan.