Beyoncé lip-synced the 'Star-Spangled Banner' at Obama inauguration

Be still, my heart.

My girl Beyoncé knocked it out of the park Monday with her rendition of the national anthem at President Obama's swearing-in ceremony in Washington — as if we, the people of the United States of America, expected anything less from Sasha Fierce.

But what we didn't expect (most of us anyway) is that she would lip-sync. I say "most of us" because sadly B has pulled this stunt before, back in 2009 when she allegedly lip synced her Oscars performance. So this does not come as a total surprise.

The evidence: Beyoncé herself posted two suspicious photos to her Instagram account and website before the inauguration ceremony. They both depict the singer in what appears to be a recording studio — one, with members of the Marine Corps standing behind her and a table of sound equipment, and the other of B clutching "Star-Spangled Banner" sheet music in front of a microphone and recording device. Not her smartest move.

The U.S. Marine Band has confirmed this, The Associated Press reported Tuesday. A representative for the group said it was told last-minute that the singer would use a pre-recorded vocal track.

"The entire performance was live except for the national anthem," Master Sgt. Kristin duBois told The New York Times and other outlets. "We don't know why. But that is what we were instructed to do so that is what we did. It's not because Beyonce can't sing. We all know Beyonce can sing. We all know the Marine Band can play."

Did the star panic at the last minute, maybe out of fear she would accidentally pull a Christina Aguilera and flub the lyrics? Call me crazy, but I think the public would be more sympathetic if that was the case.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.