It was the most celebrated rendition of America’s national anthem in a generation, but Beyoncé had left nothing to chance.

Hundreds of thousands who were huddled on the icy Washington Mall erupted in cheers when she hit the notoriously difficult climax of the Star-Spangled Banner. As she ripped out her ear-piece and reached for the peak, the plaudits rushed in from around the world. President Obama was among the first to offer his congratulations with a kiss on the cheek.

Unbeknownst to millions of viewers, however, The Times has learned that the perfect note had been struck in advance: in a recording studio on the eve of Inauguration Day.

It may be the most brazen lip-sync since a nine-year-old girl with a perfect voice