After a public outcry that included media sites calling Rascal Flatts the "Milli Vinilli of country music," the group has admitted what many ACM Award viewers already knew: They lip-synced their performance.
The 2014 ACM Awards featured great performances from Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Stevie Nicks, and others, and a moving tribute to country icon Merle Haggard. However, it was country group Rascal Flatts' performance of "Rewind" that had Twitter buzzing Sunday night, and not in a positive way.
@rascalflatts the only act to lip sync. Pathetic!
— Ryan Jobe (@Jobey112) April 7, 2014 " data-caption="null" data-credit="Twitter">Rascal Flatts didn't even try to pretend that they actually sang that song.
— Country Music Quotes (@Country___Lyric) April 7, 2014 " data-caption="null" data-credit="Twitter">Some viewers were disappointed because they expected authenticity from country singers, compared to pop singers, who routinely lip-sync in performances. Host Blake Shelton even stated at the beginning of the show: "If you don't like live music, then you need to go down the block and see Britney Spears."
Are Rascal Flatts lip-synching?? Say it isn't so… This is not the Grammys… We're country, and we SING!!!! #Scandal at the #ACMAwards
— Big D and Bubba (@bigdandbubba) April 7, 2014 " data-caption="null" data-credit="Twitter">Britney Spears, Ashlee Simpson, Beyoncé, and other pop stars have famously been caught lip-syncing performances.
The group soon explained that lip-syncing was the best option they had after lead singer Gary LeVox lost his voice, and added that it was something they had "never done before."
Most fans appreciated the admission, and understood the tough decision the group had to make.
@rascalflatts don't worry about the negative comments. People forget you are human and things happen. Rather see you lip sync than notatall
— William Harris (@wmah81) April 8, 2014 " data-caption="null" data-credit="Twitter">Resting his voice on Sunday night may have indeed been the best decision for LeVox. He was back to work on Monday, singing at the taping of "ACM Presents: An All-Star Salute to the Troops" in Las Vegas. It is unclear whether the band lip-synced that performance as well.
Rascal Flatts will release their tenth studio album, "Rewind," on May 13, 2014. The group will then embark on the Rewind Tour, beginning in St. Louis on May 16th, with Sheryl Crow appearing as a special guest, and emerging country group Gloriana opening. The tour will end in Detroit on September 21st.
See the video of Rascall Flatts' ACM performance below:
