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R&B star Ne-Yo has defended Beyonce over her apparent lip-syncing during her performance at Barack Obama's second inauguration as US president.

There have been conflicting reports over whether she sang the US national anthem live earlier this week.

Ne-Yo said: "Whether she got up there and lip-synched or not, did you enjoy the show? That's what's important.

"It's neither here nor there. People need a reason to talk crazy about somebody. Give it a rest, leave it."

A spokeswoman for the Marine Corps Band told The Times that Beyonce chose to perform to a pre-recorded backing track in a "last-minute" decision.

However, the Marine Corps told the ´óÏó´«Ã½ that "no-one in the Marine Band is in a position to assess whether it was live or pre-recorded".

Ne-Yo, who released his most recent album Red in 2012, has worked with the Destiny's Child singer on her solo material in the past.

"Everyone knows that Beyonce has an incredible voice and that Beyonce will get on that stage and burn it down," he said. "Everybody knows that already."

He also revealed he had been in the studio with Beyonce working on tracks for her forthcoming new album, due to be released this year.

"We did quite a few songs," he said.

"She was there for a couple of the sessions. I had a good conversation with her about where she wants to go. I don't know exactly what's going to be kept, you never know that until the actual day."

He said it felt "good" to be working together again, describing the sessions as having a "really cool vibe".

He added: "I can't really talk about the sound. She's Beyonce, much like anyone who's truly an artist you don't want anyone to know until they know. You don't want to give the secrets away until the day."

Ne-Yo is preparing for a UK arena tour which begins on 6 March at Newcastle Metro Radio Arena.

Tulisa is supporting the singer at the shows, which will also see him visit Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and London.

"I'm not opposed to us collaborating at some point," he said about the N-Dubz star and X Factor judge.