BLACKPINK’s Lisa found herself at the center of controversy following her performance at the Global Citizen Festival on September 28. Despite delivering a visually captivating show that featured the debut of her unreleased track “Moonlit Floor,” accusations of lip-syncing overshadowed the excitement. This marks the second time in recent months that Lisa has faced similar allegations, with the first occurring after her appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).
Fans and netizens were quick to share their thoughts online after noticing moments during Lisa’s set where her backing track appeared to be playing at full volume, even when she wasn’t singing. The most pointed criticism came when viewers noticed a specific part of her performance that they felt made it clear she wasn’t singing live. The situation quickly sparked a heated debate on social media, with detractors accusing the BLACKPINK member of relying too heavily on pre-recorded vocals.
One Twitter user commented, “At this point, she doesn’t care because she knows her delusional fans will defend her laziness,” while another wrote, “One thing about Lisa: her mic is always off. Now she even forgot to lip-sync, and the playback is still running.” Another critic sarcastically called Lisa “the lip-sync queen” and questioned why even her breathing sounds were pre-recorded.
This incident comes on the heels of similar criticism aimed at Lisa after her performance at the VMAs. At the time, fans and critics alike accused the K-pop star of not singing live during her set, leading to widespread discussions about her performance style.
However, not everyone agrees with the accusations. Many of Lisa’s loyal fans have rushed to her defense, arguing that the claims are exaggerated. Clips from soundchecks and rehearsals have surfaced online, showing Lisa practicing with live vocals, with fans insisting that her vocal ability is being unfairly criticized. Supporters also pointed out her impressive stage presence and demanding choreography, emphasizing that balancing intense dance routines with live vocals can be a challenge even for seasoned performers.
This controversy has reignited a broader conversation about the use of backing tracks in live performances, especially in high-energy shows where intricate choreography is involved. While backing tracks are commonly used to enhance live performances, they can sometimes give the impression that artists are lip-syncing, particularly in large-scale events like the Global Citizen Festival.
Performing at massive events with demanding physical routines can often lead to artists making the practical decision to use backing tracks or pre-recorded vocals to maintain the quality of the overall performance. BLACKPINK, known for their powerful stage shows, often incorporate such techniques to ensure their concerts are seamless and visually stunning.
As the debate rages on, the focus on Lisa’s live singing abilities remains in the spotlight. While accusations of lip-syncing persist, her fan base continues to stand by her, highlighting her proven talent and vocal strength.
For now, it seems the lip-syncing debate will continue, with many waiting to see how Lisa addresses the issue—if at all—in future performances. Regardless, her performance at the Global Citizen Festival undoubtedly left a lasting impression, both in terms of the show itself and the ensuing controversy.
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