Stern's Brutal Beyonce Tape a Hoax

Knowles' Dad Says Those Who Question Beyonce's Talent Are 'Idiots'

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The Beyonce "sound board" tape that Howard Stern made famous is a hoax, TMZ is reporting. They say the man who actually made the altered audio contacted them, saying that "no one in their right mind would sound like that, and no one would cheer for someone singing like that." Carry on, everyone.

The uproar began when Stern began playing a tape purportedly from Beyonce's 'Today' performance last year. The audio (and Stern) claimed that it was taking from the "sound board" at the 'Today' show, and that it was what Beyonce really sounded like before digital manipulation. Notes of flat, sharp and shrill origins were everywhere as Stern and crew cackled along.

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Stern's Copy

Actual 'Today' Performance

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Beyonce Snapshots

Beyonce offers fans exclusive backstage access to meet the superstar and front row seats. VIP premium packages are on-sale today, April 20 for Beyonce's 2009 "I AM ... " concert tour. (PRNewsFoto/Music World Entertainment)

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UNSPECIFIED - UNDATED: In this undated handout photo from Nickelodeon, singer Beyonce Knowles poses as she makes her debut as a voiceover actress on the Nickelodeon animated preschool comedy series, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!. Knowles guest stars as the voice of Shine, the lead singer of The Wubb Girlz in a special week-long "Wubb Girlz" celebration. (Photo by Peter Lindbergh/Nickelodeon via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Beyonce Knowles

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UNSPECIFIED - UNDATED: In this undated handout illustration from Nickelodeon, Shine (C), the lead singer of The Wubb Girlz, is seen as singer Beyonce Knowles makes her debut as a voiceover actress on the Nickelodeon animated preschool comedy series, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!. Knowles guest stars as the voice of Shine, the lead singer of The Wubb Girlz in a special week-long "Wubb Girlz" celebration. (Illustration via Peter Lindbergh/Nickelodeon via Getty Images)

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(L-R) Jay-Z and Beyonce sighting on April 18, 2009 in New York City. Beyonce Sighting in New York City - April 18, 2009 New York, NY United States April 18, 2009 Photo by Justin Campbell/FilmMagic.com To license this image (57220806), contact FilmMagic.com

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(L-R) Beyonce and Jay-Z sighting on April 18, 2009 in New York City. Beyonce Sighting in New York City - April 18, 2009 New York, NY United States April 18, 2009 Photo by Justin Campbell/FilmMagic.com To license this image (57220805), contact FilmMagic.com

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Beyonce sighting on April 18, 2009 in New York City. Beyonce Sighting in New York City - April 18, 2009 New York, NY United States April 18, 2009 Photo by Justin Campbell/FilmMagic.com To license this image (57220808), contact FilmMagic.com

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FILE - In this file undated photo originally provided by Paramount Pictures, Anika Noni Rose, left, Beyonce Knowles and Jennifer Hudson, right, perform in the film "Dreamgirls." (AP Photo/Paramount Pictures, David James) ** NO SALES **

Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles are seen on the streets of Manhattan on April 5, 2009 in New York City. Celebrity Sightings In New York - April 5, 2009 New York, NY United States April 5, 2009 Photo by Marcel Thomas/FilmMagic.com To license this image (57137507), contact FilmMagic.com

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Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles are seen on the streets of Manhattan on April 5, 2009 in New York City. Celebrity Sightings in New York - April 5, 2009 New York, NY United States April 5, 2009 Photo by Marcel Thomas/FilmMagic.com To license this image (57137379), contact FilmMagic.com

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But, as mentioned earlier, it turns out to be just another Internet hoax. Beyonce herself spoke out about the story, telling MTV News that she hasn't "heard it but it sounds completely ridiculous." She goes on to say that "everyone's heard me sing and it's perfect timing, actually, because I'll be on the 'Today' show tomorrow singing 'Halo,' or tonight you can watch me sing live on David Letterman! It's perfect promotion, whoever came up with that idea."

Prior to Beyonce's comments, Matthew Knowles (Beyonce's father and manager) issued a statement to TMZ blasting Stern and anyone who questions his daughter's talent.

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Proof She Can Wail: Beyonce Sings 'Boy' @ Sessions

"If no one took the time to look at the biggest Inauguration in the history of America then shame on them. If no one took the time to listen to Beyonce sing 'America the Beautiful' and 'At Last' at the Neighborhood Ball for the first dance of President Obama and the First Lady, and they question Beyonce's vocal ability, they've gotta be an idiot," Knowles said in the statement. Read the Full Statement at TMZ

Knowles says questioning his daughters singing at this point "would be like questioning if Kobe Bryant could shoot a jump shot. The vocals were obviously altered."

Stern started a similar brouhaha against Enrique Iglesias in 2000, playing audio of what sounded like a seriously off-key Enrique during a performance. Iglesias, being a good sport, quickly went on Stern's show and sang the songs in question acoustically to much success.

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