Beyonce: No disrespect intended to dead Challenger astronauts with song
Beyonce performs on stage during "The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour" at Staples Center on December 3, in Los Angeles. She surprised fans by dropping her fifth LP, entitled "Beyonce," exclusively on iTunes with no advance notice. Here is a look back at her life and career:
In 1998, Beyoncé was known simply as another member of Destiny's Child, a four-member girl group who released a self-titled debut that year and had a breakthrough with the remix of their single "No, No, No, No."
Seen here with the final version of the group that put her on the map, Destiny's Child, Beyoncé performs with Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams for President-elect George W. Bush during a pre-inaugural event in Washington on January 19, 2001.
When Beyoncé took the stage in Melbourne on April 29, 2002, she was just a year away from releasing her first solo album, "Dangerously In Love."
Back in November 2002, before they tied the knot, Jay-Z and Beyoncé fueled rumors that they were dating by becoming musical collaborators. Bey appeared on Jay-Z's 2002 single, "03 Bonnie & Clyde," and he appeared on her single "Crazy In Love" the following summer.
A decade before she wowed viewers at the 2013 Super Bowl Halftime Show, Bey jammed with Carlos Santana during the Super Bowl XXXVII Pregame Show in San Diego on January 26, 2003.
Having stepped out on her own, Beyoncé presents the humanitarian award to Michael Jackson at the 2003 Radio Music Awards in Las Vegas on October 27, 2003.
The singer is affectionately referred to as Queen Bey, not in the least because of her heralded work ethic, which is often put to good use on stage. Here, she performs during the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards in New York on August 28, 2003.
Beyoncé was right back at the Super Bowl in 2004, as she performed the the national anthem to kick off Super Bowl XXXVIII on February 1 of that year.
At the 46th Grammy Awards Show in February 2004, she joined Prince on stage to perform a medley of his hits. The singer left the ceremony with five Grammys in hand.
Although her solo career had taken off by 2005, Beyoncé still performed with Destiny's Child that year in Sydney, Australia on the heels of their 2004 album, "Destiny Fulfilled."
After releasing another best-seller with 2006's "B'Day" and starring in "Dreamgirls" that same year, Beyoncé was readying to release a third solo album, "I Am ... Sasha Fierce" when she took the stage at the 50th Grammy Awards Show on February 10, 2008. Somehow, she snuck in a secret marriage to Jay-Z that April.
In this publicity image Beyonce Knowles is shown during the filming of her music video "Single Ladies (Put A Ring on It)."
Just months after giving birth, Beyoncé was red carpet ready at the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 7, 2012.
In 2011, Beyoncé stole the show at the MTV Video Music Awards when she walked the red carpet and, with the careful placement of her hands, revealed that she was expecting. The star and husband Jay welcomed Blue Ivy in January 2012.
In this undated image released by Beyonce.com, Beyonce Knowles holds her daughter Blue Ivy in a recent family photo. A hand-written note accompanying the photos reads, "We welcome you to share our joy."
In April 2012, Bey stepped out for a stroll in New York with her daughter, 4 months old at the time.
Earlier this year, Beyoncé found herself at the center a firestorm after it was revealed she used a "backup track" to sing the national anthem at the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 21.
After the inauguration dust-up, Beyoncé had something to prove when she held a news conference for her Pepsi Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show on January 31. After belting out "The Star-Spangled Banner," the singer paused and turned to the press and asked: "Any questions?"
In 1998, Beyoncé was known simply as another member of Destiny's Child, a four-member girl group who released a self-titled debut that year and had a breakthrough with the remix of their single "No, No, No, No."
Seen here with the final version of the group that put her on the map, Destiny's Child, Beyoncé performs with Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams for President-elect George W. Bush during a pre-inaugural event in Washington on January 19, 2001.
When Beyoncé took the stage in Melbourne on April 29, 2002, she was just a year away from releasing her first solo album, "Dangerously In Love."
Back in November 2002, before they tied the knot, Jay-Z and Beyoncé fueled rumors that they were dating by becoming musical collaborators. Bey appeared on Jay-Z's 2002 single, "03 Bonnie & Clyde," and he appeared on her single "Crazy In Love" the following summer.
A decade before she wowed viewers at the 2013 Super Bowl Halftime Show, Bey jammed with Carlos Santana during the Super Bowl XXXVII Pregame Show in San Diego on January 26, 2003.
Having stepped out on her own, Beyoncé presents the humanitarian award to Michael Jackson at the 2003 Radio Music Awards in Las Vegas on October 27, 2003.
The singer is affectionately referred to as Queen Bey, not in the least because of her heralded work ethic, which is often put to good use on stage. Here, she performs during the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards in New York on August 28, 2003.
Beyoncé was right back at the Super Bowl in 2004, as she performed the the national anthem to kick off Super Bowl XXXVIII on February 1 of that year.
At the 46th Grammy Awards Show in February 2004, she joined Prince on stage to perform a medley of his hits. The singer left the ceremony with five Grammys in hand.
Although her solo career had taken off by 2005, Beyoncé still performed with Destiny's Child that year in Sydney, Australia on the heels of their 2004 album, "Destiny Fulfilled."
After releasing another best-seller with 2006's "B'Day" and starring in "Dreamgirls" that same year, Beyoncé was readying to release a third solo album, "I Am ... Sasha Fierce" when she took the stage at the 50th Grammy Awards Show on February 10, 2008. Somehow, she snuck in a secret marriage to Jay-Z that April.
In this publicity image Beyonce Knowles is shown during the filming of her music video "Single Ladies (Put A Ring on It)."
Just months after giving birth, Beyoncé was red carpet ready at the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 7, 2012.
In 2011, Beyoncé stole the show at the MTV Video Music Awards when she walked the red carpet and, with the careful placement of her hands, revealed that she was expecting. The star and husband Jay welcomed Blue Ivy in January 2012.
In this undated image released by Beyonce.com, Beyonce Knowles holds her daughter Blue Ivy in a recent family photo. A hand-written note accompanying the photos reads, "We welcome you to share our joy."
In April 2012, Bey stepped out for a stroll in New York with her daughter, 4 months old at the time.
Earlier this year, Beyoncé found herself at the center a firestorm after it was revealed she used a "backup track" to sing the national anthem at the inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 21.
After the inauguration dust-up, Beyoncé had something to prove when she held a news conference for her Pepsi Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show on January 31. After belting out "The Star-Spangled Banner," the singer paused and turned to the press and asked: "Any questions?"
Beyonce defends using audio from the space shuttle Challenger disaster in a new song, calling it a "tribute" to the seven astronauts who died.
The widow of Challenger's commander calls it "disappointing."
The love song "XO" -- which was released on "The Visual Album" -- starts with the voice of NASA public affairs officer Steve Nesbitt: "Flight controllers here looking very carefully at the situation. Obviously, a major malfunction."
This is what spectators at Kennedy Space Center or those watching on CNN heard in the first seconds after seeing the booster rockets spiral out of control in the blue sky above the Atlantic Ocean, 73 seconds after Challenger lifted off on January 28, 1986.
See Beyonce make a girl's wish come true 
A spokesperson for the U.S. Marine Band told CNN Beyonce used a "prerecording" of her rendition of the national anthem during inaugural ceremonies in Washington on Monday. But Bey isn't the first artist to rely on a prerecorded track:
Jennifer Hudson and Faith Hill reportedly sang along to prerecorded renditions during their performances at the 2009 Super Bowl.
Jennifer Hudson and Faith Hill reportedly sang along to prerecorded renditions during their performances at the 2009 Super Bowl.
Cold temperatures forced Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist Itzhak Perlman to mime along to a prerecording during President Barack Obama's first inauguration four years ago. "I really wanted to do something that was absolutely physically and emotionally and, timing-wise, genuine," Ma told The New York Times in 2009. "We also knew we couldn't have any technical or instrumental malfunction on that occasion. A broken string was not an option. It was wicked cold."
Cold temperatures forced Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist Itzhak Perlman to mime along to a prerecording during President Barack Obama's first inauguration four years ago. "I really wanted to do something that was absolutely physically and emotionally and, timing-wise, genuine," Ma told The New York Times in 2009. "We also knew we couldn't have any technical or instrumental malfunction on that occasion. A broken string was not an option. It was wicked cold."
Luciano Pavarotti lip-synced his performance at the opening ceremony of the 2006 Winter Games in Turin, Italy, conductor Leone Magiera wrote in his book in 2008. Low temperatures reportedly made it dangerous for him to perform live. Pavarotti died of cancer in September 2007.
Luciano Pavarotti lip-synced his performance at the opening ceremony of the 2006 Winter Games in Turin, Italy, conductor Leone Magiera wrote in his book in 2008. Low temperatures reportedly made it dangerous for him to perform live. Pavarotti died of cancer in September 2007.
Ashlee Simpson was caught lip-syncing on "Saturday Night Live" in 2004. She had already made it through one performance -- her single, "Pieces of Me" -- when the band launched into "Autobiography." Simpson was dancing around with her mouth closed as her vocals on the prerecorded track began.
Ashlee Simpson was caught lip-syncing on "Saturday Night Live" in 2004. She had already made it through one performance -- her single, "Pieces of Me" -- when the band launched into "Autobiography." Simpson was dancing around with her mouth closed as her vocals on the prerecorded track began.
Madonna was accused of lip-syncing during the Super Bowl halftime show in 2009. But in all fairness, she was dancing around quite a bit.
Madonna was accused of lip-syncing during the Super Bowl halftime show in 2009. But in all fairness, she was dancing around quite a bit.
Whitney Houston is believed to have lip-synced her impressive rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the 1991 Super Bowl. Her spokesperson at the time said she was singing, but her mic was turned off so viewers heard a prerecorded track.
Whitney Houston is believed to have lip-synced her impressive rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the 1991 Super Bowl. Her spokesperson at the time said she was singing, but her mic was turned off so viewers heard a prerecorded track.
Britney Spears has been known to lip-sync in order to keep up with her intricate and fast-paced dance routines. The pop star got caught in the act on her "Circus" tour in 2009.
Britney Spears has been known to lip-sync in order to keep up with her intricate and fast-paced dance routines. The pop star got caught in the act on her "Circus" tour in 2009.
Kanye West has been accused of lip-syncing on "American Idol" and "Saturday Night Live," though the artist has attributed issues to technical difficulties.
Kanye West has been accused of lip-syncing on "American Idol" and "Saturday Night Live," though the artist has attributed issues to technical difficulties.
Beyonce
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Notable not-so-live performances 
Beyoncé surprises holiday shoppers 
Pop singer Beyonce performs on the stage Sunday night during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Beyonce dances in front of a screen on stage.
Beyonce dances in front of a screen on stage.
Beyonce reaches out to fans during her performance.
Beyonce reaches out to fans during her performance.
Singer Beyonce spins while performing.
Singer Beyonce spins while performing.
Kelly Rowland, Beyonce Knowles and Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show.
Kelly Rowland, Beyonce Knowles and Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child perform during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show.
Beyonce hits a high note during the Halftime Show.
Beyonce hits a high note during the Halftime Show.
Spectators were treated to a giant, lit outline of Beyonce.
Spectators were treated to a giant, lit outline of Beyonce.
A silhouette of Beyonce performing during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
A silhouette of Beyonce performing during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Beyonce turned in an energetic performance.
Beyonce turned in an energetic performance.
Kelly Rowland, Beyonce and Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child had a mini-reunion during the show.
Kelly Rowland, Beyonce and Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child had a mini-reunion during the show.
Beyonce performing one of her solo hits "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)."
Beyonce performing one of her solo hits "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)."
Several backup dancers, along with holograms, joined the singer on stage.
Several backup dancers, along with holograms, joined the singer on stage.
Beyonce wraps up her electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance.
Beyonce wraps up her electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance.
Beyonce's Super Bowl halftime show
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"The songwriters included the audio in tribute to the unselfish work of the Challenger crew with hope that they will never be forgotten," Beyonce said in a statement reported by ABC News on Monday.
"My heart goes out to the families of those lost in the Challenger disaster," Beyonce said in her statement. "The song 'XO' was recorded with the sincerest intention to help heal those who have lost loved ones and to remind us that unexpected things happen, so love and appreciate every minute that you have with those who mean the most to you."
The love song's lyrics include the verse: "We don't have forever, Baby daylight's wasting. You better kiss me before our time is run out."
Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, whose husband was flight commander Dick Scobee, reacted with a statement to CNN TV affiliate Central Florida News 13 in Orlando.
"We were disappointed to learn that an audio clip from the day we lost our heroic Challenger crew was used in the song 'XO,'" she said. "The moment included in this song is an emotionally difficult one for the Challenger families, colleagues and friends."
The space agency also reacted.
"The Challenger accident is an important part of our history; a tragic reminder that space exploration is risky and should never be trivialized," NASA spokesman Allard Beutel said. "NASA works everyday to honor the legacy of our fallen astronauts as we carry out our mission to reach for new heights and explore the universe."
All seven crew members, including Christa McAuliffe, who would have been the first teacher in space, died in the Challenger explosion.
