Fox Admits X-Factor Contestants Lip-Sync During Group Performances [VIDEO]

A "controversy" erupted after the Thursday episode of "X Factor", when viewers noticed that contestant Leroy Bell was lip-syncing.

It happened at the beginning of the show when all the contestants were doing a group performance of the David Guetta/Usher song "Without You".  It was fairly obvious when the vocal track started before Leroy opened his mouth.

Fox has since admitted that the contestants were lip-syncing during that performance, but they insist that the contestants' individual performances are live.

Here's Fox's statement,

"All competitive songs, including survival songs, are performed LIVE to a backing track.  Due to the finalists' extensive preparation for their Wednesday night performances, the opening ensemble number on the results show is pre-recorded, the same way as on other shows."

Fox didn't name the "other shows," but they're probably talking about "American Idol".

Check out the video of the botched lip-sync performance below:

So the question is:  Do you care that the contestants are lip syncing all of their group performances?  On one hand, it's not surprising that those group performances are pre-recorded, especially since they often include a significant amount of choreography, unlike the individual performances.

And like Fox said, the contestants' focus in rehearsals is on their own performances, not the group stuff, which doesn't really have any bearing on whether or not they remain in the competition.

But maybe it should.  This IS a singing competition, which is supposed to be uncovering a talent who has the so-called "X factor."  The contestants should be able to sing and dance, and if they screw up, then America should see it.

What do you think?  If these group performances aren't live, then why are they worth doing?  As a viewer, is it entertaining to watch a bunch of wannabes doing a pre-recorded group performance?