Actually, Ashlee blamed the band. It was her father/manager who said the problem was acid reflux disease.
"Just like any artist in America, she has a backing track that she pushes so you don't have to hear her croak through a song on national television," Joe Simpson told Ryan Seacrest on Los Angeles radio station KIIS-FM.
And he said she's never used the extra help onstage before.
He said it was his decision to use the tapes when it became apparent that acid reflux disease had swollen Ashlee's vocal cords. After consulting Wayne Newton's doctor, she received a cortisone shot to get her ready for the "Radio Music Awards," he said.
Just like any artist in America? Hardly.

I have been performing live music for 30+ years and have never had to use backing tracks for vocals or music, but if I was going to attempt this , I can assure you I would rehearse, rehearse, rehearse some more. SNL is one of the most high-profile TV shows any artist could dream of being on. What were they thinking? Praises to all real musicians!
Posted by: Johnny T | October 26, 2004 at 03:36 PM
Finally, the truth about MOST pop artists is exposed...they can't REALLY sing, but they can dance, look pretty, and pretend to be a real artist.
I for one am thrilled that the buying public has had a chance to see how a wanna-be artist deals with problems.
Those of us who play & sing, really play & sing, would've taken a deep breath and, oh I don't know, ACTUALLY SANG THE SONG. Instead, she ran offstage, blamed her band, etc.
I hope that more people realize now what is really happening in the pop world today.
Posted by: Jen Porter | October 28, 2004 at 02:34 PM