Alicia Keys’ spectacular Super Bowl LVIII halftime show remains a topic of discussion, but not for the reasons she might have expected. The official YouTube recording has come under scrutiny, with fans and media outlets asking whether her voice were subtly boosted via pitch correction.

The controversy originates from a perceived difference between the live broadcast and the posted footage. Some listeners noted a minor crack in Keys’ voice at the first note of her hit song If I Ain’t Got You.

However, in the YouTube video, that defect appears to have evaporated, replaced by a smooth and flawless performance.

Social media exploded with curiosity, with side-by-side comparisons emphasising the apparent edit. While some defended the probable touch-up as usual practice for polishing recordings, others were disappointed, claiming that it undermined the authenticity of the live performance.

Neither the NFL nor Keys’ agents have replied to the accusations. Swizz Beatz, Keys’ husband and music producer, turned to social media to defend his wife’s singing abilities, saying, “Y’all are reaching. That woman has incredible vocal power. Let it be.

Adding fuel to the fire, this isn’t the first time charges of pitch correction have been made about Super Bowl performances. Beyoncé’s 2013 halftime show drew similar criticism, blurring the distinction between live talent and studio precision at high-profile events.

The controversy over Keys’ performance underscores more fundamental problems regarding audio manipulation in the digital era. While some argue that slight changes are acceptable, others are concerned about the loss of authenticity and the pressure on artists to reach perfection at any cost.