I saw Casey and Nick's post below, and felt I should contribute....

I by no means advocate the use of any "voice-tracking", "back-tracking" or "pre-recording" of any musical performance labeled as "live".  It is a deception towards your audience, fans, and just plain stupid. However, SNL last week, did not show us anything we haven't already known. Many pop stars do this during television performances and sometimes during their own live shows. Like it or not, this is the new reality of pop music. It is created and presented to us with one thing in mind, the financial bottom line. Sell the records as fast as possible and look good doing it.  Artistic talent not required...at any time...

But why must this make headlines on major news networks?? 

Can't I wake up in the morning, eat my oatmeal, and hear real news? (i.e. political bickering) Why must I hear about Ashlee Simpson being a typical pop star?

Thank god we work in Rock!!!