BEIJING (UPI) -- The musical director for the Summer Olympics in Beijing admitted the girl who sang "Ode to the Motherland" during the opening ceremony was lip-synching.

The BBC said officials made the decision because 9-year-old Lin Miaoke had the "flawless" look they were looking for that they said the actual singer, 7-year-old Yang Peiyi, lacked.

Musical director Chen Qigang told Beijing Radio: "After several tests, we decided to put Lin Miaoke on the live picture, while using Yang Peiyi's voice. The reason for this is that we must put our country's interest first. The girl appearing on the picture must be flawless in terms of her facial expression and the great feeling she can give to people."

The BBC said that Lin has become a media darling since she appeared at the opening ceremony.

The British broadcaster also said Chinese news reports suggest Yang has been a good sport about the whole situation, quoting her as saying, "I'm satisfied to have had my voice in the opening ceremony."