Beyonce singing the national anthem at today’s 57th Presidential Inauguration for Barack Obama. AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

Beyonce, James Taylor, and Kelly Clarkson have just taken the stage during today’s inaugural ceremony. Besides the great honor of taking part in this tremendous event, there is another reason artists are eager to perform at a presidential inauguration. According to Billboard, artists who perform at the event may see an increase in record sales.

That’s what happened last time for Beyonce when the singer made a surprise appearance four years ago at President Barack Obama’s Neighborhood Ball. It “became arguably the most talked-about musical moment of the inauguration festivities,” notes the magazine. The performance was broadcast on ABC and watched by 12.6 million U.S. TV viewers, according to Nielsen. Beyonce sang a cover of Etta James’ “At Last.”

Sales of Beyonce’s already-released cover version shot up. Video clips of the performance went viral on YouTube. And earned a 1,318 percent sales gain, according to Nielsen SoundScan. “The tune sold 31,000 downloads that week — up from just 2,000 the week previous,” writes Billboard.

So this year, Beyonce, who performed at the Ceremonial Swearing-In Ceremony, could get another sales boost, as could the other inauguration performers Clarkson and Taylor whose performances will be broadcast. (She’ll get another shot in the arm from her Super Bowl performance next month.) Maybe even the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir will see a boost in buzz!

Rihanna arriving to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show yesterday. Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

It has been confirmed. Rihanna teamed up with Chris Brown — musically — for a track called “Nobodies Business” on her upcoming album, Unapologetic. The album also features collaborations with Eminem, Future and Mikky Ekko. It is set for release on Nov. 19.

So is “Nobodies Business” a good business move? Or will it backfire? We asked a few music industry pros what they thought.

Lee Cadena, owner of  Lee Cadena Management, has been in the business for more than two decades, so he has seen his share of artist controversy. “As an artist manager with a background in marketing/promotions and PR, I can tell you the Rihanna/Chris Brown situation makes for public voyeurism, conversation and scrutiny… all of which equals sales. It pushes tweets, Facebook postings and tickles all social media platforms, which from a business standpoint is great,” says Cadena, who has worked with the likes of  Teena Marie, Snoop Dogg, and Mary J. Blige.

Radio producer/personality Portia Kirkland agrees. “There’s music and then there’s the business. As a music marketer, you think hits, sales, synergy, creativity, but also free expression. Both Rihanna and Chris Brown are highly talented and I believe can create great music together,” she points out.

Loyal fans of both will probably read a message in the music, looking for a deeper meaning from the song. “I don’t see the collaboration disturbing the fan base unless it says ‘we haven’t grown; we haven’t healed; and we are the same couple that we were three years ago’,” Kirkland, who has also worked at 1017 Brick Squad where she handled marketing for French Montana, Nicki Minaj, Waka Flocka, points out. “Their collaboration should be deeper than just having a hot record. I think Rihanna and Chris should send a message to their fans that ‘we’re human, we’ve learned our lesson; and moving forward in a healthier space.’  Music is a powerful platform and Rihanna and Chris should use it to highlight their growth and healing. That’s what classic hits and strong brands are made of — life’s lessons, second chances and change.”

The boldness of the move also continues with the philosophy of Rihanna’s brand—one of a daring and independent artist. “[I]t will work to solidify her independent and unpredictable persona.  I think it’s a good idea because she should not let the public guide or determine her individual choices in life,” notes former record company executive Jackie Rhinehart, who is CEO and president of entertainment marketing firm Organic Soul Marketing. “That plus sex – implied– will sell, sell, sell!”

At the end of the day, however, the music still has to be good. A bad song, no matter how intriguing won’t have staying power. “The controversy may work in the moment and drive people to the record, but is the music good enough for consumers to purchase ten years from now?” says Cadena. “Building a career on quality music is key for catalog sales, which is what you want as an artist. Will it be considered a classic? Doubtful, but only time will tell. Until then, Rihanna… keep ya’ dukes up.”

With sites like Limewire and Megaupload gone, and issues like music piracy rising to the top, it makes me wonder why people aren’t paying for entertainment.

I mean if one can just stay in the privacy of their own homes and enjoy all kinds of music, films and television shows for free…doesn’t that sounds like paradise? But we know that essentially this is illegal and some would say immoral. The piracy commercial always comes in mind, the whole you wouldn’t steal a car so you shouldn’t be downloading music and movies illegally. Unfortunately people do steal cars! You don’t see the car industry making an ad about the level of car thefts in our country.

Many people try to justify their means of downloading music or movies for free, saying that if Hollywood or the music industry produced more quality work, maybe more people would actually still buy or support their stuff.

Some people even complain that paying $10 for a crappy movie, which in many cases is either an unnecessary sequel or remake. And let’s not forget the fact that many movies are in 3D costing even more. New releases of DVD and Bluerays can cost you almost $30 and the price of a Netflix movie is always changing.

Album prices are the same way. The introduction of MP3s killed record sales and now it’s all about who can have the most digital sales. Unless it’s an artist or musician you really love, most people don’t buy entire CDs anymore.

So with all of this in mind, people don’t feel like they should have to pay for a movie they assume will be terrible, CDs where the only song you enjoy is the most popular single ($1.29 is too expensive) and TV shows that you don’t have the time to follow and will most likely get cancelled. With the economy being in the shape that it is now, people can’t afford the luxuries they once did.

From a mainstream point-of -view, sure the entertainment business has become watered down. However, the internet has created a space for people to discover new and truly talented people. Youtube for example has birthed many up and coming musicians, actors, comedians and directors. Why do you think the government, along with the entertainment industry want bills like SOPA and PIPA to pass? Because they haven’t found ways to totally profit off the internet and people are finding their own methods of entertainment outside the typical Hollywood or music industry formats.

But back to my original question, should people truly pay for entertainment? Of course we should, but if the music industry and Hollywood were producing more quality material maybe people wouldn’t feel the need to download music and movies or free. Yet that brings up another point, if the music and movie industry are not producing what the public really wants, we should turn to “alternative” methods. Alternative being all the D.I.Y independent artists who use the internet as a vehicle to display their talents. But if you’re going to consume media from these artists on the internet, be prepared to put up some money.

Bianca is a college student and blogger. Follow her on twitter @thefoxypoet

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