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Chita Rivera's Message To Young Performers: Cut The Lip Synching

Acclaimed musical theater performer Chita Rivera has a word of advice for her young counterparts: learn how to dance and sing at the same time.
Image: Chita Rivera
Chita Rivera performs during the “Chita Rivera: A Lot of Livin’ to Do” segment of the PBS 2015 Summer TCA Tour held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015 in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)Richard Shotwell / AP

Acclaimed musical theater performer Chita Rivera has a word of advice for her young counterparts: learn how to dance and sing at the same time.

At a TV critics' meeting Sunday, Rivera was asked what she thinks of those performers who say they have to rely on lip-syncing. With a disdainful look fixed on her face, the Broadway veteran replied: "Couldn't you tell?"

Rivera went on to explain that she's still on stage because she was properly trained in breath control. "It's a pity, because they could be so much stronger because they're so gifted," she said, not calling out any junior performers by name.

Earlier this year, Rivera earned her 10th Tony nomination, for "The Visit." The two-time Tony winner will release "Chita Rivera: A Lot of Livin' to Do," an hour-long career retrospective, on Nov. 6 as part of PBS' "Great Performances" showcase.