Sneak Peek: Marsha Ambrosius - 'Cold War'

BEYSUS A TRUE GOD January 22, 2013

t 7:45 pm

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter[2][3] (born September 4, 1981), known mononymously as Beyoncé ( /biˈjɒnseɪ/ bee-yon-say), is an American singer, songwriter, dancer and actress. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she enrolled in performing arts schools and was first exposed to singing and dancing competitions as a child. Knowles rose to fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, one of the world’s best-selling girl groups of all time.
During the hiatus of Destiny’s Child, Knowles released her debut solo album, Dangerously in Love, in 2003, which spawned two number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100—”Crazy in Love” and “Baby Boy”—and became one of the most successful albums of that year, earning her a then record-tying five Grammy Awards. Following the disbandment of Destiny’s Child in 2005, Knowles released her second solo album, B’Day, in 2006, which spawned the top ten singles “Déjà Vu”, “Irreplaceable” and “Beautiful Liar”. Her third solo album I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008), spawned the hit singles “If I Were a Boy”, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”, “Halo” and “Sweet Dreams”. The album helped Knowles earn six Grammys in 2010, breaking the record for most Grammy Awards won by a female artist in one night. Knowles’ fourth solo album, 4 (2011), became her fourth consecutive number one album on the Billboard 200 as a solo artist. This made her the third artist in the chart’s history to have her first four studio albums debut atop the chart.
Apart from her work in music, Knowles has also ventured into acting and designing clothes and various perfumes. She made her acting debut in the musical TV film Carmen: A Hip Hopera (2001), prior to appearing in major films, Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002), The Fighting Temptations (2003), Dreamgirls (2006), which earned her two Golden Globe nominations, Cadillac Records (2008) and Obsessed (2009). Knowles introduced her family’s fashion line House of Deréon in 2005, and has endorsed such brands as L’Oréal, Pepsi, Tommy Hilfiger, Nintendo and Vizio. In 2010, Knowles was ranked first on Forbes list of the “100 Most Powerful and Influential Musicians in the World”,[4] and second on its list of the “100 Most Powerful and Influential Celebrities in the World”.[5]
Knowles’ work has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including 16 Grammy Awards, 12 MTV Video Music Awards, a Billboard Millennium Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with Destiny’s Child. In 2009, Billboard named her the Top Female Artist and Top Radio Songs Artist of the 2000s decade,[6][7] and ranked her as the fourth Artist of the Decade.[8] The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) also recognized Knowles as the Top Certified Artist of the 2000s.[9][10] She is the eighth best-selling digital artist in the United States, with more than 30.4 million digital singles sold as of January 2012.[11] Knowles has sold over 13 million albums in the US and over 75 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time.[12][13] In 2010, she appeared on VH1′s list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”,[14] and was ranked third on their “100 Greatest Women in Music” list in 2012.[15] In April 2008, Knowles married American rapper Jay-Z, and gave birth to their first child, Blue Ivy Carter, in January 2012.
Contents [hide]
1 Biography
1.1 1981–96: Early life and career beginnings
1.2 1997–2001: Destiny’s Child era and depression
1.3 2002–07: Films, Dangerously in Love, Destiny Fulfilled and B’Day
1.4 2008–10: Marriage, I Am… Sasha Fierce and films
1.5 2011: New management and 4
1.6 2012: Motherhood and upcoming projects
2 Artistry
2.1 Music and voice
2.2 Influences
2.3 Stage and alter ego
2.4 Public image
3 Legacy
4 Other ventures
4.1 House of Deréon
4.2 Products and endorsements
5 Philanthropy
6 Discography
7 Filmography
8 Tours and revues
9 See also
10 References
11 External links
Biography

1981–96: Early life and career beginnings
Knowles was born in Houston, Texas, the daughter of Mathew Knowles, a professional record manager, and Tina Knowles (née Beyincé), a costume designer and hair stylist. Knowles’ father is African American. Her mother, a Louisiana Creole, has African, French, Native American, and Irish ancestry; she is a descendant of Acadian leader Joseph Broussard.[16][17] Knowles was baptized after her mother’s maiden name, as a tribute to her mother.[16] She is the elder sister of Solange Knowles, a singer, songwriter and actress.
Knowles was educated at St. Mary’s Elementary School in Fredericksburg, Texas, in the Texas Hill Country, where she was enrolled in dance classes, including ballet and jazz. Her talent in singing was discovered when her dance instructor began humming a song and she finished it, hitting the high-pitched notes.[18] Knowles’ interest in music and performing began after participating in a school talent show. She sang John Lennon’s “Imagine” and won the competition.[19][20] At age seven, Knowles started gaining attention from the press, having been mentioned in the Houston Chronicle as a nominee for the local performing arts award The Sammy.[21] In the fall of 1990, Knowles enrolled in Parker Elementary School, a music magnet school in Houston, where she would perform on-stage with the school’s choir.[18] She also attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston[22] and later went to Alief Elsik High School, located in the Houston suburban munincipality, Alief.[16][23] Knowles was a member of the choir at St. John’s United Methodist Church for two years, performing as a soloist.[18][24]
At the age of eight, Knowles met LaTavia Roberson while in an audition for an all-girl entertainment group.[25] They, along with Knowles’ childhood friend Kelly Rowland, were placed into a group that performed rapping and dancing.[26] Originally named Girl’s Tyme, they were eventually cut down to six members.[18] West coast R&B producer Arne Frager flew into Houston to see them. He eventually brought them to his studio, The Plant Recording Studios, in Northern California, with Knowles’ vocals being featured.[18] As part of efforts to sign Girl’s Tyme to a major label record deal, Frager’s strategy was to début them in Star Search, the biggest talent show on national TV at the time.[18] Girl’s Tyme participated in the competition but lost it because the song they performed was not good, Knowles herself admitted.[27][28] Knowles had her first “professional setback” after that defeat but regained confidence after learning that pop stars Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake had also the same experience.[18] To manage the group, Knowles’ father (who was at that time a medical-equipment salesman) resigned in 1995 from his job.[29] He dedicated his time and established a “boot camp” for their training.[30] The move reduced Knowles’ family’s income by half and her parents were forced to move into separated apartments.[16] Not long after the inclusion of Rowland, Mathew cut the original lineup to four,[18] with LeToya Luckett joining in 1993.[25] Rehearsing in Tina’s Headliners Salon and their backyards, the group continued performing as an opening act for other established R&B girl groups of the time;[25] Tina contributed to the cause by designing their costumes, which she continued to do throughout the Destiny’s Child era. With the continued support of Mathew, they auditioned before record labels and were finally signed to Elektra Records. They moved to Atlanta to work on their first recording, only to be cut by the record company in 1995. They returned home to start over again.[16] This eventually put a strain on the family, and Beyoncé’s parents separated briefly when she was 14. In 1996, the family reunited, and shortly after, the girls got a contract with Columbia Records.[19]
1997–2001: Destiny’s Child era and depression
Main article: Destiny’s Child

Destiny’s Child performing “Say My Name”
The group changed its name to Destiny’s Child in 1993, based on a passage in the Book of Isaiah.[25] Together, they performed in local events and after four years on the road, the group was signed to Columbia Records in late 1997. That same year, Destiny’s Child recorded their major label début song “Killing Time” for the soundtrack to the 1997 film, Men in Black.[25][28] The following year, the group released their self-titled debut album,[27] scoring their first major hit “No, No, No”. The album established the group as a viable act in the music industry, amassing moderate sales and winning the group three Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards for Best R&B/Soul Single for “No, No, No”, Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year and Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist.[25] The group released their multi-platinum second album The Writing’s on the Wall in 1999. The record features some of the group’s most widely known songs such as “Bills, Bills, Bills”, the group’s first number-one single, “Jumpin’ Jumpin’” and “Say My Name”, which became their most-successful song at the time, and would remain one of their signature songs. “Say My Name” won the Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and the Best R&B Song at the 43rd Grammy Awards.[25] The Writing’s on the Wall sold more than eight million copies.[27] During this time, Knowles recorded a duet with Marc Nelson on the song “After All Is Said and Done” for the soundtrack to the 1999 film, The Best Man.
Luckett and Roberson filed a lawsuit against the group for breach of contract. Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin appeared in the music video of “Say My Name”, implying that Luckett and Roberson had already been replaced.[25] Eventually, Luckett and Roberson left the group. Franklin would eventually fade from the group after five months,[27] as evidenced by her absences during promotional appearances and concerts. She attributed her departure to negative vibes in the group resulting from the strife.[25] During this time, Knowles had experienced depression from an accumulation of struggles: the publicized split of Luckett and Roberson, being publicly attacked by the media, critics and blogs for causing the split-up,[31] and a longstanding boyfriend (that she had dated from age 13 to 19) leaving her.[32][33] The depression was so severe it lasted for a couple of years, during which she kept herself in her bedroom for days and refused to eat anything. Knowles stated that she struggled to speak about her depression because Destiny’s Child had just won their first Grammy Award and she feared no one would take her seriously.[34] All of these events had made her question herself and who her friends were, describing the situation she said, “Now that I was famous, I was afraid I’d never find somebody again to love me for me. I was afraid of making new friends.”[32] She acknowledges her mother Tina Knowles for helping her out of her depression, saying: “Why do you think a person wouldn’t love you? Don’t you know how smart and sweet and beautiful you are?”[32]
After settling on their final lineup, the trio recorded “Independent Women Part I”, which appeared on the soundtrack to the 2000 film, Charlie’s Angels. It became their best-charting single, topping the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for eleven consecutive weeks.[25] Later that year, Luckett and Roberson withdrew their case against their now-former band mates, while maintaining the suit against Mathew, which ended in both sides agreeing to stop public disparaging.[25] In early 2001, while Destiny’s Child was completing their third album, Knowles landed a major role in the MTV made-for-television film, Carmen: A Hip Hopera, starring alongside American actor Mekhi Phifer. Set in Philadelphia, the film is a modern interpretation of the 19th century opera Carmen by French composer Georges Bizet.[35] Luckett and Roberson refiled their lawsuit after Destiny’s Child’s third album Survivor was released in May 2001, claiming that the songs were aimed at them.[25] The album débuted at number one on US Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 663,000 copies sold.[36] To date, Survivor has sold over ten million copies worldwide, over forty percent of which were sold in the US alone.[37] The album spawned other number-one hits, “Bootylicious” and the title track, “Survivor”, the latter of which earned the group a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. After releasing their holiday album 8 Days of Christmas in October 2001, the group announced a hiatus to pursue solo careers.[25]
2002–07: Films, Dangerously in Love, Destiny Fulfilled and B’Day

Knowles performing “Baby Boy”, which spent nine consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart[38]
In July 2002, Knowles starred opposite Mike Myers in the comedy film, Austin Powers in Goldmember. She played Foxxy Cleopatra, the female protagonist alongside the film’s lead character Austin Powers, played by Myers.[39] Austin Powers in Goldmember spent its first weekend atop the US box office and grossed $73 million.[40] To promote the film, Knowles released “Work It Out” as the lead single from its soundtrack album.[41] In October 2002, she was featured on her then-boyfriend Jay-Z’s single “’03 Bonnie & Clyde”. The song peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Knowles’ first top ten single as a solo artist.[42] It also reached the top ten in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.[43][44] Rumors began to circulate about Knowles and Jay-Z’s relationship after the release of “’03 Bonnie & Clyde”.[20] In spite of persistent rumors, they remained discreet about their relationship.[45][46]
After Williams and Rowland released their solo efforts, Knowles released her debut solo album Dangerously in Love on June 24, 2003 in the United States.[47] The album sold 317,000 copies in its first week and debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart.[48] Dangerously in Love has sold 4.9 million copies in the US and has been certified four times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[12][49] It remains as Knowles’ best-selling album to date, with sales of 11 million copies sold worldwide.[50] The album was preceded by the lead single “Crazy in Love”, which features Jay-Z. The song became Knowles’ first number one single as a solo artist in the US, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for eight consecutive weeks.[51] It also topped the UK Singles Chart, and reached the top-ten in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.[44][52] The second single “Baby Boy”, which features dancehall singer Sean Paul, topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for nine consecutive weeks, and reached the top-ten in many countries.[38] Dangerously in Love also produced two other singles, “Me, Myself and I” and “Naughty Girl”, which both reached the top-five on the Billboard Hot 100.[53] The album earned Knowles a then record-tying five awards at the 46th Grammy Awards; Best Contemporary R&B Album, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “Dangerously in Love 2″, Best R&B Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Crazy in Love”, and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for “The Closer I Get to You” with Luther Vandross.[54] In September 2003, Knowles starred opposite Cuba Gooding, Jr. in the musical comedy film The Fighting Temptations as Lilly, a single mother whom Gooding’s character, Darrin, falls in love with.[55] The film received mixed reviews from critics and grossed $32.7 million at the box office worldwide.[56][57] To promote The Fighting Temptations, Knowles released “Fighting Temptation” as the lead single from the film’s soundtrack album. In November 2003, she embarked on the Dangerously in Love Tour in Europe. She later toured alongside Missy Elliott and Alicia Keys as an ensemble for the Verizon Ladies First Tour in North America.[58]
On February 1, 2004, Knowles performed the American national anthem at Super Bowl XXXVIII, which was held at the Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.[59] After the release of Dangerously in Love, Knowles had planned to produce a follow-up album using several of the left-over tracks. However, on January 7, 2004, a spokesperson for her record label announced that Knowles had put her plans on hold in order to concentrate on the recording of Destiny Fulfilled, the final studio album by Destiny’s Child.[60] It was released on November 15, 2004 in the United States.[61] The album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and has been certified three times platinum by the RIAA.[62][63] Destiny Fulfilled spawned the singles “Lose My Breath” and “Soldier”, which both reached the top-five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[64] In April 2005, Destiny’s Child embarked on their worldwide concert tour, Destiny Fulfilled… and Lovin’ It. During the last stop of their European tour in Barcelona on June 11, 2005, Rowland announced that Destiny’s Child would disband following the North American leg of the tour.[65] The group released their first compilation album Number 1′s on October 25, 2005 in the United States.[66] The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA.[63][67] In February 2006, Knowles starred opposite Steve Martin in the comedy film The Pink Panther, as international pop star Xania.[68] The film grossed $158.8 million at the box office worldwide.[69] Knowles’ song “Check on It”, which features rapper Slim Thug, was supposed to be featured on the soundtrack album for The Pink Panther but was ultimately not included.[70] “Check on It” peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five consecutive weeks, becoming Knowles’ third US number-one single as a solo artist.[53][71] In March 2006, Destiny’s Child reunited to accept a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[72]

Knowles performing during The Beyoncé Experience in May 2007
Knowles’ second solo album B’Day was released on September 5, 2006 in the United States, to coincide with Knowles’ twenty-fifth birthday.[73] It sold 541,000 copies in its first week and debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart, becoming Knowles’ second consecutive number-one album in the US.[74] B’Day has sold 3.3 million copies in the US and has been certified three times platinum by the RIAA.[12][49] Internationally, the album has sold seven million copies worldwide.[75] The album was preceded by the lead single “Déjà Vu”, which features Jay-Z. The song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the UK Singles Chart.[44][53] The second international single “Irreplacable” was a commercial success worldwide, reaching number one in Australia, Hungary, Ireland and New Zealand, and the top ten in Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and the UK.[44][76] In the US, the song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for ten consecutive weeks, becoming Knowles’ fourth number-one single as a solo artist.[77] B’Day also produced three other singles, “Ring the Alarm”, “Get Me Bodied” and “Green Light”, which each attained moderate success. In December 2006, Knowles starred opposite Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy in the musical film, Dreamgirls. She played Deena Jones, a pop singer loosely based on Diana Ross.[78] The film received positive reviews from critics and grossed $154.9 million at the box office worldwide.[79][80] To promote Dreamgirls, Knowles released “Listen” as the lead single from the soundtrack album, Dreamgirls: Music from the Motion Picture. She earned several nominations the following year for her role in the film, including Best Original Song for “Listen” and Best Actress at the Golden Globe Awards,[81] Best Performance at the MTV Movie Awards,[82] and Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture at the NAACP Image Awards.[83]
In April 2007, Knowles embarked on The Beyoncé Experience, her first worldwide concert tour. The tour visited ninety-seven venues and grossed $90 million.[84] On April 3, 2007, B’Day was re-released as a deluxe edition, seven months after the release of the original version. In addition to the original track listing, the deluxe edition features five new songs, including “Beautiful Liar”, a duet with Colombian singer Shakira.[85] The song was commercially successful, reaching number one in several countries, such as France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.[44][86] At the 49th Grammy Awards, B’Day was nominated for five awards; Best Contemporary R&B Album, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “Ring the Alarm”, Best R&B Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for Déjà Vu, and Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical for the Freemasons club mix of “Déjà Vu”. The album won the award for Best Contemporary R&B Album.[87] The following year, B’Day received two nominations for Record of the Year for “Irreplaceable” and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for “Beautiful Liar”.[88]
2008–10: Marriage, I Am… Sasha Fierce and films

Knowles and Jay-Z performing “Crazy in Love” at the I Am… Tour in 2009
On April 4, 2008, Knowles married Jay-Z in New York City. It became a matter of public record on April 22, 2008.[89] Knowles did not publicly debut her wedding ring until the Fashion Rocks concert on September 5, 2008, in New York City.[90] She finally revealed their marriage through an opening montage video at the listening party for her third studio album, I Am… Sasha Fierce, in Manhattan’s Sony Club on October 22, 2008.[91] In November 2008, Forbes magazine reported that Knowles earned $80 million between June 1, 2007 to June 1, 2008, for her music, tour, films and clothing line.[92] This made her the world’s second best-paid music personality at the time.[93] I Am… Sasha Fierce was released on November 18, 2008 in the United States.[94] The album introduces Knowles’ alter ego Sasha Fierce, who was born during the making of her 2003 single “Crazy in Love”. It sold 482,000 copies in its first week and debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart, giving Knowles her third consecutive number-one album in the US.[95] I Am… Sasha Fierce has sold three million copies in the US and has been certified double platinum by the RIAA.[12][49] Internationally, the album has sold seven million copies worldwide.[96] I Am… Sasha Fierce was preceded by the two lead singles “If I Were a Boy” and “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”. “If I Were a Boy” was a commercial success, reaching number one in various European countries, such as Denmark, Israel, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Sweden and the United Kingdom.[44][97] “Single Ladies” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for four non-consecutive weeks, becoming Knowles’ fifth number-one single in the United States.[98] The album’s third international single “Halo” was also commercially successful, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and in the top ten in various other countries.[53][99] “Halo”‘s US success helped Knowles achieve more top ten singles on the Hot 100 chart than any other female artist during 2001–10.[100] Another successful single from I Am… Sasha Fierce was “Sweet Dreams”, which also reached the top ten in many countries.[101] The album spawned four other singles, “Diva”, “Ego”, “Broken-Hearted Girl” and “Video Phone”, which each attained moderate success.
In December 2008, Knowles starred as blues singer Etta James in the musical biopic film, Cadillac Records. Her performance in the film received praise from critics.[102] John Kehe of The Christian Science Monitor wrote, “No one can channel Etta – she’s a singular talent – but Beyoncé does it her own way and conjurs enough emotion and grit to make it work in the context of the movie.”[103] Knowles garnered several nominations for her portrayal of James, including a Satellite Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, and a NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.[104][105] The music video for “Single Ladies” has been parodied and imitated around the world, spawning the “first major dance craze” of the Internet age.[106] The video won several awards, including Best Video at the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards,[107] the 2009 MOBO Awards,[108] and the 2009 BET Awards.[109] At the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, the video was nominated for nine awards, ultimately winning three including Video of the Year. Its failure to win the Best Female Video category, which went to American country pop singer Taylor Swift’s “You Belong with Me”, sparked controversy during the ceremony.[110] On January 20, 2009, Knowles performed James’ “At Last” at Barack Obama’s first dance with his wife Michelle during the Neighborhood Ball of his inauguration as President of the United States.[111]

Knowles performing at the I Am… Tour
In March 2009, Knowles embarked on the I Am… Tour, her second headlining concert tour. The tour consisted of 108 shows and grossed $119.5 million.[112] In April 2009, Knowles starred opposite Ali Larter and Idris Elba in the thriller film, Obsessed. She played Sharon Charles, a mother and wife who learns of a woman’s obsessive behavior for the former’s husband, and suspects an affair between the two. The film received negative reviews from critics,[113] though the fight scene finale between Sharon and the woman was praised and won the 2010 MTV Movie Award for Best Fight.[114][115] Obsessed spent its first week atop the US box office and grossed $34,802,334.[116] In June 2009, Forbes placed Knowles fourth on the Celebrity 100 list, having earned $87 million in the past year. Lacey Rose of Forbes noted that it was due to her publishing and music sales, tour, films, clothing line and endorsement deals.[117] At the 52nd Grammy Awards, Knowles received ten nominations, including Album of the Year for I Am… Sasha Fierce, Record of the Year for “Halo”, and Song of the Year for “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”, among others.[118] She tied with Lauryn Hill for most Grammy nominations in a single year by a female artist.[119] Knowles ultimately set the record for the most Grammy awards won by a female artist in one night, when she won six awards from her ten nominations; Song of the Year, Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “Single Ladies”, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for “Halo”, Best Contemporary R&B Album, and Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for “At Last”.[120]
During an interview with Elysa Gardner of USA Today on January 28, 2010, Knowles announced that she would be taking a break from her music career saying “to live life, to be inspired by things again”.[121] A 60 Minutes segment that aired the same day, revealed Knowles was homeschooled as a child and prays before every live performance.[122] In February 2010, Knowles was featured on Lady Gaga’s single “Telephone”. The song was a commercial success worldwide, reaching number one in Belgium, Denmark, Hungary, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom.[44][123] It also topped the US Pop Songs chart, thus becoming the sixth number-one on the chart for both Knowles and Gaga. With this, they both tied with Mariah Carey for most number-ones since the Nielsen BDS-based Top 40 airplay chart launched in 1992.[124] “Telephone” received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.[125] In October 2010, Forbes placed Knowles ninth on the “Most Powerful Women in the World” list.[126] She was also ranked ninth on the “Hollywood’s 20 Highest Earners of 2010″ list, becoming the only recording artist to enter the top ten.[127]
2011: New management and 4

Knowles performing during the 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé revue, August 2011
In January 2011, it was announced that Knowles would star in a remake of A Star Is Born, to be directed and produced by Clint Eastwood for Warner Bros.[128] However, on October 9, 2012, Knowles told E! News that she dropped out of her planned appearance in the film, citing scheduling issues. She stated, “For months we tried to coordinate our schedules to bring this remake to life but it was just not possible. Hopefully in the future we will get a chance to work together.”[129] In February 2011, documents obtained by WikiLeaks revealed that Knowles was one of many entertainers that received extravagant sums to perform for the family of Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi. Rolling Stone magazine reported that the music industry was urging them to return the money they earned for the concerts.[130] On March 2, 2011, a spokesperson for Knowles told The Huffington Post that she donated the money to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.[131] On March 28, 2011, Knowles’ publicist Yvette Noel-Schure issued a statement that Knowles and her father as well as manager, Mathew Knowles had parted ways “on a business level.”[132] Knowles took this decision during her break from her music career in 2010.[133] In June 2011, Forbes placed her eighth on the “Best-Paid Celebrities Under 30″ list, having earned $35 million in the past year for her clothing line and endorsement deals.[134]
On June 26, 2011, Knowles performed a 90-minute set at the 2011 Glastonbury Festival. She was the first solo female artist ever to headline the Pyramid stage at the festival in over twenty years.[135] Knowles’ fourth studio album 4 was released on June 28, 2011 in the United States.[136] For the album, she drew inspiration from musicians, such as Fela Kuti, Earth, Wind & Fire, Lionel Richie, with additional influences from The Jackson 5, New Edition, Florence and the Machine, Adele, and Prince, among others.[137] 4 sold 310,000 copies in its first week and debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart, giving Knowles her fourth consecutive number-one album in the US. This made her the third artist in the chart’s history, to have her first four studio albums debut at number one.[138] The album was preceded by its first two singles “Run the World (Girls)” and “Best Thing I Never Had”, which both attained moderate success. “Run the World (Girls)” reached the top ten in Australia, Belgium, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Scotland and South Korea.[139] “Best Thing I Never Had” peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number three on the UK Singles Chart.[44][53] The album’s fourth single “Love on Top” was a commercial success in the US, peaking at number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for seven consecutive weeks.[140] 4 also produced two other singles, “Countdown” and “End of Time”, which were both unsuccessful. Knowles took the stage at New York’s Roseland Ballroom for four nights of special performances. The set on each night of the 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé concerts was the entire collection of 4. For these four special nights, August 14, 16, 18 and 19, she performed her songs to a standing room only audience.[141]
On August 28, 2011 at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, Knowles announced that she and Jay-Z were expecting their first child. She made the announcement during her red carpet appearance and again at the end of her performance of “Love on Top” by rubbing her growing stomach.[142][143] The Huffington Post later confirmed that Knowles was five months pregnant and her pregnancy announcement had broken the “most tweets per second recorded for a single event” Twitter record, receiving 8,868 tweets per second.[144] MTV reported that Knowles’ performance of “Love on Top” and the announcement of her pregnancy at the awards ceremony helped the 2011′s MTV Video Music Awards become the most-watched broadcast in MTV history, pulling in 12.4 million viewers.[145] In addition, data from Google Insights showed that the most searched for term from August 29, 2011 to September 4, 2011 was “Beyonce pregnant” which reached ‘breakout’ levels – a term used by Google to describe a search with an increase of over 5,000 percent.[146] Knowles’ announcement of her pregnancy resulted in an increase in sales of her records, particularly 4, which had sold around 700,000 copies by August 2011.[147] The album has since sold 1.3 million copies in the US and has been certified platinum by the RIAA.[12][49] Internationally, the album has sold 2.1 million copies worldwide as of January 2012.[148] On October 8, 2011, a pre-taped performance of Knowles performing Michael Jackson’s “I Wanna Be Where You Are” was shown during the Michael Forever Tribute Concert at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.[149] In November 2011, social media website Saucytime.com named Knowles the “Highest Paid Performer Per Minute in the World”, having earned £1.25 million for a five-song performance at a private New Year’s Eve 2010 party on the island of St. Barts, equating to £71,040 for each minute she was on the stage.[150] Knowles received two nominations at the 54th Grammy Awards; Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Party”, and Best Long Form Music Video for I Am… World Tour.[151] The following year, “Love on Top” received a nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance.[152]
2012: Motherhood and upcoming projects

Knowles with her daughter Blue Ivy in April 2012
On January 7, 2012, Knowles gave birth to a daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.[153] Two days later, Jay-Z released “Glory”, a song dedicated to their child, on his social website Lifeandtimes.com. The song detailed the couple’s pregnancy struggles, including a miscarriage Knowles suffered before becoming pregnant with their daughter.[154] Due to Blue Ivy’s cries being heard in end of the song, she was officially credited on the song as B.I.C. At two days old, she became the youngest person ever to appear on a Billboard chart when “Glory” debuted on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at number 74.[155] On February 10, 2012, Knowles and Jay-Z revealed the first photos of Blue Ivy on Tumblr.[156] In May 2012, Forbes placed Knowles at number 16 on the “Celebrity 100″ list, having earned $40 million in the past year for her album 4, clothing line and endorsement deals.[157][158] Later that month, Knowles won a Writing Award from the New York Association of Black Journalists, for her July 2011 Essence magazine cover story “Eat, Play, Love”, which talks about her break from her music career in 2010.[159] Knowles took the stage at Revel Atlantic City’s Ovation Hall for four nights of performances, May 25, 26, 27 and 28, to celebrate the resort’s opening.[160][161] The Revel Presents: Beyoncé Live concerts were noted as Knowles’ first performances since giving birth to Blue Ivy.[162] In August 2012, Forbes placed Knowles and Jay-Z at number one on the “World’s Highest-Paid Celebrity Couples” list, for collectively earning $78 million in the past year.[163] On September 18, 2012, the couple raised $4 million, during an exclusive fundraising event at Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club in New York City, for US President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign.[164]
During an interview with The Boombox, Ryan Tedder said that he is writing new material for Knowles’ upcoming fifth studio album and revealed that “there [are] two projects happening”.[165] Knowles is also working with The-Dream,[166] Kanye West,[167] Hit-Boy,[167] Diane Warren,[168] Miguel,[169] Jay-Z,[170] Swizz Beatz,[171] Missy Elliott,[172] Jo’zzy,[170] and Ne-Yo.[173] On February 3, 2013, she will be performing at Super Bowl XLVII, to be held at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans during the Pepsi NFL Halftime Show.[174] Knowles will star in an upcoming feature-length documentary film on HBO on February 16, 2013. The film, which Knowles directed and produced herself, will feature footage of her childhood, her role as a mother and businesswoman, recording in the studio, rehearsing for live performances, and balancing her family life, including her return to the spotlight following the birth of Blue Ivy.[175] Knowles will also star as Queen Tara in the upcoming 3D CGI animated film Epic, to be released by 20th Century Fox on May 24, 2013.[176]
Artistry

Music and voice
“With ‘Single Ladies,’ clearly I’d just gotten married, and people want to get married every day – then there was the whole Justin Timberlake thing [recreating the video] on “Saturday Night Live,” and it was also the year YouTube blew up. With ‘Irreplaceable,’ the aggressive lyrics, the acoustic guitar, and the 808 drum machine – those things don’t typically go together, and it sounded fresh. ‘Crazy in Love’ was another one of those classic moments in pop culture that none of us expected. I asked Jay to get on the song the night before I had to turn my album in – thank God he did. It still never gets old, no matter how many times I sing it.”
—Knowles reflects on her musical style and the impact it has had on her life and pop culture during her Billboard Cover story in 2011.[177]

Trust in Me
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While predominately R&B, Knowles’ music explores various styles. The Daily Mail calls Knowles’ voice “versatile”, capable of exploring power ballads, soul, rock belting, operatic florishes, and hip hop.[178]
“Emotion”
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Knowles’ prominent use of melisma and other vocal ornamentation earns her both praise and criticism from critics and fans.[179][180]
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Knowles’ music is generally contemporary R&B, but she also incorporates pop, electropop,[181] funk, hip hop, and soul into her songs. While she almost exclusively releases English songs, Knowles recorded several Spanish songs for Irreemplazable and the re-release of B’Day. Prior to recording these, Knowles was coached phonetically by American record producer Rudy Perez.[182] Since Destiny’s Child, Knowles has artistically been involved in her career.[25] She received co-writing credits for most of the songs recorded by the group, as well as her solo efforts. Known for writing personally driven and female-empowerment themed compositions, Knowles has stated that having Jay-Z in her life has changed a few of her thoughts about how men and women relate to one another, which helped her transition from writing songs such as “Independent Women” and “Survivor” to man-tending anthems such as “Cater 2 U”, in which she sings about bringing him slippers and drawing his bath.[183] Some of her songs are autobiographical, which she has admitted are taken from personal experiences, as well as her friends’.[184] Knowles has also received co-producing credits for most of the records in which she has been involved, especially during her solo efforts. However, she does not formulate beats herself, but typically comes up with melodies and ideas during production, sharing them with producers.[185] Knowles was recognized as a songwriter during the run of Destiny’s Child in the 1990s and early to mid-2000s. She won the Pop Songwriter of the Year award at the 2001 American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers Pop Music Awards, becoming the first African-American female and second female songwriter of all time to accomplish the feat.[16][184] Knowles received songwriting credits in a single year for co-writing “Irreplaceable”, “Grillz” and “Check on It”, all of which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, the only woman to have written three songs which went to number-one in the same year since Carole King did it in 1971 and Mariah Carey in 1991. In terms of credits, she is tied with Diane Warren at third with nine number-one singles.[186] In May 2011, Keith Caulfield and Gary Trust of Billboard magazine listed Knowles at number 17 on their list of the “Top 20 Hot 100 Songwriters”, for having co-written eight singles that hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She was one of only three women on that list.[187]
Knowles possesses a mezzo-soprano[188] vocal range that spans more than three octaves. She has often been identified as the centerpiece of Destiny’s Child.[189] Jon Pareles of The New York Times commented that she has the voice that defines the group, writing that her voice is “velvety yet tart, with an insistent flutter and reserves of soul belting”.[190] Other critics praise her range and power. In reviewing her second album B’Day, Jody Rosen of Entertainment Weekly wrote “Beyoncé Knowles is a storm system disguised as a singer. On her second solo album, B’Day, the songs arrive in huge gusts of rhythm and emotion, with Beyoncé’s voice rippling over clattery beats; you’d have to search far and wide—perhaps in the halls of the Metropolitan Opera – to find a vocalist who sings with more sheer force … No one—not R. Kelly, not Usher, to say nothing of her rival pop divas—can match Beyoncé’s genius for dragging her vocal lines against a hip-hop beat.”[191] Chris Richards of The Washington Post wrote, “Even when she’s coasting, she soars above her imitators. It’s all in her voice—a superhuman instrument capable of punctuating any beat with goose-bump-inducing whispers or full-bore diva-roars. Smitten, scorned, amorous, antagonistic—Beyoncé sings from all of these vantage points with undeniable virtuosity.”[192]
Influences
Knowles’ credits Michael Jackson as her major musical influence and idol.[193] Knowles has also named Diana Ross as another one of her influences because “she’s an all-around entertainer: a great actor, a good singer, and a beautiful, elegant woman. She’s one of the few singers able to cross over into really good movies.”[194] Knowles cites Whitney Houston as another idol saying she “inspired [her] to get up there and do what [she] did.”[195] Her other musical influences include Cher,[196] Tina Turner,[197] Prince,[198] Lauryn Hill,[194] Sade Adu,[199] Aaliyah,[200] Mary J. Blige,[201] Janet Jackson,[202] Anita Baker and Rachelle Ferrell.[194] Knowles credits Mariah Carey’s singing and her song “Vision of Love” as influencing her to begin practicing vocal runs as a child, as well as helping her pursue a career as a musician.[203] She is also inspired by Oprah Winfrey and US First Lady Michelle Obama.[204] Knowles says Winfrey is “the definition of inspiration and a strong woman. When I’m around her, I want to stand up straight, pronounce my words right, and articulate.”[194]
Many of the themes and musical styles on Knowles’ second solo album B’Day (2006) were inspired by her role in Dreamgirls (2006).[205] She was inspired to produce an album with an overriding theme of feminism and female empowerment.[206] Knowles also cited Josephine Baker as an influence on the album.[207] Knowles’ paid homage to Baker by performing “Déjà Vu” at the Fashion Rocks concert on September 8, 2006, with Knowles and her female dancers wearing Baker’s trademark mini-hula skirt embellished with fake bananas.[208] For Knowles’ third solo album I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008), she was inspired by Jay-Z and especially by Etta James, whose “boldness” inspired Knowles to explore other musical genres and styles.[209] On her fourth solo album 4 (2011), Knowles acknowledged that she was inspired by Fela Kuti, 1990s R&B, Earth, Wind & Fire, DeBarge, Lionel Richie, Teena Marie with additional influences by The Jackson 5, New Edition, Adele, Florence and the Machine and Prince.[210] Knowles also mentioned that she was influenced by Jay-Z’s own work as well.[211]
Stage and alter ego

Knowles performing “Run the World (Girls)” on the 2011 Good Morning America Summer Concert Series
In 2006, Knowles introduced her all-female tour band Suga Mama, which includes bassists, drummers, guitarists, horn players, keyboardists and percussionists.[212] They made their début appearance at the 2006 BET Awards and re-appeared in the music videos for “Irreplaceable” and “Green Light”.[182] The band has also supported Knowles in live performances, including her 2007 concert tour The Beyoncé Experience and her 2009 I Am… Tour.
Knowles often receives praise for her stage presence and live performances. Jarett Wieselman of the New York Post placed Knowles at number one on her list of The Five Best Singer/Dancers, writing, “the megastar consistently devote[s] every ounce of her to the routine.”[213] In reviewing her I Am… Tour, Renee Michelle Harris of South Florida Times wrote, Knowles “owns the stage with her trademark swagger and intensity … showcasing her powerful vocals without missing a note, often while engaged in vigorous, perfectly executed dance moves … no one, not Britney, not Ciara and not Rihanna can offer what she does—a complete package of voice, moves and presence.”[214] Barbara Ellen of The Guardian wrote, “whether charismatic and soulful, or teasing and flirty, Beyoncé is, above all, in charge. Probably the most in charge of any female artist I’ve seen onstage”.[215] Alice Jones of The Independent wrote, “Watching Beyoncé sing and strut her stuff can feel at best overawing, at worst, alienating. She takes her role as entertainer so seriously she’s almost too good.”[216] Tamara Hardingham-Gill of the Daily Mail wrote, “many industry experts have been tipping Beyoncé as the next Michael Jackson. While it’s far too early for such comparisons, she certainly proved that she is one of the most exciting and talented performers around and may well go down in history as such”.[217]

“Dangerously in Love” (live)
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Knowles has received widespread praise for her live vocal performances.[179][180]
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Reviewers have praised Knowles live vocal performances. In reviewing one of her performances, Jim Farber of the Daily News wrote “Beyoncé showed off pipes of steely power. As the song’s signature horn riff pumped away, she soared over the melody with athletic ease. The way Beyoncé used her body intensified the sense of triumph. With her hair teased into Medusa-like tresses, a pelvis in perpetual churn and legs long enough to make Tina Turner proud, Beyoncé’s presence punctuated her singing like an exclamation point.”[218] Stephanie Classen of Star Phoenix declares “Beyoncé is no ordinary performer … from note one, the 27-year-old powerhouse rose above all the gimmicks, mastering the show like a s*** alien overlord princess. Nothing but extraterrestrial origins could explain that voice … [Beyoncé] could perform circles around any other pop star today.”[219] Editors of Newsday wrote, “she proves that hot choreography and strong vocals don’t have to be mutually exclusive … No worries of lip-synching here.”[220]
Known for being “s***, seductive and provocative” when performing on stage, Knowles has stated that’s her alter ego Sasha Fierce.[32] She described Sasha as being “too aggressive, too strong, too sassy [and] too s***”, stating: “I’m not like her in real life at all … I’m not flirtatious and super-confident and fearless like her. What I feel onstage I don’t feel anywhere else. It’s an out-of-body experience. I created my stage persona to protect myself so that when I go home I don’t have to think about what it is I do. Sasha isn’t me. The people around me know who I really am.”[32] Although Sasha was born during the making of “Crazy in Love”, Knowles introduced her alter ego with the release of her third album I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008). In February 2010, Knowles announced in an interview with Allure magazine that “Sasha Fierce is done. I killed her”. She then went on saying that she is comfortable enough with herself to be all of those things without an alias, stating: “I don’t need Sasha Fierce anymore, because I’ve grown and now I’m able to merge the two.”[221] In May 2012, Knowles announced that she would be bringing Sasha Fierce back for her Revel shows.[222]
Public image

Knowles at the premiere for her 2006 film, Dreamgirls
Knowles has stated: “I like to dress s*** and I carry myself like a lady,” but she has said that the way she dresses on stage is “absolutely for the stage”.[223] The media often use the term “Bootylicious” (a portmanteau of the words booty and delicious), to describe Knowles because of her curves.[224][225][226] The term was made widely known by the Destiny’s Child single of the same name, and has been added to the Oxford English Dictionary.[227] As someone who is fond of fashion, Knowles combines its artistic elements with her music videos and performances. According to Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, she uses different styles and tries to harmonize it with the music while performing.[228] The B’Day Anthology Video Album showed many instances of fashion-oriented footage, depicting classic to contemporary wardrobe styles.[229] People magazine recognized Knowles as the best-dressed celebrity in 2007.[230] Knowles’ mother wrote a 2002-published book, titled Destiny’s Style: Bootylicious Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Secrets From Destiny’s Child, an account of how fashion had an impact on Destiny’s Child’s success.[231] As one of the most media-exposed black celebrities in the United States, Knowles has often received criticism that some believe is due to racism and sexism.[232] Toure of Rolling Stone stated that since the release of Dangerously in Love (2003), “[Beyoncé] has become a crossover s** symbol a la Halle Berry …”[233] In 2006, the animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), criticized Knowles for wearing fur coats and using fur in her clothing line House of Deréon.[234]
External images
Knowles’ Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover from February 15, 2007
During the release of Rihanna’s second album A Girl Like Me (2006), many critics felt that her image was too heavily similar to Knowles’.[235] Some media even claimed that Jay-Z fashioned her to be a replica of Knowles.[236] Amina Taylor of The Guardian described Rihanna as the “Bajan Beyoncé”.[235] In 2007, Knowles was featured on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, and became the first non-model and non-athlete woman to pose on the issue, and the second model of African American descent after Tyra Banks.[237] In the same year, Knowles appeared on billboards and newspapers across the United States showing her holding an antiquated cigarette holder. Taken from the back cover of B’Day, the image provoked response from an anti-smoking group, stating that she did not need to add the cigarette holder “to make herself appear more sophisticated”.[238] Knowles has several wax figures of herself at Madame Tussauds Wax Museums in major cities around the world, including New York,[239] Washington, D.C.,[240] Amsterdam,[241] Bangkok[242] and Hollywood.[243]
In March 2009, comparisons were made between the fashions of Knowles and Ciara, when the latter released the music video of her single “Love S** Magic” (2009).[244] In the video, Ciara is seen wearing a black leotard and metallic glasses, similar to those worn by Knowles in both her “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” and “Diva” videos.[245] However, Ciara stated that her outfits were “inspired by the Vegas shows” she attended.[246] In September 2010, Knowles made her runway modelling debut at Tom Ford’s Spring/Summer 2011 fashion show.[247] In February 2011, LA Times magazine placed Knowles at number 25 on the “50 Most Beautiful Women in Film” list.[248] The following month, she appeared on the cover of French fashion magazine L’Officiel, in honor of the magazine’s 90th anniversary and in tribute to Nigerian musician Fela Kuti. Knowles appeared in blackface and tribal makeup, that drawn criticism from the media. A statement released from a spokesperson for the magazine, said that Knowles’ look was “far from the glamorous Sasha Fierce” and explained that it was “a return to her African roots”.[249] Men’s Health magazine placed Knowles at number 33 on the “100 Hottest Women of All-Time” list.[250] In 2012, she was named “World’s Most Beautiful Woman” by People magazine,[251] and the “Hottest Female Singer of All Time” by Complex magazine.[252]
Legacy

Throughout Knowles’ career, she has earned numerous awards and honors. As a solo artist, she has sold over 13 million albums in the United States and over 75 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time.[12][13] Nielsen SoundScan ranked Knowles as the eighth best-selling digital artist in the US, with more than 30.4 million digital singles sold as of January 2012.[11] Her songs “Crazy in Love”, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”, “Halo” and “Irreplaceable” are some of the best-selling singles of all time worldwide. Knowles is the seventh biggest-selling female singles artist of all time in the United Kingdom, with more than 6.9 million singles sold as of October 2012.[253] The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) listed Knowles as the Top Certified Artist of the 2000s decade, with a total of 64 certifications, including albums, digital songs, master ringtones and music videos.[9][10] In November 2009, The Observer named her the Artist of the Decade, writing that “she made not one but two of the decade’s greatest singles, with ‘Crazy in Love’ and ‘Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)’, not to mention her hits with Destiny’s Child”.[254] In December 2009, Billboard named Knowles the Top Female Artist and Top Radio Songs Artist of the Decade, and ranked her as the fourth Artist of the Decade.[6][7][8] At the 2007 American Music Awards, Knowles became the first female artist to be honored the International Artist Award.[255] At the 2008 World Music Awards, she was honored the legend award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts.[256] Knowles was also honored the Billboard Millennium Award at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards, for her “achievements and influence in the music industry”.[257] She has won 16 Grammy Awards, both as a solo artist and member of Destiny’s Child, making her the third most honored female artist by the Grammys.[258][259]

Knowles performing during her I Am… Tour in 2009.
Knowles’ debut solo album Dangerously in Love was ranked at number 183 on the “Top 200 Definitive Albums” list by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.[260] The music video for “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” achieved fame for its intricate choreography[261] and its deployment of jazz hands with a wrist twist.[262] It has been credited with starting the “first major dance craze of both the new millennium and the Internet”,[106] triggering a number of parodies of the dance choreography.[263][264] The music video inspired a legion of amateur imitators to post videos of themselves performing the choreography on YouTube.[261][263] In 2010, Knowles was ranked at number 52 on VH1′s list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”.[14] On November 19, 2010, Billboard named her in their “Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years” list at number 15.[265] In 2011, “Crazy in Love” was declared the “Greatest Song of the 2000s” by VH1.[266] Knowles and her husband Jay-Z made it into the 2011 Guinness Book of Records as the “highest-earning power couple” for collectively earning $122 million in 2009.[267] In September 2011, Knowles set a new Guinness World Record for most tweets per second about her pregnancy.[268] In October 2011, Prefix magazine ranked her first on their list of the “Best Female R&B Singers”, writing “What’s almost unbelievably insane is that not only can Beyoncé sing better than anybody else out there, but she can also dance better than anyone else out there, and unlike virtually every single performer, she can do both at the same time.”[269] She was also ranked 13th on The Root’s list of “The 100 Most Influential African Americans”.[270] In 2012, Knowles was ranked third on VH1′s list of the “100 Greatest Women in Music”.[15] In January 2012, it was announced that Scaptia beyonceae, a species of horse fly found in Northern Queensland, Australia, was named after Knowles. Bryan Lessard, the research scientist who named the species, did so due to the fly’s unique golden hairs on its abdomen, calling it the “all-time diva of flies”.[271] Later that month, Rutgers University in New Jersey introduced a course named after Knowles called “Politicizing Beyoncé”.[272] The course allows students to explore the “social and cultural significance” of Knowles’ music and image, including her alter ego Sasha Fierce and whether Knowles “racy performances” are of female sexual empowerment or “merely complying with western gender stereotypes”.[272]
Artists have cited her as an inspiration, including Alexandra Burke,[273] Jessica Sanchez,[274] Leona Lewis,[275] Misha B,[276] Nicole Scherzinger,[277] Rachel Crow,[278] and Rita Ora.[279] Rihanna stated, “when she came out with Dangerously in Love … I was like ‘wow, I want to be just like that.’ She’s huge and just an inspiration and one of the artists that I admire a lot.”[280] Jessie J stated that she would like to be as successful as Knowles within the next decade.[281] JoJo cited Knowles as an inspiration in her music, stating: “I think she’s incredible as an entertainer, a role model, and a writer. I think she can do it all.”[282] Adele stated that she was inspired by Knowles’ alter ego Sasha Fierce, to create her own named Sasha Carter. The composite of Sasha Fierce and late country icon June Carter, is pulled out whenever she needs to give herself a shot of confidence.[283] Adele said: “I don’t know her but she’s a huge part of my life … Everything I refer to has always got something to do with Destiny’s Child or her. She just knows what she wants. She’s in control of it all. She’s classy. She’s still totally f****** relevant. And just a nice person.”[284] Hillary Scott of the country pop group Lady Antebellum stated she admires Knowles as a female artist.[285] Azealia Banks stated, “I definitely think career-wise and personally, I’m very, very inspired by Beyoncé. She’s so well-mannered and so classy and so well-poised. It’s important to have those kinds of skills.”[286] Australian recording artist Ricki-Lee Coulter cited Knowles as one of her musical influences, stating: “She’s so driven, she pushes herself to the limits and she’s achieved so much but she’s always looking for what that next thing is and how she can improve from what she’s done in the past. She’s really setting the benchmark for female artists and I think she kind of is the Michael Jackson of this generation.”[287] Cheryl Cole cited Knowles as a big inspiration for her career, stating: “I just think she’s such a beautiful person, inside and out. Apart from what she does on the stage, which is obviously incredible and aspirational, I just like her as a woman … She’s empowering, and I like that.”[288] Kelly Rowland cited Knowles as an inspiration for her second solo album Ms. Kelly (2007), and as one of her style icons.[289][290] American indie rock band White Rabbits also cited her an inspiration for their third album Milk Famous (2012).[291] British girl group Little Mix cited Knowles as an influence for their single “Wings” (2012).[292] Nicki Minaj stated that seeing Knowles’ Pepsi commercial influenced her to appear in Pepsi’s 2012 global campaign. She said: “Out of the people that have done something with Pepsi, I think I was probably the most influenced by the Beyoncé commercial. I felt like this is a young black girl, early on in her career and she’s doing something so iconic and I never thought in a billion years that Pepsi would reach out to someone like me.”[293]
Gwyneth Paltrow has studied Knowles at her live concerts, while learning to become a musical performer in the film Country Strong (2010).[294] Miranda Lambert stated that Knowles’ concert DVD Live at Wembley inspired her to “take little bits” from Knowles’ performances for her live shows.[295] Trey Songz named Knowles as his favorite female singer and stated: “I followed her since Destiny’s Child’s first single and I truly think she’s deserving of all that she has. She works extremely hard. She’s an amazing performer, vocalist, and even outside of that, she’s an amazing businesswoman. She’s the perfect model for what an artist can be.”[296] Miley Cyrus commented that she would like to be like Knowles, stating: “She is the ultimate woman. You look at her and you don’t think, I wonder what her personal life is like. You look at her and you go, that girl on the stage is a superstar. You don’t care about anything else; you only care about her music. So I would hope that would be me in the future.”[297] Lady Gaga recalled: “I’ve never told Beyoncé this, but I remember laying on my grandmother’s couch crying, and a Destiny’s Child video came on. I remember watching Beyoncé thinking, ‘Oh, she’s a star. I want that. I want to be on MTV’. And now I’m in music videos with Beyoncé.”[298] Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry revealed that she was disappointed that she never became a “megastar” like Knowles, stating: “the temptation to be such a great entertainer and performer like Beyoncé [is] so fantastic. I would adore doing some of that stuff. Her track record with songs is phenomenal; I wish we had as many hits.”[299] Simon Cowell stated that she is “Ambitious, talented, competitive. She defines this new breed of what I call super popstars, and they are all girls at the moment. It’s like a new super species who literally want to rule the world.”[300] Matthew Morrison stated that watching the “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” music video made him realize that Knowles is an icon. “As a singer-dancer myself, I know how hard and how rare it is to have that combination. Beyoncé is so amazing at both and then to see her act as well in Dreamgirls, it’s pretty amazing”.[285] Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas stated: “Beyoncé has always been an icon to me. She’s one of the most talented artists of our generation.”[285]
Other ventures

House of Deréon
Knowles and her mother introduced House of Deréon, a ready-to-wear contemporary women’s fashion line, in 2005.[301] The concept is inspired by three generations of women in their family, with the name Deréon paying tribute to Knowles’ grandmother, Agnèz Deréon, who worked as a seamstress.[302] According to Tina Knowles, the overall style of the line best reflects Knowles’ taste and style.[303] Knowles and her mother founded their family’s company Beyond Productions, which provides the licensing and brand management for Deréon, a “junior lifestyle collection”, and House of Deréon.[301] Products of House of Deréon received public exhibitions through Destiny’s Child’s shows and tours, during their Destiny Fulfilled era.[304][305] The House of Deréon collection features sportswear, denim offerings with fur, outerwear and accessories that include handbags and footwear, which are available at department and specialty stores across the United States and Canada.[301]
In 2005, Knowles teamed up with House of Brands, a local shoe company, to produce a range of footwear for House of Deréon.[306] In January 2008, Starwave Mobile launched Beyoncé Fashion Diva, a “high-style” mobile game with an online social networking component, featuring the House of Deréon collection.[301] In July 2009, Knowles and her mother launched a new junior apparel label, Sasha Fierce for Deréon, for back-to-school selling. The collection included sportswear, outerwear, handbags, footwear, eyewear, lingerie and jewelry.[307] It was available to buy at department stores including Macy’s and Dillard’s, and specialty stores Jimmy Jazz and Against All Odds.[307] On May 27, 2010, Knowles teamed up with clothing store C&A to launch Deréon by Beyoncé at C&A stores in Brazil.[308] The collection included Tailored blazers with padded shoulders, little black dresses, embroidered tops and shirts and bandage dresses.[308]
Products and endorsements
In 2002, Knowles signed a promotional deal with Peps

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My forehead tho January 22, 2013
Aye, Sam
They just confirmed that Beyonce WASN’T lip syncing at the inaugural, so you can post the story now, b****.
I lost a little respect for you and this site today
*thumbs down*
BEYONCE IS A FRAUD!!!!!!!!!!! January 22, 2013
MAKE A POST ABOUT YOU LIPSINGING FRAUD B**** OF A FAV BEYONCE
NOTHING ABOUT THAT WOMEN IS REAL SHE BEEN A FAKE B**** FROM THE START
ITS SO FUNNY SEEING HER CAREER CRUMBLE IN FRONT OF EVERYONES EYES PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS BRING UP THAT SHE LIP SUNG THE NATIONAL ANTHEM FOR THE PRESIDENT & FAKED A PREGNANCY.. NICKI MAY HAVE A FAKE BODY BUT BEYONCE TAKES THE CAKE FOR BEING THE FAKEST MUSICAN IN THE HISTORY OF MUSIC!!!
H*** Bey Like she did that (no she didn’t) -__- January 22, 2013
Where is the post about bey-Liar @Samantha stop being pressed she is fair game just like everyone else’s faves now post the f****** s***
Jay Scorpio January 22, 2013
in other news…. CNN has confirmed Times of London report that Beyonce lip-synched the National Anthem during #inaug2013…. damn shame considering she still sounded ah hott mess!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BEYSUS A TRUE GOD January 22, 2013
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter[2][3] (born September 4, 1981), known mononymously as Beyoncé (pron.: /biˈjɒnseɪ/ bee-YON-say), is an American singer, songwriter, dancer and actress. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she enrolled in performing arts schools and was first exposed to singing and dancing competitions as a child. Knowles rose to fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, one of the world’s best-selling girl groups of all time. Knowles’ work has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including 16 Grammy Awards, 12 MTV Video Music Awards, a Billboard Millennium Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (with Destiny’s Child). As a solo artist, Knowles has sold over 13 million albums in the United States and over 75 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time.[4][5] In 2009, Billboard named her the Top Female Artist and Top Radio Songs Artist of the 2000s decade,[6][7] and ranked her as the fourth Artist of the Decade.[8] The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) also recognized Knowles as the Top Certified Artist of the 2000s.[9][10] In 2010, she appeared on VH1’s list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”,[11] and was ranked third on their “100 Greatest Women in Music” list in 2012.[12] In 2010, Knowles was ranked first on Forbes list of the “100 Most Powerful and Influential Musicians in the World”.[13]
During the hiatus of Destiny’s Child, Knowles released her debut solo album, Dangerously in Love, in 2003, which spawned two number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100—”Crazy in Love” and “Baby Boy”—and became one of the most successful albums of that year, earning her a then record-tying five Grammy Awards. Following the disbandment of Destiny’s Child in 2005, Knowles released her second solo album, B’Day, in 2006, which spawned the top five singles “Déjà Vu”, “Irreplaceable” and “Beautiful Liar”. Her third solo album I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008), spawned the hit singles “If I Were a Boy”, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”, “Halo” and “Sweet Dreams”. The album helped Knowles earn six Grammys in 2010, breaking the record for most Grammy Awards won by a female artist in one night. Knowles’ fourth solo album, 4 (2011), became her fourth consecutive number one album on the Billboard 200 as a solo artist. This made her the third artist in the chart’s history to have her first four studio albums debut atop the chart.
Apart from her work in music, Knowles has also ventured into acting and designing clothes and various perfumes. Her performance in Dreamgirls (2006) earned her two Golden Globe nominations. Knowles introduced her family’s fashion line House of Deréon in 2005, and has endorsed such brands as L’Oréal, Pepsi, Tommy Hilfiger, Nintendo and Vizio. In April 2008, Knowles married American rapper Jay-Z, and gave birth to their first child, Blue Ivy Carter, in January 2012.
BEYSUS A TRUE GOD January 22, 2013
t 7:45 pm
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter[2][3] (born September 4, 1981), known mononymously as Beyoncé ( /biˈjɒnseɪ/ bee-yon-say), is an American singer, songwriter, dancer and actress. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she enrolled in performing arts schools and was first exposed to singing and dancing competitions as a child. Knowles rose to fame in the late 1990s as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, one of the world’s best-selling girl groups of all time.
During the hiatus of Destiny’s Child, Knowles released her debut solo album, Dangerously in Love, in 2003, which spawned two number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100—”Crazy in Love” and “Baby Boy”—and became one of the most successful albums of that year, earning her a then record-tying five Grammy Awards. Following the disbandment of Destiny’s Child in 2005, Knowles released her second solo album, B’Day, in 2006, which spawned the top ten singles “Déjà Vu”, “Irreplaceable” and “Beautiful Liar”. Her third solo album I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008), spawned the hit singles “If I Were a Boy”, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”, “Halo” and “Sweet Dreams”. The album helped Knowles earn six Grammys in 2010, breaking the record for most Grammy Awards won by a female artist in one night. Knowles’ fourth solo album, 4 (2011), became her fourth consecutive number one album on the Billboard 200 as a solo artist. This made her the third artist in the chart’s history to have her first four studio albums debut atop the chart.
Apart from her work in music, Knowles has also ventured into acting and designing clothes and various perfumes. She made her acting debut in the musical TV film Carmen: A Hip Hopera (2001), prior to appearing in major films, Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002), The Fighting Temptations (2003), Dreamgirls (2006), which earned her two Golden Globe nominations, Cadillac Records (2008) and Obsessed (2009). Knowles introduced her family’s fashion line House of Deréon in 2005, and has endorsed such brands as L’Oréal, Pepsi, Tommy Hilfiger, Nintendo and Vizio. In 2010, Knowles was ranked first on Forbes list of the “100 Most Powerful and Influential Musicians in the World”,[4] and second on its list of the “100 Most Powerful and Influential Celebrities in the World”.[5]
Knowles’ work has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including 16 Grammy Awards, 12 MTV Video Music Awards, a Billboard Millennium Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with Destiny’s Child. In 2009, Billboard named her the Top Female Artist and Top Radio Songs Artist of the 2000s decade,[6][7] and ranked her as the fourth Artist of the Decade.[8] The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) also recognized Knowles as the Top Certified Artist of the 2000s.[9][10] She is the eighth best-selling digital artist in the United States, with more than 30.4 million digital singles sold as of January 2012.[11] Knowles has sold over 13 million albums in the US and over 75 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time.[12][13] In 2010, she appeared on VH1′s list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”,[14] and was ranked third on their “100 Greatest Women in Music” list in 2012.[15] In April 2008, Knowles married American rapper Jay-Z, and gave birth to their first child, Blue Ivy Carter, in January 2012.
Contents [hide]
1 Biography
1.1 1981–96: Early life and career beginnings
1.2 1997–2001: Destiny’s Child era and depression
1.3 2002–07: Films, Dangerously in Love, Destiny Fulfilled and B’Day
1.4 2008–10: Marriage, I Am… Sasha Fierce and films
1.5 2011: New management and 4
1.6 2012: Motherhood and upcoming projects
2 Artistry
2.1 Music and voice
2.2 Influences
2.3 Stage and alter ego
2.4 Public image
3 Legacy
4 Other ventures
4.1 House of Deréon
4.2 Products and endorsements
5 Philanthropy
6 Discography
7 Filmography
8 Tours and revues
9 See also
10 References
11 External links
Biography
1981–96: Early life and career beginnings
Knowles was born in Houston, Texas, the daughter of Mathew Knowles, a professional record manager, and Tina Knowles (née Beyincé), a costume designer and hair stylist. Knowles’ father is African American. Her mother, a Louisiana Creole, has African, French, Native American, and Irish ancestry; she is a descendant of Acadian leader Joseph Broussard.[16][17] Knowles was baptized after her mother’s maiden name, as a tribute to her mother.[16] She is the elder sister of Solange Knowles, a singer, songwriter and actress.
Knowles was educated at St. Mary’s Elementary School in Fredericksburg, Texas, in the Texas Hill Country, where she was enrolled in dance classes, including ballet and jazz. Her talent in singing was discovered when her dance instructor began humming a song and she finished it, hitting the high-pitched notes.[18] Knowles’ interest in music and performing began after participating in a school talent show. She sang John Lennon’s “Imagine” and won the competition.[19][20] At age seven, Knowles started gaining attention from the press, having been mentioned in the Houston Chronicle as a nominee for the local performing arts award The Sammy.[21] In the fall of 1990, Knowles enrolled in Parker Elementary School, a music magnet school in Houston, where she would perform on-stage with the school’s choir.[18] She also attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston[22] and later went to Alief Elsik High School, located in the Houston suburban munincipality, Alief.[16][23] Knowles was a member of the choir at St. John’s United Methodist Church for two years, performing as a soloist.[18][24]
At the age of eight, Knowles met LaTavia Roberson while in an audition for an all-girl entertainment group.[25] They, along with Knowles’ childhood friend Kelly Rowland, were placed into a group that performed rapping and dancing.[26] Originally named Girl’s Tyme, they were eventually cut down to six members.[18] West coast R&B producer Arne Frager flew into Houston to see them. He eventually brought them to his studio, The Plant Recording Studios, in Northern California, with Knowles’ vocals being featured.[18] As part of efforts to sign Girl’s Tyme to a major label record deal, Frager’s strategy was to début them in Star Search, the biggest talent show on national TV at the time.[18] Girl’s Tyme participated in the competition but lost it because the song they performed was not good, Knowles herself admitted.[27][28] Knowles had her first “professional setback” after that defeat but regained confidence after learning that pop stars Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake had also the same experience.[18] To manage the group, Knowles’ father (who was at that time a medical-equipment salesman) resigned in 1995 from his job.[29] He dedicated his time and established a “boot camp” for their training.[30] The move reduced Knowles’ family’s income by half and her parents were forced to move into separated apartments.[16] Not long after the inclusion of Rowland, Mathew cut the original lineup to four,[18] with LeToya Luckett joining in 1993.[25] Rehearsing in Tina’s Headliners Salon and their backyards, the group continued performing as an opening act for other established R&B girl groups of the time;[25] Tina contributed to the cause by designing their costumes, which she continued to do throughout the Destiny’s Child era. With the continued support of Mathew, they auditioned before record labels and were finally signed to Elektra Records. They moved to Atlanta to work on their first recording, only to be cut by the record company in 1995. They returned home to start over again.[16] This eventually put a strain on the family, and Beyoncé’s parents separated briefly when she was 14. In 1996, the family reunited, and shortly after, the girls got a contract with Columbia Records.[19]
1997–2001: Destiny’s Child era and depression
Main article: Destiny’s Child
Destiny’s Child performing “Say My Name”
The group changed its name to Destiny’s Child in 1993, based on a passage in the Book of Isaiah.[25] Together, they performed in local events and after four years on the road, the group was signed to Columbia Records in late 1997. That same year, Destiny’s Child recorded their major label début song “Killing Time” for the soundtrack to the 1997 film, Men in Black.[25][28] The following year, the group released their self-titled debut album,[27] scoring their first major hit “No, No, No”. The album established the group as a viable act in the music industry, amassing moderate sales and winning the group three Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards for Best R&B/Soul Single for “No, No, No”, Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year and Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist.[25] The group released their multi-platinum second album The Writing’s on the Wall in 1999. The record features some of the group’s most widely known songs such as “Bills, Bills, Bills”, the group’s first number-one single, “Jumpin’ Jumpin’” and “Say My Name”, which became their most-successful song at the time, and would remain one of their signature songs. “Say My Name” won the Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and the Best R&B Song at the 43rd Grammy Awards.[25] The Writing’s on the Wall sold more than eight million copies.[27] During this time, Knowles recorded a duet with Marc Nelson on the song “After All Is Said and Done” for the soundtrack to the 1999 film, The Best Man.
Luckett and Roberson filed a lawsuit against the group for breach of contract. Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin appeared in the music video of “Say My Name”, implying that Luckett and Roberson had already been replaced.[25] Eventually, Luckett and Roberson left the group. Franklin would eventually fade from the group after five months,[27] as evidenced by her absences during promotional appearances and concerts. She attributed her departure to negative vibes in the group resulting from the strife.[25] During this time, Knowles had experienced depression from an accumulation of struggles: the publicized split of Luckett and Roberson, being publicly attacked by the media, critics and blogs for causing the split-up,[31] and a longstanding boyfriend (that she had dated from age 13 to 19) leaving her.[32][33] The depression was so severe it lasted for a couple of years, during which she kept herself in her bedroom for days and refused to eat anything. Knowles stated that she struggled to speak about her depression because Destiny’s Child had just won their first Grammy Award and she feared no one would take her seriously.[34] All of these events had made her question herself and who her friends were, describing the situation she said, “Now that I was famous, I was afraid I’d never find somebody again to love me for me. I was afraid of making new friends.”[32] She acknowledges her mother Tina Knowles for helping her out of her depression, saying: “Why do you think a person wouldn’t love you? Don’t you know how smart and sweet and beautiful you are?”[32]
After settling on their final lineup, the trio recorded “Independent Women Part I”, which appeared on the soundtrack to the 2000 film, Charlie’s Angels. It became their best-charting single, topping the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for eleven consecutive weeks.[25] Later that year, Luckett and Roberson withdrew their case against their now-former band mates, while maintaining the suit against Mathew, which ended in both sides agreeing to stop public disparaging.[25] In early 2001, while Destiny’s Child was completing their third album, Knowles landed a major role in the MTV made-for-television film, Carmen: A Hip Hopera, starring alongside American actor Mekhi Phifer. Set in Philadelphia, the film is a modern interpretation of the 19th century opera Carmen by French composer Georges Bizet.[35] Luckett and Roberson refiled their lawsuit after Destiny’s Child’s third album Survivor was released in May 2001, claiming that the songs were aimed at them.[25] The album débuted at number one on US Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 663,000 copies sold.[36] To date, Survivor has sold over ten million copies worldwide, over forty percent of which were sold in the US alone.[37] The album spawned other number-one hits, “Bootylicious” and the title track, “Survivor”, the latter of which earned the group a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. After releasing their holiday album 8 Days of Christmas in October 2001, the group announced a hiatus to pursue solo careers.[25]
2002–07: Films, Dangerously in Love, Destiny Fulfilled and B’Day
Knowles performing “Baby Boy”, which spent nine consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart[38]
In July 2002, Knowles starred opposite Mike Myers in the comedy film, Austin Powers in Goldmember. She played Foxxy Cleopatra, the female protagonist alongside the film’s lead character Austin Powers, played by Myers.[39] Austin Powers in Goldmember spent its first weekend atop the US box office and grossed $73 million.[40] To promote the film, Knowles released “Work It Out” as the lead single from its soundtrack album.[41] In October 2002, she was featured on her then-boyfriend Jay-Z’s single “’03 Bonnie & Clyde”. The song peaked at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Knowles’ first top ten single as a solo artist.[42] It also reached the top ten in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.[43][44] Rumors began to circulate about Knowles and Jay-Z’s relationship after the release of “’03 Bonnie & Clyde”.[20] In spite of persistent rumors, they remained discreet about their relationship.[45][46]
After Williams and Rowland released their solo efforts, Knowles released her debut solo album Dangerously in Love on June 24, 2003 in the United States.[47] The album sold 317,000 copies in its first week and debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart.[48] Dangerously in Love has sold 4.9 million copies in the US and has been certified four times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[12][49] It remains as Knowles’ best-selling album to date, with sales of 11 million copies sold worldwide.[50] The album was preceded by the lead single “Crazy in Love”, which features Jay-Z. The song became Knowles’ first number one single as a solo artist in the US, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for eight consecutive weeks.[51] It also topped the UK Singles Chart, and reached the top-ten in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.[44][52] The second single “Baby Boy”, which features dancehall singer Sean Paul, topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for nine consecutive weeks, and reached the top-ten in many countries.[38] Dangerously in Love also produced two other singles, “Me, Myself and I” and “Naughty Girl”, which both reached the top-five on the Billboard Hot 100.[53] The album earned Knowles a then record-tying five awards at the 46th Grammy Awards; Best Contemporary R&B Album, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “Dangerously in Love 2″, Best R&B Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Crazy in Love”, and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for “The Closer I Get to You” with Luther Vandross.[54] In September 2003, Knowles starred opposite Cuba Gooding, Jr. in the musical comedy film The Fighting Temptations as Lilly, a single mother whom Gooding’s character, Darrin, falls in love with.[55] The film received mixed reviews from critics and grossed $32.7 million at the box office worldwide.[56][57] To promote The Fighting Temptations, Knowles released “Fighting Temptation” as the lead single from the film’s soundtrack album. In November 2003, she embarked on the Dangerously in Love Tour in Europe. She later toured alongside Missy Elliott and Alicia Keys as an ensemble for the Verizon Ladies First Tour in North America.[58]
On February 1, 2004, Knowles performed the American national anthem at Super Bowl XXXVIII, which was held at the Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.[59] After the release of Dangerously in Love, Knowles had planned to produce a follow-up album using several of the left-over tracks. However, on January 7, 2004, a spokesperson for her record label announced that Knowles had put her plans on hold in order to concentrate on the recording of Destiny Fulfilled, the final studio album by Destiny’s Child.[60] It was released on November 15, 2004 in the United States.[61] The album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and has been certified three times platinum by the RIAA.[62][63] Destiny Fulfilled spawned the singles “Lose My Breath” and “Soldier”, which both reached the top-five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.[64] In April 2005, Destiny’s Child embarked on their worldwide concert tour, Destiny Fulfilled… and Lovin’ It. During the last stop of their European tour in Barcelona on June 11, 2005, Rowland announced that Destiny’s Child would disband following the North American leg of the tour.[65] The group released their first compilation album Number 1′s on October 25, 2005 in the United States.[66] The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA.[63][67] In February 2006, Knowles starred opposite Steve Martin in the comedy film The Pink Panther, as international pop star Xania.[68] The film grossed $158.8 million at the box office worldwide.[69] Knowles’ song “Check on It”, which features rapper Slim Thug, was supposed to be featured on the soundtrack album for The Pink Panther but was ultimately not included.[70] “Check on It” peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five consecutive weeks, becoming Knowles’ third US number-one single as a solo artist.[53][71] In March 2006, Destiny’s Child reunited to accept a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[72]
Knowles performing during The Beyoncé Experience in May 2007
Knowles’ second solo album B’Day was released on September 5, 2006 in the United States, to coincide with Knowles’ twenty-fifth birthday.[73] It sold 541,000 copies in its first week and debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart, becoming Knowles’ second consecutive number-one album in the US.[74] B’Day has sold 3.3 million copies in the US and has been certified three times platinum by the RIAA.[12][49] Internationally, the album has sold seven million copies worldwide.[75] The album was preceded by the lead single “Déjà Vu”, which features Jay-Z. The song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the UK Singles Chart.[44][53] The second international single “Irreplacable” was a commercial success worldwide, reaching number one in Australia, Hungary, Ireland and New Zealand, and the top ten in Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and the UK.[44][76] In the US, the song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for ten consecutive weeks, becoming Knowles’ fourth number-one single as a solo artist.[77] B’Day also produced three other singles, “Ring the Alarm”, “Get Me Bodied” and “Green Light”, which each attained moderate success. In December 2006, Knowles starred opposite Jennifer Hudson, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy in the musical film, Dreamgirls. She played Deena Jones, a pop singer loosely based on Diana Ross.[78] The film received positive reviews from critics and grossed $154.9 million at the box office worldwide.[79][80] To promote Dreamgirls, Knowles released “Listen” as the lead single from the soundtrack album, Dreamgirls: Music from the Motion Picture. She earned several nominations the following year for her role in the film, including Best Original Song for “Listen” and Best Actress at the Golden Globe Awards,[81] Best Performance at the MTV Movie Awards,[82] and Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture at the NAACP Image Awards.[83]
In April 2007, Knowles embarked on The Beyoncé Experience, her first worldwide concert tour. The tour visited ninety-seven venues and grossed $90 million.[84] On April 3, 2007, B’Day was re-released as a deluxe edition, seven months after the release of the original version. In addition to the original track listing, the deluxe edition features five new songs, including “Beautiful Liar”, a duet with Colombian singer Shakira.[85] The song was commercially successful, reaching number one in several countries, such as France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.[44][86] At the 49th Grammy Awards, B’Day was nominated for five awards; Best Contemporary R&B Album, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “Ring the Alarm”, Best R&B Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for Déjà Vu, and Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical for the Freemasons club mix of “Déjà Vu”. The album won the award for Best Contemporary R&B Album.[87] The following year, B’Day received two nominations for Record of the Year for “Irreplaceable” and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for “Beautiful Liar”.[88]
2008–10: Marriage, I Am… Sasha Fierce and films
Knowles and Jay-Z performing “Crazy in Love” at the I Am… Tour in 2009
On April 4, 2008, Knowles married Jay-Z in New York City. It became a matter of public record on April 22, 2008.[89] Knowles did not publicly debut her wedding ring until the Fashion Rocks concert on September 5, 2008, in New York City.[90] She finally revealed their marriage through an opening montage video at the listening party for her third studio album, I Am… Sasha Fierce, in Manhattan’s Sony Club on October 22, 2008.[91] In November 2008, Forbes magazine reported that Knowles earned $80 million between June 1, 2007 to June 1, 2008, for her music, tour, films and clothing line.[92] This made her the world’s second best-paid music personality at the time.[93] I Am… Sasha Fierce was released on November 18, 2008 in the United States.[94] The album introduces Knowles’ alter ego Sasha Fierce, who was born during the making of her 2003 single “Crazy in Love”. It sold 482,000 copies in its first week and debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart, giving Knowles her third consecutive number-one album in the US.[95] I Am… Sasha Fierce has sold three million copies in the US and has been certified double platinum by the RIAA.[12][49] Internationally, the album has sold seven million copies worldwide.[96] I Am… Sasha Fierce was preceded by the two lead singles “If I Were a Boy” and “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”. “If I Were a Boy” was a commercial success, reaching number one in various European countries, such as Denmark, Israel, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Sweden and the United Kingdom.[44][97] “Single Ladies” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for four non-consecutive weeks, becoming Knowles’ fifth number-one single in the United States.[98] The album’s third international single “Halo” was also commercially successful, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and in the top ten in various other countries.[53][99] “Halo”‘s US success helped Knowles achieve more top ten singles on the Hot 100 chart than any other female artist during 2001–10.[100] Another successful single from I Am… Sasha Fierce was “Sweet Dreams”, which also reached the top ten in many countries.[101] The album spawned four other singles, “Diva”, “Ego”, “Broken-Hearted Girl” and “Video Phone”, which each attained moderate success.
In December 2008, Knowles starred as blues singer Etta James in the musical biopic film, Cadillac Records. Her performance in the film received praise from critics.[102] John Kehe of The Christian Science Monitor wrote, “No one can channel Etta – she’s a singular talent – but Beyoncé does it her own way and conjurs enough emotion and grit to make it work in the context of the movie.”[103] Knowles garnered several nominations for her portrayal of James, including a Satellite Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture, and a NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.[104][105] The music video for “Single Ladies” has been parodied and imitated around the world, spawning the “first major dance craze” of the Internet age.[106] The video won several awards, including Best Video at the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards,[107] the 2009 MOBO Awards,[108] and the 2009 BET Awards.[109] At the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, the video was nominated for nine awards, ultimately winning three including Video of the Year. Its failure to win the Best Female Video category, which went to American country pop singer Taylor Swift’s “You Belong with Me”, sparked controversy during the ceremony.[110] On January 20, 2009, Knowles performed James’ “At Last” at Barack Obama’s first dance with his wife Michelle during the Neighborhood Ball of his inauguration as President of the United States.[111]
Knowles performing at the I Am… Tour
In March 2009, Knowles embarked on the I Am… Tour, her second headlining concert tour. The tour consisted of 108 shows and grossed $119.5 million.[112] In April 2009, Knowles starred opposite Ali Larter and Idris Elba in the thriller film, Obsessed. She played Sharon Charles, a mother and wife who learns of a woman’s obsessive behavior for the former’s husband, and suspects an affair between the two. The film received negative reviews from critics,[113] though the fight scene finale between Sharon and the woman was praised and won the 2010 MTV Movie Award for Best Fight.[114][115] Obsessed spent its first week atop the US box office and grossed $34,802,334.[116] In June 2009, Forbes placed Knowles fourth on the Celebrity 100 list, having earned $87 million in the past year. Lacey Rose of Forbes noted that it was due to her publishing and music sales, tour, films, clothing line and endorsement deals.[117] At the 52nd Grammy Awards, Knowles received ten nominations, including Album of the Year for I Am… Sasha Fierce, Record of the Year for “Halo”, and Song of the Year for “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”, among others.[118] She tied with Lauryn Hill for most Grammy nominations in a single year by a female artist.[119] Knowles ultimately set the record for the most Grammy awards won by a female artist in one night, when she won six awards from her ten nominations; Song of the Year, Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for “Single Ladies”, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for “Halo”, Best Contemporary R&B Album, and Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for “At Last”.[120]
During an interview with Elysa Gardner of USA Today on January 28, 2010, Knowles announced that she would be taking a break from her music career saying “to live life, to be inspired by things again”.[121] A 60 Minutes segment that aired the same day, revealed Knowles was homeschooled as a child and prays before every live performance.[122] In February 2010, Knowles was featured on Lady Gaga’s single “Telephone”. The song was a commercial success worldwide, reaching number one in Belgium, Denmark, Hungary, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom.[44][123] It also topped the US Pop Songs chart, thus becoming the sixth number-one on the chart for both Knowles and Gaga. With this, they both tied with Mariah Carey for most number-ones since the Nielsen BDS-based Top 40 airplay chart launched in 1992.[124] “Telephone” received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.[125] In October 2010, Forbes placed Knowles ninth on the “Most Powerful Women in the World” list.[126] She was also ranked ninth on the “Hollywood’s 20 Highest Earners of 2010″ list, becoming the only recording artist to enter the top ten.[127]
2011: New management and 4
Knowles performing during the 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé revue, August 2011
In January 2011, it was announced that Knowles would star in a remake of A Star Is Born, to be directed and produced by Clint Eastwood for Warner Bros.[128] However, on October 9, 2012, Knowles told E! News that she dropped out of her planned appearance in the film, citing scheduling issues. She stated, “For months we tried to coordinate our schedules to bring this remake to life but it was just not possible. Hopefully in the future we will get a chance to work together.”[129] In February 2011, documents obtained by WikiLeaks revealed that Knowles was one of many entertainers that received extravagant sums to perform for the family of Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi. Rolling Stone magazine reported that the music industry was urging them to return the money they earned for the concerts.[130] On March 2, 2011, a spokesperson for Knowles told The Huffington Post that she donated the money to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.[131] On March 28, 2011, Knowles’ publicist Yvette Noel-Schure issued a statement that Knowles and her father as well as manager, Mathew Knowles had parted ways “on a business level.”[132] Knowles took this decision during her break from her music career in 2010.[133] In June 2011, Forbes placed her eighth on the “Best-Paid Celebrities Under 30″ list, having earned $35 million in the past year for her clothing line and endorsement deals.[134]
On June 26, 2011, Knowles performed a 90-minute set at the 2011 Glastonbury Festival. She was the first solo female artist ever to headline the Pyramid stage at the festival in over twenty years.[135] Knowles’ fourth studio album 4 was released on June 28, 2011 in the United States.[136] For the album, she drew inspiration from musicians, such as Fela Kuti, Earth, Wind & Fire, Lionel Richie, with additional influences from The Jackson 5, New Edition, Florence and the Machine, Adele, and Prince, among others.[137] 4 sold 310,000 copies in its first week and debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart, giving Knowles her fourth consecutive number-one album in the US. This made her the third artist in the chart’s history, to have her first four studio albums debut at number one.[138] The album was preceded by its first two singles “Run the World (Girls)” and “Best Thing I Never Had”, which both attained moderate success. “Run the World (Girls)” reached the top ten in Australia, Belgium, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Scotland and South Korea.[139] “Best Thing I Never Had” peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number three on the UK Singles Chart.[44][53] The album’s fourth single “Love on Top” was a commercial success in the US, peaking at number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for seven consecutive weeks.[140] 4 also produced two other singles, “Countdown” and “End of Time”, which were both unsuccessful. Knowles took the stage at New York’s Roseland Ballroom for four nights of special performances. The set on each night of the 4 Intimate Nights with Beyoncé concerts was the entire collection of 4. For these four special nights, August 14, 16, 18 and 19, she performed her songs to a standing room only audience.[141]
On August 28, 2011 at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, Knowles announced that she and Jay-Z were expecting their first child. She made the announcement during her red carpet appearance and again at the end of her performance of “Love on Top” by rubbing her growing stomach.[142][143] The Huffington Post later confirmed that Knowles was five months pregnant and her pregnancy announcement had broken the “most tweets per second recorded for a single event” Twitter record, receiving 8,868 tweets per second.[144] MTV reported that Knowles’ performance of “Love on Top” and the announcement of her pregnancy at the awards ceremony helped the 2011′s MTV Video Music Awards become the most-watched broadcast in MTV history, pulling in 12.4 million viewers.[145] In addition, data from Google Insights showed that the most searched for term from August 29, 2011 to September 4, 2011 was “Beyonce pregnant” which reached ‘breakout’ levels – a term used by Google to describe a search with an increase of over 5,000 percent.[146] Knowles’ announcement of her pregnancy resulted in an increase in sales of her records, particularly 4, which had sold around 700,000 copies by August 2011.[147] The album has since sold 1.3 million copies in the US and has been certified platinum by the RIAA.[12][49] Internationally, the album has sold 2.1 million copies worldwide as of January 2012.[148] On October 8, 2011, a pre-taped performance of Knowles performing Michael Jackson’s “I Wanna Be Where You Are” was shown during the Michael Forever Tribute Concert at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.[149] In November 2011, social media website Saucytime.com named Knowles the “Highest Paid Performer Per Minute in the World”, having earned £1.25 million for a five-song performance at a private New Year’s Eve 2010 party on the island of St. Barts, equating to £71,040 for each minute she was on the stage.[150] Knowles received two nominations at the 54th Grammy Awards; Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Party”, and Best Long Form Music Video for I Am… World Tour.[151] The following year, “Love on Top” received a nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance.[152]
2012: Motherhood and upcoming projects
Knowles with her daughter Blue Ivy in April 2012
On January 7, 2012, Knowles gave birth to a daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.[153] Two days later, Jay-Z released “Glory”, a song dedicated to their child, on his social website Lifeandtimes.com. The song detailed the couple’s pregnancy struggles, including a miscarriage Knowles suffered before becoming pregnant with their daughter.[154] Due to Blue Ivy’s cries being heard in end of the song, she was officially credited on the song as B.I.C. At two days old, she became the youngest person ever to appear on a Billboard chart when “Glory” debuted on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at number 74.[155] On February 10, 2012, Knowles and Jay-Z revealed the first photos of Blue Ivy on Tumblr.[156] In May 2012, Forbes placed Knowles at number 16 on the “Celebrity 100″ list, having earned $40 million in the past year for her album 4, clothing line and endorsement deals.[157][158] Later that month, Knowles won a Writing Award from the New York Association of Black Journalists, for her July 2011 Essence magazine cover story “Eat, Play, Love”, which talks about her break from her music career in 2010.[159] Knowles took the stage at Revel Atlantic City’s Ovation Hall for four nights of performances, May 25, 26, 27 and 28, to celebrate the resort’s opening.[160][161] The Revel Presents: Beyoncé Live concerts were noted as Knowles’ first performances since giving birth to Blue Ivy.[162] In August 2012, Forbes placed Knowles and Jay-Z at number one on the “World’s Highest-Paid Celebrity Couples” list, for collectively earning $78 million in the past year.[163] On September 18, 2012, the couple raised $4 million, during an exclusive fundraising event at Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club in New York City, for US President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign.[164]
During an interview with The Boombox, Ryan Tedder said that he is writing new material for Knowles’ upcoming fifth studio album and revealed that “there [are] two projects happening”.[165] Knowles is also working with The-Dream,[166] Kanye West,[167] Hit-Boy,[167] Diane Warren,[168] Miguel,[169] Jay-Z,[170] Swizz Beatz,[171] Missy Elliott,[172] Jo’zzy,[170] and Ne-Yo.[173] On February 3, 2013, she will be performing at Super Bowl XLVII, to be held at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans during the Pepsi NFL Halftime Show.[174] Knowles will star in an upcoming feature-length documentary film on HBO on February 16, 2013. The film, which Knowles directed and produced herself, will feature footage of her childhood, her role as a mother and businesswoman, recording in the studio, rehearsing for live performances, and balancing her family life, including her return to the spotlight following the birth of Blue Ivy.[175] Knowles will also star as Queen Tara in the upcoming 3D CGI animated film Epic, to be released by 20th Century Fox on May 24, 2013.[176]
Artistry
Music and voice
“With ‘Single Ladies,’ clearly I’d just gotten married, and people want to get married every day – then there was the whole Justin Timberlake thing [recreating the video] on “Saturday Night Live,” and it was also the year YouTube blew up. With ‘Irreplaceable,’ the aggressive lyrics, the acoustic guitar, and the 808 drum machine – those things don’t typically go together, and it sounded fresh. ‘Crazy in Love’ was another one of those classic moments in pop culture that none of us expected. I asked Jay to get on the song the night before I had to turn my album in – thank God he did. It still never gets old, no matter how many times I sing it.”
—Knowles reflects on her musical style and the impact it has had on her life and pop culture during her Billboard Cover story in 2011.[177]
Trust in Me
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While predominately R&B, Knowles’ music explores various styles. The Daily Mail calls Knowles’ voice “versatile”, capable of exploring power ballads, soul, rock belting, operatic florishes, and hip hop.[178]
“Emotion”
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Knowles’ prominent use of melisma and other vocal ornamentation earns her both praise and criticism from critics and fans.[179][180]
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Knowles’ music is generally contemporary R&B, but she also incorporates pop, electropop,[181] funk, hip hop, and soul into her songs. While she almost exclusively releases English songs, Knowles recorded several Spanish songs for Irreemplazable and the re-release of B’Day. Prior to recording these, Knowles was coached phonetically by American record producer Rudy Perez.[182] Since Destiny’s Child, Knowles has artistically been involved in her career.[25] She received co-writing credits for most of the songs recorded by the group, as well as her solo efforts. Known for writing personally driven and female-empowerment themed compositions, Knowles has stated that having Jay-Z in her life has changed a few of her thoughts about how men and women relate to one another, which helped her transition from writing songs such as “Independent Women” and “Survivor” to man-tending anthems such as “Cater 2 U”, in which she sings about bringing him slippers and drawing his bath.[183] Some of her songs are autobiographical, which she has admitted are taken from personal experiences, as well as her friends’.[184] Knowles has also received co-producing credits for most of the records in which she has been involved, especially during her solo efforts. However, she does not formulate beats herself, but typically comes up with melodies and ideas during production, sharing them with producers.[185] Knowles was recognized as a songwriter during the run of Destiny’s Child in the 1990s and early to mid-2000s. She won the Pop Songwriter of the Year award at the 2001 American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers Pop Music Awards, becoming the first African-American female and second female songwriter of all time to accomplish the feat.[16][184] Knowles received songwriting credits in a single year for co-writing “Irreplaceable”, “Grillz” and “Check on It”, all of which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, the only woman to have written three songs which went to number-one in the same year since Carole King did it in 1971 and Mariah Carey in 1991. In terms of credits, she is tied with Diane Warren at third with nine number-one singles.[186] In May 2011, Keith Caulfield and Gary Trust of Billboard magazine listed Knowles at number 17 on their list of the “Top 20 Hot 100 Songwriters”, for having co-written eight singles that hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She was one of only three women on that list.[187]
Knowles possesses a mezzo-soprano[188] vocal range that spans more than three octaves. She has often been identified as the centerpiece of Destiny’s Child.[189] Jon Pareles of The New York Times commented that she has the voice that defines the group, writing that her voice is “velvety yet tart, with an insistent flutter and reserves of soul belting”.[190] Other critics praise her range and power. In reviewing her second album B’Day, Jody Rosen of Entertainment Weekly wrote “Beyoncé Knowles is a storm system disguised as a singer. On her second solo album, B’Day, the songs arrive in huge gusts of rhythm and emotion, with Beyoncé’s voice rippling over clattery beats; you’d have to search far and wide—perhaps in the halls of the Metropolitan Opera – to find a vocalist who sings with more sheer force … No one—not R. Kelly, not Usher, to say nothing of her rival pop divas—can match Beyoncé’s genius for dragging her vocal lines against a hip-hop beat.”[191] Chris Richards of The Washington Post wrote, “Even when she’s coasting, she soars above her imitators. It’s all in her voice—a superhuman instrument capable of punctuating any beat with goose-bump-inducing whispers or full-bore diva-roars. Smitten, scorned, amorous, antagonistic—Beyoncé sings from all of these vantage points with undeniable virtuosity.”[192]
Influences
Knowles’ credits Michael Jackson as her major musical influence and idol.[193] Knowles has also named Diana Ross as another one of her influences because “she’s an all-around entertainer: a great actor, a good singer, and a beautiful, elegant woman. She’s one of the few singers able to cross over into really good movies.”[194] Knowles cites Whitney Houston as another idol saying she “inspired [her] to get up there and do what [she] did.”[195] Her other musical influences include Cher,[196] Tina Turner,[197] Prince,[198] Lauryn Hill,[194] Sade Adu,[199] Aaliyah,[200] Mary J. Blige,[201] Janet Jackson,[202] Anita Baker and Rachelle Ferrell.[194] Knowles credits Mariah Carey’s singing and her song “Vision of Love” as influencing her to begin practicing vocal runs as a child, as well as helping her pursue a career as a musician.[203] She is also inspired by Oprah Winfrey and US First Lady Michelle Obama.[204] Knowles says Winfrey is “the definition of inspiration and a strong woman. When I’m around her, I want to stand up straight, pronounce my words right, and articulate.”[194]
Many of the themes and musical styles on Knowles’ second solo album B’Day (2006) were inspired by her role in Dreamgirls (2006).[205] She was inspired to produce an album with an overriding theme of feminism and female empowerment.[206] Knowles also cited Josephine Baker as an influence on the album.[207] Knowles’ paid homage to Baker by performing “Déjà Vu” at the Fashion Rocks concert on September 8, 2006, with Knowles and her female dancers wearing Baker’s trademark mini-hula skirt embellished with fake bananas.[208] For Knowles’ third solo album I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008), she was inspired by Jay-Z and especially by Etta James, whose “boldness” inspired Knowles to explore other musical genres and styles.[209] On her fourth solo album 4 (2011), Knowles acknowledged that she was inspired by Fela Kuti, 1990s R&B, Earth, Wind & Fire, DeBarge, Lionel Richie, Teena Marie with additional influences by The Jackson 5, New Edition, Adele, Florence and the Machine and Prince.[210] Knowles also mentioned that she was influenced by Jay-Z’s own work as well.[211]
Stage and alter ego
Knowles performing “Run the World (Girls)” on the 2011 Good Morning America Summer Concert Series
In 2006, Knowles introduced her all-female tour band Suga Mama, which includes bassists, drummers, guitarists, horn players, keyboardists and percussionists.[212] They made their début appearance at the 2006 BET Awards and re-appeared in the music videos for “Irreplaceable” and “Green Light”.[182] The band has also supported Knowles in live performances, including her 2007 concert tour The Beyoncé Experience and her 2009 I Am… Tour.
Knowles often receives praise for her stage presence and live performances. Jarett Wieselman of the New York Post placed Knowles at number one on her list of The Five Best Singer/Dancers, writing, “the megastar consistently devote[s] every ounce of her to the routine.”[213] In reviewing her I Am… Tour, Renee Michelle Harris of South Florida Times wrote, Knowles “owns the stage with her trademark swagger and intensity … showcasing her powerful vocals without missing a note, often while engaged in vigorous, perfectly executed dance moves … no one, not Britney, not Ciara and not Rihanna can offer what she does—a complete package of voice, moves and presence.”[214] Barbara Ellen of The Guardian wrote, “whether charismatic and soulful, or teasing and flirty, Beyoncé is, above all, in charge. Probably the most in charge of any female artist I’ve seen onstage”.[215] Alice Jones of The Independent wrote, “Watching Beyoncé sing and strut her stuff can feel at best overawing, at worst, alienating. She takes her role as entertainer so seriously she’s almost too good.”[216] Tamara Hardingham-Gill of the Daily Mail wrote, “many industry experts have been tipping Beyoncé as the next Michael Jackson. While it’s far too early for such comparisons, she certainly proved that she is one of the most exciting and talented performers around and may well go down in history as such”.[217]
“Dangerously in Love” (live)
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Knowles has received widespread praise for her live vocal performances.[179][180]
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Reviewers have praised Knowles live vocal performances. In reviewing one of her performances, Jim Farber of the Daily News wrote “Beyoncé showed off pipes of steely power. As the song’s signature horn riff pumped away, she soared over the melody with athletic ease. The way Beyoncé used her body intensified the sense of triumph. With her hair teased into Medusa-like tresses, a pelvis in perpetual churn and legs long enough to make Tina Turner proud, Beyoncé’s presence punctuated her singing like an exclamation point.”[218] Stephanie Classen of Star Phoenix declares “Beyoncé is no ordinary performer … from note one, the 27-year-old powerhouse rose above all the gimmicks, mastering the show like a s*** alien overlord princess. Nothing but extraterrestrial origins could explain that voice … [Beyoncé] could perform circles around any other pop star today.”[219] Editors of Newsday wrote, “she proves that hot choreography and strong vocals don’t have to be mutually exclusive … No worries of lip-synching here.”[220]
Known for being “s***, seductive and provocative” when performing on stage, Knowles has stated that’s her alter ego Sasha Fierce.[32] She described Sasha as being “too aggressive, too strong, too sassy [and] too s***”, stating: “I’m not like her in real life at all … I’m not flirtatious and super-confident and fearless like her. What I feel onstage I don’t feel anywhere else. It’s an out-of-body experience. I created my stage persona to protect myself so that when I go home I don’t have to think about what it is I do. Sasha isn’t me. The people around me know who I really am.”[32] Although Sasha was born during the making of “Crazy in Love”, Knowles introduced her alter ego with the release of her third album I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008). In February 2010, Knowles announced in an interview with Allure magazine that “Sasha Fierce is done. I killed her”. She then went on saying that she is comfortable enough with herself to be all of those things without an alias, stating: “I don’t need Sasha Fierce anymore, because I’ve grown and now I’m able to merge the two.”[221] In May 2012, Knowles announced that she would be bringing Sasha Fierce back for her Revel shows.[222]
Public image
Knowles at the premiere for her 2006 film, Dreamgirls
Knowles has stated: “I like to dress s*** and I carry myself like a lady,” but she has said that the way she dresses on stage is “absolutely for the stage”.[223] The media often use the term “Bootylicious” (a portmanteau of the words booty and delicious), to describe Knowles because of her curves.[224][225][226] The term was made widely known by the Destiny’s Child single of the same name, and has been added to the Oxford English Dictionary.[227] As someone who is fond of fashion, Knowles combines its artistic elements with her music videos and performances. According to Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, she uses different styles and tries to harmonize it with the music while performing.[228] The B’Day Anthology Video Album showed many instances of fashion-oriented footage, depicting classic to contemporary wardrobe styles.[229] People magazine recognized Knowles as the best-dressed celebrity in 2007.[230] Knowles’ mother wrote a 2002-published book, titled Destiny’s Style: Bootylicious Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle Secrets From Destiny’s Child, an account of how fashion had an impact on Destiny’s Child’s success.[231] As one of the most media-exposed black celebrities in the United States, Knowles has often received criticism that some believe is due to racism and sexism.[232] Toure of Rolling Stone stated that since the release of Dangerously in Love (2003), “[Beyoncé] has become a crossover s** symbol a la Halle Berry …”[233] In 2006, the animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), criticized Knowles for wearing fur coats and using fur in her clothing line House of Deréon.[234]
External images
Knowles’ Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover from February 15, 2007
During the release of Rihanna’s second album A Girl Like Me (2006), many critics felt that her image was too heavily similar to Knowles’.[235] Some media even claimed that Jay-Z fashioned her to be a replica of Knowles.[236] Amina Taylor of The Guardian described Rihanna as the “Bajan Beyoncé”.[235] In 2007, Knowles was featured on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, and became the first non-model and non-athlete woman to pose on the issue, and the second model of African American descent after Tyra Banks.[237] In the same year, Knowles appeared on billboards and newspapers across the United States showing her holding an antiquated cigarette holder. Taken from the back cover of B’Day, the image provoked response from an anti-smoking group, stating that she did not need to add the cigarette holder “to make herself appear more sophisticated”.[238] Knowles has several wax figures of herself at Madame Tussauds Wax Museums in major cities around the world, including New York,[239] Washington, D.C.,[240] Amsterdam,[241] Bangkok[242] and Hollywood.[243]
In March 2009, comparisons were made between the fashions of Knowles and Ciara, when the latter released the music video of her single “Love S** Magic” (2009).[244] In the video, Ciara is seen wearing a black leotard and metallic glasses, similar to those worn by Knowles in both her “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” and “Diva” videos.[245] However, Ciara stated that her outfits were “inspired by the Vegas shows” she attended.[246] In September 2010, Knowles made her runway modelling debut at Tom Ford’s Spring/Summer 2011 fashion show.[247] In February 2011, LA Times magazine placed Knowles at number 25 on the “50 Most Beautiful Women in Film” list.[248] The following month, she appeared on the cover of French fashion magazine L’Officiel, in honor of the magazine’s 90th anniversary and in tribute to Nigerian musician Fela Kuti. Knowles appeared in blackface and tribal makeup, that drawn criticism from the media. A statement released from a spokesperson for the magazine, said that Knowles’ look was “far from the glamorous Sasha Fierce” and explained that it was “a return to her African roots”.[249] Men’s Health magazine placed Knowles at number 33 on the “100 Hottest Women of All-Time” list.[250] In 2012, she was named “World’s Most Beautiful Woman” by People magazine,[251] and the “Hottest Female Singer of All Time” by Complex magazine.[252]
Legacy
Throughout Knowles’ career, she has earned numerous awards and honors. As a solo artist, she has sold over 13 million albums in the United States and over 75 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time.[12][13] Nielsen SoundScan ranked Knowles as the eighth best-selling digital artist in the US, with more than 30.4 million digital singles sold as of January 2012.[11] Her songs “Crazy in Love”, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)”, “Halo” and “Irreplaceable” are some of the best-selling singles of all time worldwide. Knowles is the seventh biggest-selling female singles artist of all time in the United Kingdom, with more than 6.9 million singles sold as of October 2012.[253] The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) listed Knowles as the Top Certified Artist of the 2000s decade, with a total of 64 certifications, including albums, digital songs, master ringtones and music videos.[9][10] In November 2009, The Observer named her the Artist of the Decade, writing that “she made not one but two of the decade’s greatest singles, with ‘Crazy in Love’ and ‘Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)’, not to mention her hits with Destiny’s Child”.[254] In December 2009, Billboard named Knowles the Top Female Artist and Top Radio Songs Artist of the Decade, and ranked her as the fourth Artist of the Decade.[6][7][8] At the 2007 American Music Awards, Knowles became the first female artist to be honored the International Artist Award.[255] At the 2008 World Music Awards, she was honored the legend award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts.[256] Knowles was also honored the Billboard Millennium Award at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards, for her “achievements and influence in the music industry”.[257] She has won 16 Grammy Awards, both as a solo artist and member of Destiny’s Child, making her the third most honored female artist by the Grammys.[258][259]
Knowles performing during her I Am… Tour in 2009.
Knowles’ debut solo album Dangerously in Love was ranked at number 183 on the “Top 200 Definitive Albums” list by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.[260] The music video for “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” achieved fame for its intricate choreography[261] and its deployment of jazz hands with a wrist twist.[262] It has been credited with starting the “first major dance craze of both the new millennium and the Internet”,[106] triggering a number of parodies of the dance choreography.[263][264] The music video inspired a legion of amateur imitators to post videos of themselves performing the choreography on YouTube.[261][263] In 2010, Knowles was ranked at number 52 on VH1′s list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”.[14] On November 19, 2010, Billboard named her in their “Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years” list at number 15.[265] In 2011, “Crazy in Love” was declared the “Greatest Song of the 2000s” by VH1.[266] Knowles and her husband Jay-Z made it into the 2011 Guinness Book of Records as the “highest-earning power couple” for collectively earning $122 million in 2009.[267] In September 2011, Knowles set a new Guinness World Record for most tweets per second about her pregnancy.[268] In October 2011, Prefix magazine ranked her first on their list of the “Best Female R&B Singers”, writing “What’s almost unbelievably insane is that not only can Beyoncé sing better than anybody else out there, but she can also dance better than anyone else out there, and unlike virtually every single performer, she can do both at the same time.”[269] She was also ranked 13th on The Root’s list of “The 100 Most Influential African Americans”.[270] In 2012, Knowles was ranked third on VH1′s list of the “100 Greatest Women in Music”.[15] In January 2012, it was announced that Scaptia beyonceae, a species of horse fly found in Northern Queensland, Australia, was named after Knowles. Bryan Lessard, the research scientist who named the species, did so due to the fly’s unique golden hairs on its abdomen, calling it the “all-time diva of flies”.[271] Later that month, Rutgers University in New Jersey introduced a course named after Knowles called “Politicizing Beyoncé”.[272] The course allows students to explore the “social and cultural significance” of Knowles’ music and image, including her alter ego Sasha Fierce and whether Knowles “racy performances” are of female sexual empowerment or “merely complying with western gender stereotypes”.[272]
Artists have cited her as an inspiration, including Alexandra Burke,[273] Jessica Sanchez,[274] Leona Lewis,[275] Misha B,[276] Nicole Scherzinger,[277] Rachel Crow,[278] and Rita Ora.[279] Rihanna stated, “when she came out with Dangerously in Love … I was like ‘wow, I want to be just like that.’ She’s huge and just an inspiration and one of the artists that I admire a lot.”[280] Jessie J stated that she would like to be as successful as Knowles within the next decade.[281] JoJo cited Knowles as an inspiration in her music, stating: “I think she’s incredible as an entertainer, a role model, and a writer. I think she can do it all.”[282] Adele stated that she was inspired by Knowles’ alter ego Sasha Fierce, to create her own named Sasha Carter. The composite of Sasha Fierce and late country icon June Carter, is pulled out whenever she needs to give herself a shot of confidence.[283] Adele said: “I don’t know her but she’s a huge part of my life … Everything I refer to has always got something to do with Destiny’s Child or her. She just knows what she wants. She’s in control of it all. She’s classy. She’s still totally f****** relevant. And just a nice person.”[284] Hillary Scott of the country pop group Lady Antebellum stated she admires Knowles as a female artist.[285] Azealia Banks stated, “I definitely think career-wise and personally, I’m very, very inspired by Beyoncé. She’s so well-mannered and so classy and so well-poised. It’s important to have those kinds of skills.”[286] Australian recording artist Ricki-Lee Coulter cited Knowles as one of her musical influences, stating: “She’s so driven, she pushes herself to the limits and she’s achieved so much but she’s always looking for what that next thing is and how she can improve from what she’s done in the past. She’s really setting the benchmark for female artists and I think she kind of is the Michael Jackson of this generation.”[287] Cheryl Cole cited Knowles as a big inspiration for her career, stating: “I just think she’s such a beautiful person, inside and out. Apart from what she does on the stage, which is obviously incredible and aspirational, I just like her as a woman … She’s empowering, and I like that.”[288] Kelly Rowland cited Knowles as an inspiration for her second solo album Ms. Kelly (2007), and as one of her style icons.[289][290] American indie rock band White Rabbits also cited her an inspiration for their third album Milk Famous (2012).[291] British girl group Little Mix cited Knowles as an influence for their single “Wings” (2012).[292] Nicki Minaj stated that seeing Knowles’ Pepsi commercial influenced her to appear in Pepsi’s 2012 global campaign. She said: “Out of the people that have done something with Pepsi, I think I was probably the most influenced by the Beyoncé commercial. I felt like this is a young black girl, early on in her career and she’s doing something so iconic and I never thought in a billion years that Pepsi would reach out to someone like me.”[293]
Gwyneth Paltrow has studied Knowles at her live concerts, while learning to become a musical performer in the film Country Strong (2010).[294] Miranda Lambert stated that Knowles’ concert DVD Live at Wembley inspired her to “take little bits” from Knowles’ performances for her live shows.[295] Trey Songz named Knowles as his favorite female singer and stated: “I followed her since Destiny’s Child’s first single and I truly think she’s deserving of all that she has. She works extremely hard. She’s an amazing performer, vocalist, and even outside of that, she’s an amazing businesswoman. She’s the perfect model for what an artist can be.”[296] Miley Cyrus commented that she would like to be like Knowles, stating: “She is the ultimate woman. You look at her and you don’t think, I wonder what her personal life is like. You look at her and you go, that girl on the stage is a superstar. You don’t care about anything else; you only care about her music. So I would hope that would be me in the future.”[297] Lady Gaga recalled: “I’ve never told Beyoncé this, but I remember laying on my grandmother’s couch crying, and a Destiny’s Child video came on. I remember watching Beyoncé thinking, ‘Oh, she’s a star. I want that. I want to be on MTV’. And now I’m in music videos with Beyoncé.”[298] Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry revealed that she was disappointed that she never became a “megastar” like Knowles, stating: “the temptation to be such a great entertainer and performer like Beyoncé [is] so fantastic. I would adore doing some of that stuff. Her track record with songs is phenomenal; I wish we had as many hits.”[299] Simon Cowell stated that she is “Ambitious, talented, competitive. She defines this new breed of what I call super popstars, and they are all girls at the moment. It’s like a new super species who literally want to rule the world.”[300] Matthew Morrison stated that watching the “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” music video made him realize that Knowles is an icon. “As a singer-dancer myself, I know how hard and how rare it is to have that combination. Beyoncé is so amazing at both and then to see her act as well in Dreamgirls, it’s pretty amazing”.[285] Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas stated: “Beyoncé has always been an icon to me. She’s one of the most talented artists of our generation.”[285]
Other ventures
House of Deréon
Knowles and her mother introduced House of Deréon, a ready-to-wear contemporary women’s fashion line, in 2005.[301] The concept is inspired by three generations of women in their family, with the name Deréon paying tribute to Knowles’ grandmother, Agnèz Deréon, who worked as a seamstress.[302] According to Tina Knowles, the overall style of the line best reflects Knowles’ taste and style.[303] Knowles and her mother founded their family’s company Beyond Productions, which provides the licensing and brand management for Deréon, a “junior lifestyle collection”, and House of Deréon.[301] Products of House of Deréon received public exhibitions through Destiny’s Child’s shows and tours, during their Destiny Fulfilled era.[304][305] The House of Deréon collection features sportswear, denim offerings with fur, outerwear and accessories that include handbags and footwear, which are available at department and specialty stores across the United States and Canada.[301]
In 2005, Knowles teamed up with House of Brands, a local shoe company, to produce a range of footwear for House of Deréon.[306] In January 2008, Starwave Mobile launched Beyoncé Fashion Diva, a “high-style” mobile game with an online social networking component, featuring the House of Deréon collection.[301] In July 2009, Knowles and her mother launched a new junior apparel label, Sasha Fierce for Deréon, for back-to-school selling. The collection included sportswear, outerwear, handbags, footwear, eyewear, lingerie and jewelry.[307] It was available to buy at department stores including Macy’s and Dillard’s, and specialty stores Jimmy Jazz and Against All Odds.[307] On May 27, 2010, Knowles teamed up with clothing store C&A to launch Deréon by Beyoncé at C&A stores in Brazil.[308] The collection included Tailored blazers with padded shoulders, little black dresses, embroidered tops and shirts and bandage dresses.[308]
Products and endorsements
In 2002, Knowles signed a promotional deal with Peps
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