Beyoncé's glittering career: From Destiny's Child to 'Act II'
All hail Queen Bey!
Beyoncé, Bee, Queen Bey, Sasha Fierce... Whatever you want to call her, there’s no denying that Beyonce Knowles-Carter is a living icon. From pop star to film star, there's nothing stopping the force that is Beyoncé!
The singer, songwriter, director, actress, record producer and designer has sold over 160 million records, won 32 Grammys (and made Grammy history), starred in eight movies, including The Lion King Disney remake, launched two fashion lines and kept us guessing along the way about what she will do next. To celebrate her amazing achievements, and her tour film, check out Beyoncé's incredible career so far...
Beyoncé first rose to fame in the 1990s as a member of R&B girl group Destiny’s Child. The group's four albums and hits included ‘Bills, Bills, Bills’, ‘Survivor’, ‘Independent Woman’ and ‘Bootylicious’ and saw them become one of the best-selling girl groups in history.
Since then, Beyoncé has gone solo, releasing a massive seven studio albums, working with other incredible artists, finding time for some acting credits in Hollywood blockbusters Dreamgirls and The Pink Panther, and let’s not forget being one half of music’s biggest power couple.
Now take a look through Beyoncé's career from the 90s until the present day:
Before 1998
Beyoncé started her music career as a young child. When she was just eight-years-old she met LaTavia Roberson at an audition. The pair were put into a group called Girl's Tyme along with some other girls.
Usher revealed in an interview with People that he knew Beyoncé when she was just 11 or 12-years-old. He told them: "She used to be in a group by the name of The Dolls. I don't know if I could consider myself their babysitter, but I had a time where I had to watch The Dolls."
In 1995 Beyoncé's dad quit his job to manage the group, reducing the line-up to four.
In 1996, the group changed their name on Destiny's Child. They've had a few line-ups over the years, in 1998 this was the line-up: LeToya Luckett, LaTavia Roberson, Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé.
2000: Destiny's Child most famous line-up
Kelly Rowland, Beyonce Knowles, Michelle Williams is the best-known line-up for Destiny's Child. The group got their first UK Number 1 in 2000 with 'Independent Women Part I' which featured on the Charlie's Angels' soundtrack.
The group's four albums and hits included 'Bills, Bills, Bills', 'Survivor', 'Independent Woman' and 'Bootylicious' and saw them become one of the best-selling girl groups in history.
2001: Destiny's Child won two Grammys
'Say My Name' was a big winner for Destiny's Child in 2001. Beyoncé, Kelly and Michelle won two Grammys for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Best R&B Song.
Over the years, Destiny's Child have been nominated for 14 Grammys and won three.
2002: Beyoncé starred in Austin Powers in Goldmember
Austin Powers in Goldmember was the first big screen release that Beyoncé starred in. She played the role of Foxxy Cleopatra, Austin Powers' new sidekick.
2003: The Fighting Temptations
In 2003, Beyoncé starred in The Fighting Temptations, a film which also starred Cuba Gooding Jr.
2003 was also the year that Beyoncé released her debut solo hit 'Crazy In Love', it quickly claimed the Number 1 spot on both sides of the Atlantic.
2007: Beyoncé starred in Dreamgirls
Beyoncé played the role of Deena Jones in the Hollywood blockbuster Dreamgirls. The film, although a work of fiction, was inspired by the Motown record label and Diana Ross and The Supremes.
Beyoncé was nominated for the Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy Golden Globe.
2008: Beyoncé released ' I Am... Sasha Fierce'
Beyoncé released her third solo studio album 'I am... Sasha Fierce', named after her on-stage alter ego. The album was hugely popular spawning hits 'If I Were a Boy', 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)', 'Halo' and 'Sweet Dreams'.
Watch the music video for 'Single Ladies'
2011: Beyoncé headlined Glastonbury
Headlining the Sunday night at the iconic festival, Beyoncé's Glastonbury performance was one that will be talked about for years to come. The singer performed some of her biggest songs including 'Crazy in Love', 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)' and 'Sweet Dreams'.
2014: Beyoncé won four MTV Music Awards
Beyoncé took home four awards at the 2014 MTV Music Awards, including the Video Vanguard Award which is a 'special award of merit' that is given to recording artists and music video directors.
That year she also took home awards for Best Video with a Social Message and Best Cinematography both for 'Pretty Hurts' and Best Collaboration for 'Drunk in Love' featuring Jay-Z.
2015: Beyoncé won three Grammys
In 2015, Beyoncé added to her collection of Grammys winning three awards. She won, Best Surround Sound Album for 'Beyoncé', and Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song both for 'Drunk in Love' featuring Jay-Z.
2016: Ivy Park clothing line
Adding to her list of huge accomplishments, who can forget back in 2014 when the superstar co-founded the popular athleisure clothing line Ivy Park?! The brand initially hit the shelves as it launched as a joint venture with Topshop in 2016.
Following the brand's MEGA success, Ivy Park has gone onto launch multiple collabs with none other than sports-wear giant Adidas!
2016: Beyoncé released 'Lemonade'
Beyoncé's sixth album 'Lemonade' wins the award for most talked-up - and rightly so. 'Lemonade' dropped out of NOWHERE on 23rd April 2016 as a visual album including a 65-minute film. The album's tracks largely focus on Beyoncé's husband Jay-Z's alleged infidelities.
Bey doesn't hold back in the lyrics, 'Hold Up' includes the lines, 'I smell your secrets, and I'm not too perfect to ever feel this worthless. How did it come down to this? Scrolling through your call list'. These themes continue in 'Sorry' with, 'Look at my watch, he should have been home. Today I regret the night I put that ring on', before the now-iconic lines, 'He only want me when I'm not there. He better call Becky with the good hair.'
As you can imagine, the internet went into MELTDOWN! Only adding to the hype was that the album was only available to stream on Jay-Z's Tidal for the first week of its release.
2017: Beyoncé took home two Grammys
Beyoncé followed her 2015 success winning two Grammys in 2017 for Best Urban Contemporary Album for 'Lemonade' and Best Music Video for 'Formation'.
This was the year that Adele won five Grammys being up against Beyoncé in several categories. She famously 'broke' her Grammy in half wanting to give part of it to Beyoncé.
2018: Destiny's Child's reunion at Coachella
The girls are still going strong! The trio united when Beyoncé headlined Coachella in 2018 with a special appearance much to the delight of the crowd. Plus they seem as close as ever with Beyoncé celebrating bandmate Kelly Rowland's 38th birthday with some epic throwback pics. The pair go way back as they originally met at school before forming a band managed by Beyoncé's father Matthew Knowles.
2019: Beyoncé starred in the live-action remake of The Lion King
Beyoncé appeared as the adult Nala in the Disney live-action remake of The Lion King. It was back in 2017 that rumours first surfaced that the pop star would be taking on a role in the film, and she even released Lion King-inspired album 'The Gift', produced by Beyoncé herself.
2020: Beyoncé released 'Black Is King'
'Black Is King' was the visual companion to Beyoncé's album, 'The Lion King: The Gift', which accompanied the 2020 film.
'Black Is King' was directed, written, and executive produced by Beyoncé.
2021: Beyoncé wrote 'Be Alive'
Beyoncé wrote a song called 'Be Alive' which is featured on the soundtrack for the film King Richard, which stars Will Smith.
The song has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
2022: Beyoncé releases 'act i Renaissance'
After what felt like a lifetime, Beyoncé officially revealed in June 2022 that she had a new album on the way. After getting her fans talking as she removed all of her social media profile pictures, the singer subtly revealed that she had a new album on the way as she simply changed her bio's to read: 'act i RENAISSANCE 7.29'.
Not only did the bio officially reveal that her seventh studio album would be called 'act i Renaissance', but it also confirmed that the album would be released on 29th July 2022 - a massive six years since her last album 'Lemonade'.
Ahead of dropping the album, she released the amazing track 'Break My Soul' on 21st June, which has since also had six different remixed versions released.
2023: Beyoncé announces 'Renaissance' world tour
Beyoncé announced her 'Renaissance' world tour on 1st February. Her tour includes several UK dates, as well as 40 in total across Europe and North America.
2023: Beyoncé makes Grammy Award history
Beyoncé makes Grammy Award history by breaking the record for the most Grammy wins - totaling an incredible 32 awards!
2023: Two BRIT Award wins
Although she couldn't be there in person, Beyoncé still dominated the BRIT Awards 2023, taking home both awards she was nominated for: International Artist of the Year and Best International Song for 'Break My Soul'. She beat the likes of Lizzo, Taylor Swift, David Guetta, Ed Sheeran and OneRepublic for the gongs!
2023: Beyoncé embarked on her 'Renaissance' tour
Beyoncé embarked on her amazing 'Renaissance' tour in 2023, which included several dates across the UK. The epic set list consisted of 36 songs, including classic hits such as 'Crazy In Love' and 'Run The World (Girls)' along with songs from her most recent album.
The tour began in Stockholm in May and concludes in Kansas City in October.
2023: Beyoncé's 'Renaissance' tour film released in cinemas
Beyoncé has released her film Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé in cinemas. The film includes behind the scenes footage from her huge tour. It was confirmed shortly after the announcement, that the film would drop in cinemas worldwide on 1st December 2023.
2024: Beyoncé releases 'Cowboy Carter'
Beyoncé releases her first country album 'Cowboy Carter'. The album features 27 songs including her hits '16 Carriages' and 'Texas Hold 'Em'.
When was Beyoncé's latest album released?
While fans were waiting a while to hear what 'Act II' sounded like, after she released 'Renaissance Act I' in 2022, Beyoncé surprised fans by dropping TWO songs during the 2024 Super Bowl, and announcing her next album was on the way.
The second instalment in the trilogy 'Cowboy Carter' was then released on 29th March 2024. The album features 27 songs including her hits '16 Carriages' and 'Texas Hold 'Em'.
Has Beyoncé won an Oscar?
Not yet! Beyoncé has yet to win an Oscar, however 'Be Alive' from King Richard which was written by herself and DIXSON and was nominated for an Academy Award. The nominations were announced in February 2022 via a live stream presented by Leslie Jordan and Tracee Ellis Ross.
The song was in the Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original song) category up against Billie Eilish's 'No Time To Die'.
How many Grammys has she won?
Beyoncé now holds the record for most Grammy nominations of all time, tied with her husband Jay-Z, having been nominated for nine awards in 2022 alone! The singer has now been nominated for 88 Grammys and won 32, which in itself is record breaking. The record was previously held by composer Georg Solti in 1998.
Where was Beyoncé born?
Beyoncé was born in Houston, Texas, in the USA. She's referenced her home city a few times in her music, most notably in 'Run The World (Girls)' where she sings, 'This is how they made me, made me / Houston Texas baby.'
How old is Beyoncé?
Beyoncé was born on 4th September 1981, making her currently 43-years-old.
Did Beyoncé sing the James Bond theme song for No Time To Die?
Sadly not - that honour went to Billie Eilish, who released 'No Time To Die' back in February 2020. Just before Billie was announced as the film's soundtrack artist, eagle-eyed fans spotted that Beyoncé posted a photo of herself sipping on James Bond's famous drink - in a similar fashion to when she posed with a lemon a few months before dropping her 'Lemonade' album.
How many albums has Beyoncé made?
To date, Beyoncé has had eight solo studio albums, 'Dangerously in Love', 'B'Day', 'I Am... Sasha Fierce', '4', 'Beyoncé', 'Lemonade', 'act i Renaissance' and 'Cowboy Carter'.
Beyoncé’s 2003 debut album ‘Dangerously In Love’ introduced us to her as a solo singer. But Bey didn’t just sing, she co-wrote and produced the tracks, collaborating with Sean Paul and Luther Vandross on ‘Baby Boy’ and ‘The Closer I Get To You’. The album went on to receive five Grammy Awards.
Three years later, Beyoncé served up ‘B’Day’, released on her 25th birthday on 4th September 2006. The album includes hits ‘Déjà vu’ ‘Get Me Bodied’ ‘Green Light’ and ‘Upgrade U’. Next, Beyoncé introduced us to her alter ego in 2008’s ‘I am… Sasha Fierce’.
The album is divided into two, with the first eight songs including ‘Halo’ and ‘Broken Hearted Girl’ coming from ‘Beyoncé’ and being more melancholic and emotional in theme, before 'Sasha Fierce', who Beyoncé describes as her on-stage alter ego, turns up to belt out beats including ‘Single Ladies’, ‘Ego’ and ‘Diva’.
Beyoncé’s fourth album ‘4’ dropped on 24th June 2011 with songs including ‘Love On Top’ and ‘Party’ and her self-titled fifth album ‘Beyoncé’ followed in 2013.
Beyoncé also executive produced and starred on 'The Gift', an accompanying soundtrack album to Disney's live action remake of The Lion King, which came out in August 2019. As well as starring in the film as the voice of Adult Nala, Beyoncé spearheaded the album, and made a behind-the-scenes documentary about the album process.
Beyoncé's tours are the best in the game
No-one puts on a stadium tour like Beyoncé. Tickets to Bey’s UK Formation Tour in 2016 sold out in 30 minutes. Those lucky enough to get their hands on tickets were treated to an AMAZING show from start to finish from Bey and her army of backing dancers. The six-month tour made stops in 13 countries with support acts and special guest Kendrick Lamar, Serena Williams, DJ Khaled and of course hubby Jay-Z.
In 2023, Beyoncé brought the Renaissance tour to the UK, wowing fans with an incredible 36-song set list full of her biggest hits.
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When is Beyoncé going on tour?
Beyoncé brought her incredible 'Renaissance' world tour to the UK in May and June 2023, performing in Cardiff, Edinburgh, Sunderland and London. She previously announced the news with a picture of her wearing a sparkly cowboy hat, sitting on a sparkly horse.
Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé
In October 2023, Beyoncé announced she would be releasing a film of her tour in cinemas, called Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé. The film was released in cinemas worldwide on 1st December 2023.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z's relationship
Beyoncé is one of the half of music’s biggest power couple. It’s not clear when or how Jay-Z & Beyoncé meet. We first saw sparks fly between the pair when they teamed up for Jay-Z’s 2003 hit ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ with the chemistry in the video being seriously steamy.
In the months that followed, the pair were spotted out and about but didn’t confirm they were together until they turned up at the 2004 VMAs looking very much an item. Cute! The pair have continued to work together with Jay-Z featuring on Beyonce's songs ‘Crazy in Love’, ‘Drunk in Love’ and ‘Déjà vu’.
In 2018, they released their collaborative album ‘Love is Everything’ under their family name ‘The Carters’. Plus there’s been two massive ‘On The Run’ arena tours to back up the album.
What are Beyoncé and Jay-Z's children called?
Who can forget their greatest collaboration ever... three very cute kids! Read up on Blue Ivy, Rumi and Sir Carter.
Beyoncé's pregnancy announcement on Instagram
The way Beyoncé announced her pregnancy with twins will forever be ICONIC. If you didn’t see it – where have you been hiding?! The picture that launched thousands and thousands of memes and reinterpretations. Dressed in a maroon bra, pale blue pants with a green veil covering her head, the star sat in front of a floral arch as she held her growing baby bump.
Beyoncé has a cool 316 million followers on Instagram making her the 8th most followed person on the platform and providing us with constant style inspiration and intimate moments of the Carter clan.
The singer then proceeded to break the internet again several months later as she took to Instagram to introduce Rumi and Sir Carter to the world.
NOW WATCH: Beyoncé and Jay-Z's Biggest Collaborations
What is Beyoncé's net worth?
According to Forbes, in December 2023, Beyoncé's net worth was estimated to be around $800 million.
You can hear Beyoncé's biggest hits on the MFR playlist!
Now read:
Beyoncé and Jay Z's children: Everything you need to know about Blue Ivy, Sir and Rumi
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