Name: Beyonce Knowles Age: 22 Nationality: American Claim to fame: The hottest girl on the music block!
ONCE the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, now a solo act, Beyonce Knowles will never be rememberd as part of a group. And with five Grammy wins earlier this month, Beyonce’s superstar-solo-artist status is firmly established.
The highly talented singer dominated the 2004 Grammys right from the nominations when she was one of only four artists to get six nods. After winning five trophies at the star-studded award ceremony, in the process becoming one of just three female artists ever to have to won as many Grammys, Beyonce brought the house down, with a sensationally sexy performance of her big hit Crazy in Love, at the show.
In the latest accolade to her musical abilities, her debut album Dangerously In Love won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Rhythm and Blues Album, as well as the Best Female R&B performance. She also received Best R&B Performance by a Duo for The Closer I Get to You, Best R&B Song for Crazy in Love and Best Rap/Song Collaboration for Crazy in Love, with Jay-Z.
Beyonce launched her singing career, ten years back, when she and friend LaTavia Roberson teamed up in 1990 to form Destiny’s Child. The duo became a trio in 1992 when Kelly Rowland joined; a year later, LeToya Luckett signed on. After the 1998 release of its self-titled debut album, the group enjoyed an enviable spate of chart and sales success, including its first No1 R&B hit, No, No, No Part 2. In 2000, Say My Name, spun off from the group’s 1999, eight-time platinum sophomore set, The Writing’s on the Wall, captured two Grammys.
After five chart breaking albums, Beyonce released her debut solo album Dangerously in Love in July 2003. The album debuted at the top, with first two singles making it right to the top. Crazy in Love, featuring Jay-Z, spent eight weeks at No1, while Baby Boy, featuring Sean Paul, logged nine weeks in the top slot.
Other than her singing career, Beyonce has also had a go at the movie scene. She made a reasonable impact in Austin Powers: Goldmember, while she got the female lead in The Fighting Temptations. In a business where being outrageous and controversial is the norm, Beyonce has been able to avoid scandalous headlines. Beyonce’s positive image, plus her talent and sexy looks have made her one of the most sought after faces by advertisers. Not only has she been part of a number of product campaigns, but she is also launching her own perfume and clothesline later this year. Without trying to undermine her talent and hard work, a leading force behind Beyonce’s success has been shrewd planning by father-manager Mathew Knowles, who has been her agent from day one.
With five Destiny’s Child albums, her successful solo project, five Grammys, roles in movies and a slew of high-profile endorsement deals, she’s clearly on her way to super-stardom.
ONCE the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, now a solo act, Beyonce Knowles will never be rememberd as part of a group. And with five Grammy wins earlier this month, Beyonce’s superstar-solo-artist status is firmly established.
