20 Of The Most Iconic Beyoncé Moments That Show Her Rise To Superstardom (The Making Of A Global Star)
Beyoncé has ascended beyond pop star status and has become a clear cultural icon. There is nobody in the world who can match her talent, marketing smarts, influence, and artistry.
Keep reading to see the best moments of Beyoncé's long career. Find out how she got her start, when she first collaborated with Jay-Z, and how she made some of the most iconic albums of all-time.
It Started On Star Search
When Beyoncé was eight years old, she was in a girl group called Girl's Tyme with Kelly Rowland and four other girls. The group appeared on Star Search, but lost the TV competition to a band called Skeleton Crew.
Where is Skeleton Crew now? They're certainly nowhere near as famous as Queen B.
Destiny's Child
Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland went on to form Destiny's Child, a girl group that featured a few different members over the years. It's final and most famous lineup included Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michelle Williams.
"Say My Name" was the group's first single to top the Billboard Hot 100 list.
Bonnie & Clyde
In 2002, Beyoncé and Jay Z collaborated for the first time. They sang together on Jay-Z's single "03 Bonnie & Clyde."
The now married couple was just dating at the time, but we knew it was love from the beginning. There have been some bumps in the road, but Bey and Jay are still going strong.
Dangerously In Love
In 2003, Beyoncé released her first solo album, Dangerously in Love. The album sold over 11 million copies worldwide and produced two number one singles, "Crazy in Love" and "Baby Boy."
While this album was certainly a success, Queen Bey has only gotten better with age.
Upside Down Entrance
In 2003, Beyoncé performed songs from Dangerously in Love at the Video Music Awards. She entered the stage upside down suspended from her ankles.
This performance was just the beginning of Beyoncé's legendary stage presence. Queen B's ability to completely slay at award shows is basically what keeps the VMAs relevant.
Dreamgirls
In 2006, Beyoncé starred in Dreamgirls, a film adaptation of the musical of the same name. Beyoncé played Deena Jones, a fictionalized version of Diana Ross.
The film also starred Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, and Eddie Murphy. It received eight Academy Award nominations, including three nominations for Best Song.
Secret Wedding
On April 4th, 2008, Beyoncé and Jay-Z had a private marriage ceremony in Manhattan. The couple kept the details of their wedding under wraps. We found out what Beyoncé's dress looked like two years later in her "I Was Here" music video.
Although Beyoncé keeps most of her private life... well, private, when she does choose to share personal details, her fans are all over it.
Single Ladies
Beyoncé's hit single "Single Ladies" won a Grammy for song of the year in 2010. The accompanying music video has become one of the most iconic music videos of all time, inspiring several recreations and parodies.
It is one of the best selling singles of all time, so we're all putting our hands up.
The 2009 VMA Incident
When Beyoncé lost the VMA for Best Female Video to Taylor Swift's "You Belong With Me," Kanye West famously walked on stage, took the mic from Taylor, and told everyone that Beyoncé deserved to win.
Later, when Beyoncé won a VMA for Video of the Year, our queen let Taylor have her moment.
Inaugural Ball Performance
Back in 2009, Beyoncé serenaded Barack and Michelle Obama with a beautiful rendition of "At Last" for their first dance at the Inaugural Ball.
It was a simpler time then. Maybe in a few years, Beyoncé will perform at another Inaugural Ball for a new president.
VMA Pregnancy Announcement
After performing "Love on Top" at the 2011 VMA awards, Beyoncé dropped her mic, unbuttoned her blazer, and revealed her pregnant belly to the world.
What a way to make an announcement. Jay-Z received some quick congratulations from nearby celebs, and Beyoncé was glowing a little brighter than usual.
Blue Ivy Makes Her Tumblr Debut
Months after the VMA pregnancy announcement, Beyoncé gave birth to her first child, a daughter named Blue Ivy Carter.
Instead of selling pictures of her new baby to the media, Beyonce released this picture herself on Tumblr. She created a brand new Tumblr page in Blue's honor.
Super Bowl Times Two
Beyoncé has performed at the official Super Bowl Halftime Show twice, once in 2013, and once alongside Bruno Mars and Coldplay in 2016.
Beyoncé's Super Bowl XLVII performance featured a Destiny's Child reunion, and her Super Bowl L performance got powerful and political. Forget football— Queen Bey is what we're all here for.
Surprise Visual Album
On December 13th, 2013, at midnight, Beyoncé shocked the world when she dropped a surprise visual album. She released 14 songs and 17 videos, including collaborations with Jay Z, Frank Ocean, and Drake.
This was truly the start of a new era for Beyoncé, and for the whole music industry.
Life Is But A Dream
Beyoncé is typically a very private person, but in 2013, she and HBO made a documentary about her life called, Life Is But a Dream. The film offered a rare glimpse into Beyoncé's marriage, pregnancy, and artistry.
The film was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Documentary.
A Crazy Fan
While performing at a concert in 2012, Beyoncé got a little too close to a fan. No, not that kind of fan, the kind that circulates air and makes your hair look diva fresh.
The incident happened while Beyoncé was singing "Halo." Her hair got caught in a stage fan and she kept singing while some of her people helped her break free.
Time Magazine Cover
In 2014, Queen B graced the cover of Time magazine's 100 most influential people issue.
Beside her picture, Sheryl Sandberg wrote, "Her secret: hard work, honesty and authenticity. And her answer to the question, What would you do if you weren’t afraid? appears to be “Watch me. I’m about to do it.” Then she adds, “You can, too.”
Lemonade
Can we all just take a moment to appreciate the artistic marvel that goes by the name Lemonade? This album is everything.
On April 23rd, 2016, Beyoncé released Lemonade on HBO. We saw it, we loved it, we cried when it didn't win the Grammy for Album of the Year. We love you Adele, but we all wanted to pull a Kanye at that moment.
Sir And Rumi Pregnancy Announcement
Beyoncé's pregnancy announcement photo was the most liked Instagram post of 2017. It spawned several copycats and became a real cultural moment.
She posted an equally stunning photo of her holding her twins after they were born. She revealed their names on Instagram: Sir and Rumi Carter.
2018 Coachella Performance
Beyoncé was supposed to perform at Coachella in 2017 but had to cancel (as per the doctor's orders) because she was heavily pregnant with twins.
A year later, Beyoncé made it to the music festival, and "Beychella" was born. She performed two two hour sets and absolutely killed both of them. Beyoncé does not disappoint.
