Beyoncé facts for kids

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter (born September 4, 1981) is a famous American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. People know her for her amazing voice, always changing her style, and incredible live shows. Many see her as one of the most important cultural figures of our time. She has helped shape popular music and is often called one of the greatest entertainers ever.

Beyoncé became famous in the late 1990s as the lead singer of Destiny's Child. This was one of the best-selling girl groups ever. Her first solo album, Dangerously in Love (2003), sold millions of copies. After Destiny's Child went their separate ways in 2005, Beyoncé released B'Day (2006). She also starred in the movie Dreamgirls (2006). Her marriage to rapper Jay-Z and playing Etta James in the movie Cadillac Records (2008) inspired her album I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008). In the 2000s, she had many number-one songs like "Crazy in Love" and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)".

Later, Beyoncé started her own company, Parkwood Entertainment. She explored traditional R&B and soul music on her album 4 (2011). Her album Beyoncé (2013) was released as a surprise. It also came with music videos for every song, which was a new idea. This album helped make Friday the official Global Release Day for music. Her album Lemonade (2016) was the best-selling album worldwide that year. Her recent projects, Renaissance (2022) and Cowboy Carter (2024), celebrate the important contributions of Black artists to American music and culture. These albums include hit songs like "Break My Soul" and "Texas Hold 'Em".

Beyoncé is one of the best-selling music artists ever. She has sold over 200 million records. She is also the female artist with the most certifications from the RIAA. All eight of her first solo albums reached number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. She has won many awards, including 35 Grammy Awards, which is more than any other artist. She also has a Primetime Emmy Award and a Peabody Award. Beyoncé has won the most BET Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and Soul Train Music Awards. She was the first woman to lead an all-stadium tour. She is also the highest-earning Black artist from live performances ever.

Quick facts for kids Beyoncé
Beyoncé in 2023
Born	Beyoncé Giselle Knowles (1981-09-04) September 4, 1981 (age 44) Houston, Texas, US
Other names	Harmonies by the Hive Queen Bey Queen B Third Ward Trill
Occupation	Singer songwriter actress businesswoman
Years active	1990–present
Organization	BeyGood Parkwood Entertainment Ivy Park Cécred SirDavis
Works	Albums singles songs videos performances
Spouse(s)	Jay-Z ​ (m. 2008)​
Children	3, including Blue Ivy
Parent(s)	Mathew Knowles Tina Knowles
Relatives	Solange Knowles (sister) Angela Beyincé (cousin)
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Genres	R&B pop hip-hop
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Parkwood Columbia Music World
Signature

Beyoncé's Journey: Life and Career

Early Life and Discovering Her Talent

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles was born in Houston, Texas, on September 4, 1981. Her mother, Tina Knowles, owned a hair salon. Her father, Mathew Knowles, worked as a sales manager. Beyoncé's family has a rich background. Her father is African-American. Her mother is Louisiana Creole, with African, French, Irish, and Native American roots. Beyoncé's younger sister, Solange, is also a singer and actress.

Beyoncé grew up attending different churches in Houston. Her very first job was helping at her mom's hair salon. She would sweep hair and sometimes sing for customers. She started school at St. Mary's Catholic Montessori School. There, she also took dance classes. Her dance teacher noticed her amazing singing voice. This happened when Beyoncé finished humming a song the teacher started.

Beyoncé loved music and performing from a young age. When she was seven, she won a school talent show. She sang John Lennon's "Imagine". She even beat older kids who were fifteen and sixteen. In 1990, at nine years old, Beyoncé went to Parker Elementary School. This was a special music school in Houston. She sang in the school's choir. She also sang solos in her church choir for two years.

Starting Out: Girl's Tyme and Destiny's Child

In 1990, Beyoncé met LaTavia Roberson at an audition for a girl group. Two years later, Kelly Rowland joined them. The three formed a group called Girl's Tyme. They performed rap and dance routines at talent shows in Houston. In 1993, they competed on Star Search, a big TV talent show. They didn't win, and Beyoncé felt it was because of their song choice. After LeToya Luckett joined in 1993, Girl's Tyme opened for other R&B groups. In 1995, Beyoncé's father, Mathew, became their manager. The group eventually signed with Columbia Records.

Beyoncé in 2001

In 1997, the group changed their name to Destiny's Child. Their first song, "Killing Time", was on the soundtrack for the movie Men in Black. Their first big hit was "No, No, No". This led to their first album, Destiny's Child (1998). Their second album, The Writing's on the Wall (1999), was a huge success. It sold millions of copies. This album had hit songs like "Bills, Bills, Bills" and "Say My Name". "Say My Name" won two Grammy Awards in 2001. The Writing's on the Wall became one of the best-selling R&B albums ever.

After some changes, Destiny's Child's final members were Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. In 2001, Beyoncé got a main role in the TV movie Carmen: A Hip Hopera. Destiny's Child's third album, Survivor, came out in May 2001. It went straight to number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album had number-one hits like "Independent Woman Part I". "Survivor" also won a Grammy Award. After releasing their holiday album, 8 Days of Christmas (2001), Destiny's Child decided to take a break. This allowed each member to work on solo projects.

Solo Success: Dangerously in Love and B'Day

Beyoncé in 2004

In July 2002, Beyoncé made her movie debut in Austin Powers in Goldmember. She sang "Work It Out" for the film's soundtrack. She became a solo star when she sang on Jay-Z's song "'03 Bonnie & Clyde" in 2002. This song reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Beyoncé and Jay-Z started dating when she was nineteen.

On June 14, 2003, Beyoncé performed songs from her first solo album, Dangerously in Love. The album was released ten days later. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The first single, "Crazy in Love", featured Jay-Z. It became Beyoncé's first number-one solo song. "Baby Boy" also reached number one. Dangerously in Love won Beyoncé five Grammy Awards. It has sold over 11 million copies, making it one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century.

Beyoncé starred with Cuba Gooding Jr. in the movie The Fighting Temptations (2003). In 2003, she went on two concert tours. On February 1, 2004, she sang the US national anthem at the Super Bowl XXXVIII. In November 2004, Destiny's Child released their last album, Destiny Fulfilled. It had hit songs like "Lose My Breath" and "Soldier". In 2005, the group went on a world tour and announced they would disband. Destiny's Child received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in March 2006.

Beyoncé in 2007

Beyoncé's second album, B'Day, came out on September 4, 2006, her twenty-fifth birthday. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The first single, "Déjà Vu", featured Jay-Z. The song "Irreplaceable" topped the chart for ten weeks. B'Day won Best Contemporary R&B Album at the 2007 Grammy Awards.

In 2006, Beyoncé acted in the comedy film The Pink Panther. She sang "Check on It" for the movie, which became a number-one hit. Later that year, she starred in the movie Dreamgirls. She played a pop singer inspired by Diana Ross. To support B'Day, Beyoncé went on the Beyoncé Experience tour in 2007. The album was re-released with new songs, including "Beautiful Liar" with Shakira. In December 2007, Beyoncé and Jay-Z got engaged.

I Am... Sasha Fierce and Marriage

On April 4, 2008, Beyoncé and Jay-Z got married in a private ceremony. Their marriage inspired her third album, I Am... Sasha Fierce. Released on November 12, 2008, this album introduced her stage personality, Sasha Fierce. It was a double album with two parts. One part had slow R&B songs, and the other had upbeat pop songs. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.

Beyoncé at the Academy Awards in 2009

I Am... Sasha Fierce included Beyoncé's fifth number-one hit, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)". It also had the UK chart-topper, "If I Were a Boy". The "Single Ladies" music video became a huge dance craze online. It won three awards at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year. Beyoncé promoted the album with her worldwide I Am... Tour. The tour earned over $119 million.

I Am... Sasha Fierce sold over 10 million copies worldwide. After its release, Beyoncé played blues singer Etta James in the movie Cadillac Records (2008). She also starred in the thriller Obsessed (2009). In this movie, she played a woman protecting her family. The film did well at the box office.

Beyoncé performed at president Barack Obama's 2009 presidential inauguration. At the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2010, she received ten nominations. She won six of them, including Best Contemporary R&B Album and Song of the Year for "Single Ladies". This set a record for a female artist. In 2010, Beyoncé sang on Lady Gaga's hit single "Telephone".

4 and Becoming a Mother

In January 2010, Beyoncé took a break from music. She traveled to Europe, China, Australia, and attended music festivals. She wrote about her break in Essence magazine. She also went through a difficult personal loss during this time. She returned to the studio and wrote music to help her cope. In March 2011, her father Mathew stopped managing her career.

In April 2011, Beyoncé found out she was pregnant. Her fourth album, 4, was released on June 24, 2011. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. This was her fourth number-one album in a row. 4 was Beyoncé's first project where she had full creative control. It focused on traditional R&B and soul music. It included hit songs like "Run the World (Girls)" and "Love on Top".

On June 26, 2011, Beyoncé was the first solo female artist in over twenty years to headline the Glastonbury Festival. Her performance received great reviews. In August 2011, Beyoncé announced her pregnancy at the MTV Video Music Awards. This announcement made the ceremony the most-watched broadcast in MTV history at the time. It also set a Guinness World Record for the most tweets per second.

In August 2011, Beyoncé performed four special shows in New York. The album 4 was certified platinum. In February 2018, 4 made Beyoncé the first female artist to have three albums with over one billion streams on Spotify. On January 7, 2012, Beyoncé gave birth to her first daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. In June 2012, she performed four nights in Atlantic City.

Beyoncé and Lemonade

Beyoncé performing at the Mrs. Carter Show World Tour in 2014

In January 2013, Beyoncé sang the American national anthem at Obama's second inauguration. In February, she headlined the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show. This performance was a huge social media event. That same month, she released her documentary Life Is But a Dream on HBO. It showed a personal look into her life and career.

In April 2013, Beyoncé started the Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. On December 13, 2013, she surprised everyone by releasing her fifth album, Beyoncé. It came out on iTunes Store without any warning. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. This made her the first woman to have her first five albums debut at number one. The album received great reviews. It sold one million digital copies globally in six days, a record at the time.

The album Beyoncé explored personal themes like marriage and motherhood. It was a visual album, meaning every song had a music video. These videos were filmed in secret. This album helped make surprise releases and visual albums popular. It also influenced the music industry to make Friday the Global Release Day. The album had hit singles like "Drunk in Love" featuring Jay-Z.

At the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, Beyoncé won three awards for Beyoncé. In April 2014, Beyoncé and Jay-Z announced their first joint stadium tour, the On the Run Tour. In August 2014, she received the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards. She also won three other awards for her music videos. The album was reissued as the Platinum Edition in November 2014.

Lemonade and Everything Is Love

Beyoncé released the song "Formation" on February 6, 2016. She performed it live at the Super Bowl 50 halftime show. The performance caused some discussion because of its references to Black culture. On April 16, 2016, Beyoncé teased a project called Lemonade. An hour-long musical film and visual album premiered on HBO on April 23. The album, also called Lemonade, was released on Tidal the same day.

Beyoncé performing during the Formation World Tour in 2016

The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. This made Beyoncé the first artist to have her first six albums debut at number one. All twelve songs from Lemonade appeared on the Billboard Hot 100. Lemonade was the best-selling album globally in 2016. Beyoncé went on the Formation World Tour from April to October 2016. It was the first all-stadium tour by a female artist.

The album's visuals won eight awards at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards. Beyoncé became the show's most-awarded artist. In January 2017, Beyoncé was announced as a headliner for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. However, she later announced she would not perform due to her second pregnancy. She headlined the 2018 festival instead.

At the 59th Grammy Awards in February 2017, Lemonade received nine nominations. Beyoncé won two awards: Best Urban Contemporary Album and Best Music Video. That month, Beyoncé announced on Instagram that she was expecting twins. This post set a world record for the most-liked image on the platform. On July 13, she shared the first photo of herself with the twins. The twins, a daughter named Rumi and a son named Sir, were born on June 13. Later that year, Beyoncé sang on a remix of Ed Sheeran's "Perfect", which reached number one in the US.

The Lion King and Renaissance

Beyoncé at the European premiere of The Lion King in 2019

Beyoncé headlined both weekends of the 2018 Coachella Festival. Her performance was widely praised and became the most-watched live performance on YouTube. It celebrated Black culture and included a brief reunion of Destiny's Child.

On June 6, 2018, Beyoncé and Jay-Z started their On the Run II Tour. After the tour, they released their first album together, Everything Is Love, on June 16. The album debuted at number two in the US. In December 2018, Beyoncé and Jay-Z performed at the Global Citizen Festival in South Africa. Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé, a documentary about her 2018 Coachella performances, was released on Netflix on April 17, 2019. It also came with a live album.

Beyoncé voiced Nala in the 2019 remake of The Lion King. She also contributed to the film's soundtrack. Her original song "Spirit" was the main single from the soundtrack. She also created The Lion King: The Gift, an album inspired by the film's African setting. In April 2020, Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé released a remix of "Savage", which topped the Billboard Hot 100.

In July 2020, Beyoncé released Black Is King, a visual companion to The Gift. At the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2021, she won four awards. This made her the most-awarded singer and woman in Grammy history. That same year, she co-wrote "Be Alive" for the movie King Richard. This earned her an Academy Award nomination.

Renaissance and Cowboy Carter

On June 16, 2022, Beyoncé announced her seventh album, Renaissance. Its first song, "Break My Soul", was released four days later. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This made it her eighth number-one solo song.

Beyoncé performing at the Renaissance World Tour in 2023

Renaissance was released on July 29, 2022, to great reviews. The album celebrates Black dance music styles like disco and house. It honors the contributions of Black queer artists to these genres. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. This made Beyoncé the first artist to have her first seven albums debut at number one. All sixteen songs from the album charted on the Hot 100. Beyoncé shared that Renaissance was the first part of a three-album project.

On January 21, 2023, Beyoncé performed at a private event in Dubai. This was her first full concert in over four years. She then began the Renaissance World Tour across the US and Europe. It became the highest-grossing tour by a woman at the time. In November 2023, she released Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé. This documentary concert film showed the tour's creation. She won four of her nine nominations at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. This made her the most-awarded person in Grammy history.

On February 11, 2024, Beyoncé announced the second album of her trilogy. She released two songs, "Texas Hold 'Em" and "16 Carriages". "Texas Hold 'Em" became her ninth solo number-one song. On March 12, 2024, she announced the album's title, Cowboy Carter. It was released on March 29 to universal praise. This album explores Americana musical styles. It highlights the contributions of Black artists to country music. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. This made Beyoncé the only female artist to have her first eight albums debut at number one.

In July 2024, NBC featured Beyoncé in commercials for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. She returned as Nala in Mufasa: The Lion King (2024). In December 2024, she headlined the first-ever NFL Christmas Gameday Halftime Show. At the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in 2025, she made history. She became the first Black artist in 50 years to win in country categories. She also won Album of the Year. That year, Beyoncé embarked on the Cowboy Carter Tour. It became the highest-grossing country tour of all time.

Beyoncé's Artistic Style

Musical Sound and Evolution

Beyoncé's music is mainly R&B, pop, and hip-hop. She also uses elements of soul and funk. She is known for always changing her artistic style. Publications like Vox and Billboard call her a musical "chameleon." Her album I Am... Sasha Fierce added 1980s electropop and Europop sounds. It used instruments like synthesizers and the acoustic guitar.

With the album 4, she used more soul and hip-hop. It drew from 1970s funk, 1980s pop, and 1990s soul. 4 also included elements of hard rock and reggae. Her album Beyoncé was inspired by minimalism. It had unique song structures. Lemonade included many genres like rock, country, gospel, and blues.

The Lion King: The Gift celebrated African culture. Beyoncé worked with African artists and producers. She explored genres like Afropop. Renaissance explored disco, ballroom culture, and 1990s club sounds. It used four-on-the-floor beats and pulsing synths. Cowboy Carter is a country-rooted album. It mixes R&B, pop, rock, folk, and Americana music. It features instruments like pedal steel and banjo. Beyoncé mainly records in English. However, she released Spanish songs for Irreemplazable (2007).

Her Powerful Voice

Beyoncé has a mezzo-soprano vocal range. T praised her unique musical tone. They called her voice "one of the most compelling instruments in popular music." Her voice is described as "velvety yet tart." It has a strong flutter and powerful soul belting. Chris Richards of The Washington Post noted her wide vocal range and power.

On Dangerously in Love, Beyoncé's vocals are both soft and powerful. B'Day used melismatic vocals and staccato phrasing. In I Am... Sasha Fierce, she uses vibrato yelps and trills. She often sings in a lower voice on many songs. For 4, she chose "brass[y] and gritt[y]" vocals. "Love on Top" has many key changes with strong vocal power.

She used more soft and airy vocals on Beyoncé. She also used squeaky falsettos and rap-singing. On Lemonade, Beyoncé used a more flexible vocal style. She drew on Southern roots with a twang in "Daddy Lessons". She used a quiet tone on "Pray You Catch Me". She used rough, distorted, and shouted vocals to show anger on "Don't Hurt Yourself".

On Renaissance, Beyoncé's vocals have electronic effects. These include reverb and distortion. She mostly sings in her natural Texan accent on Cowboy Carter. She tries many vocal styles on the album. This includes a classical operatic style in "Daughter". In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Beyoncé eighth on its list of the "200 Greatest Singers of All Time." The magazine said her voice holds "the entire history of Black music."

Songwriting and Themes

Beyoncé's songwriting process is creative and experimental. She often combines different song parts to make new structures. Early in her career with Destiny's Child, her songs focused on female empowerment.

Around the mid-2010s, Beyoncé began exploring historical and political themes. Lemonade was inspired by storytelling and poetry. It talks about Black womanhood and overcoming challenges. Renaissance and Cowboy Carter highlight the contributions of Black artists to American music and culture. Renaissance celebrates Black queer artists in dance music. Cowboy Carter focuses on the role of Black people in country music.

Critics and musicians have studied Beyoncé's songwriting. Caroline Polachek called her a "genius" writer and producer. Record producer Sean Garrett said Beyoncé is "very particular about her brand." She makes sure everything fits her image. The New Yorker called her a "meticulous curator." Some academics study her as a musical archivist. Billboard named her the fifth-top songwriter of the 21st century. She often gets co-writing credits on her songs.

Musical Inspirations

Beyoncé's major influences include Michael Jackson (left) and Tina Turner (right).

Beyoncé has said Michael Jackson is her biggest musical influence. She saw him perform at age five. This experience helped her realize she wanted to be a performer. She also credits Tina Turner as a major inspiration. She admired Turner's strength and femininity. Diana Ross influenced her as an "all-around entertainer." Whitney Houston inspired her to pursue performing.

Beyoncé praised Madonna for her music and business skills. She cited Mariah Carey's vocal style as an early influence. It inspired her to practice singing as a child. Other artists she mentioned include Rachelle Ferrell, Aaliyah, Prince, and Janet Jackson.

She has also named Michelle Obama as a personal inspiration. She called Oprah Winfrey "the definition of inspiration." Beyoncé stated that her husband, Jay-Z, inspires her. She admires his lyrical talent. She also expressed admiration for artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Beyoncé has named Ross and Cher as some of her fashion inspirations.

Music Videos and Stage Shows

Beyoncé featured over 148 different styles of clothing during the Renaissance World Tour (examples pictured).

Beyoncé's music videos are known for their visual stories. They often feature choreography and strong themes. Her albums Beyoncé (2013) and Lemonade (2016) had a music video for every song. This "visual album" format was something she helped make popular.

Beyoncé has worked with many directors for her music videos. She has also directed several of her own films. These include the musical film Lemonade and the documentary Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé. Critics have called her a "brilliant filmmaker." Her style uses symbolic visuals and poetic stories.

Beyoncé is known for her amazing and physically demanding performances. Her shows include detailed costumes, striking visuals, and stage designs. They feature large LED screens, backup dancers, and many costume changes. The Guardian called Beyoncé the most in-charge female artist onstage. Critics praise her voice and stage presence. She is often seen as one of the greatest performers ever.

She created the stage persona Sasha Fierce. This helped her separate her stage self from her personal life. By 2010, Beyoncé felt she no longer needed this alter ego. However, she announced Sasha Fierce would return for her 2012 performances.

Beyoncé's Impact and Achievements

Her Lasting Legacy

Beyoncé performing during her I Am... Tour in 2009

Beyoncé is widely seen as one of the most influential people in music history. In 2024, Billboard named her the greatest pop star of the 21st century. She is often called the defining artist of the 2000s and 2010s. Critics have praised many of her albums, singles, music videos, and live performances.

Beyoncé is a major figure in 21st-century popular culture. She is credited with changing the music industry. She transformed how music is shared, promoted, and enjoyed. Beyoncé helped bring back the album format. Her 2013 album Beyoncé made surprise releases popular. This led to many artists using new ways to promote their music. She is also known for making music videos an art form again. She popularized the visual album format.

Beyoncé's popularity as a musician has lasted a very long time. Her use of rap-singing and unique vocal effects became popular in 21st-century music. Her work goes beyond traditional genre boundaries. She has helped bring back and introduce musical styles like R&B, country, dance, and house. She also helped bring Afrobeats to mainstream US audiences. Beyoncé is known for turning concert tours into big cultural events. She uses her platform to support women's empowerment and social justice. This has made her an influential figure in important social matters.

Beyoncé has set new standards for success in modern times. Many musicians from different genres and generations say she influenced their careers. Taylor Swift said Beyoncé showed artists how to challenge industry norms. Lady Gaga and Rihanna were inspired by Beyoncé to become musicians. Ariana Grande learned to sing by copying artists like Beyoncé. Adele said Beyoncé influenced her since she was a preteen.

Beyoncé's influence is also studied in universities worldwide. Museum exhibitions explore her impact on music, fashion, and activism. She has popularized phrases that are now common. For example, "put a ring on it" means a marriage proposal. "I woke up like this" started a trend of morning selfies. In 2012, a species of horse-fly was named Scaptia beyonceae after her. This was because of its golden hairs. Several wax figures of Beyoncé are in Madame Tussauds Wax Museums globally.

Awards and Records

Beyoncé has received many awards. She is one of the most-awarded performers ever. She has sold over 200 million records worldwide. She sold an additional 60 million with Destiny's Child. This makes her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. The RIAA listed Beyoncé as the top certified artist of the 2000s. In 2024, she became the most RIAA-certified female artist in history. Many of her tours are among the highest-earning by a woman. She is one of the highest-earning live acts in history.

At the Grammy Awards, Beyoncé is the most honored individual. She has 35 awards, both solo and with a group. She also has the highest number of nominations, with 99. She is tied with Taylor Swift for the most MTV Video Music Awards (30). At the BET Awards, Beyoncé has the most awards (32) and nominations (75). She also leads at the Soul Train Music Awards (25) and the NAACP Image Awards (32). In 2011, she received the Billboard Millennium Award. She is in the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame. She has set many world records in her career.

For her role in Dreamgirls, Beyoncé was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. The film Lemonade (2016) won a Peabody Award in 2017. In 2022, "Be Alive" was nominated for an Academy Award. In June 2021, Beyoncé was honored as the Top Touring Artist of the 2010s. In August 2025, she won a Primetime Emmy Award for her 2024 NFL Halftime Show costumes. Billboard ranked her at number three on its 2025 "Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century" list. Time named Beyoncé one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2013, 2014, and 2023. She was also among the top people for the magazine's 2016 Time Person of the Year.

Beyoncé's Wealth and Business Ventures

Financial Success

Beyoncé is one of the wealthiest musical artists. As of December 2025, Forbes estimates her net worth to be $1 billion. The magazine named Beyoncé the highest-earning female musician in 2008, 2010, 2014, and 2017. In 2008, she earned an estimated $80 million. On the Forbes Celebrity 100 list, she ranked high many times. She was number one on the Celebrity 100 list in 2014, earning $115 million. Billboard named Beyoncé the highest-paid musician of 2016.

Forbes placed Beyoncé and Jay-Z as the "World's Highest-Paid Celebrity Couples." They earned $78 million in 2012 and $107.5 million in 2016. The couple entered the Guinness Book of World Records in 2011. They were the "highest-earning power couple" for earning $122 million in 2009. They officially became a billion-dollar couple in 2017.

Giving Back: Social Activism and Philanthropy

Beyoncé supported Obama's 2012 presidential campaign. She also voted for him. In 2015, Beyoncé attended a fundraiser for Hillary Clinton. She also performed at a concert for Clinton before the election. She supported Beto O'Rourke in the 2018 US Senate election in Texas. Beyoncé endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 election. She also supported Kamala Harris in 2024. She allowed Harris to use "Freedom" as her campaign song.

Beyoncé identifies as a "modern-day feminist." She publicly showed her support for feminism. She sampled Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's speech "We should all be feminists" in her song "Flawless." Beyoncé performed at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards with a giant "Feminist" backdrop.

In December 2012, Beyoncé joined the "Demand a Plan" campaign. This campaign urged action on gun control. In 2013, she supported same-sex marriage on Instagram. She also spoke against a law in North Carolina that was seen as unfair to the LGBT community. In February 2017, she supported transgender youth. During her 2023 Renaissance World Tour, she included elements of queer activism.

Beyoncé has spoken out against unfair treatment of African-Americans. She attended a rally in 2013. Her 2016 song "Formation" was seen as a celebration of her heritage. Performing the song at the 2016 Super Bowl halftime show caused some discussion. Beyoncé responded by selling "Boycott Beyoncé" merchandise on her tour.

In 1999, Beyoncé, her mother Tina, and Kelly Rowland started the Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, they co-founded the Survivor Foundation. This foundation helped families affected by the hurricane. They also helped after Hurricane Ike in 2008. Beyoncé donated $100,000 to the Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund. In 2007, she opened the Knowles-Temenos Place Apartments. This housing helps 43 displaced individuals.

Beyoncé at the opening of the Cosmetology Center in 2010

After learning about Phoenix House in 2008, Beyoncé donated her entire $4 million salary from Cadillac Records to the organization. She later founded the Beyoncé Cosmetology Center. This program at Phoenix House offers cosmetology training. In April 2011, Beyoncé joined a campaign against child obesity. She was an ambassador for the 2012 World Humanitarian Day campaign. She also took part in Gucci's 2013 "Chime for Change" initiative. This promoted global female empowerment.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z donated money to help Black Lives Matter (BLM) protesters. They also helped build BLM chapters across the US. In April 2016, she offered ten college scholarships. In June, she donated over $82,000 to help victims of the Flint water crisis. She also supported fourteen Michigan students. That August, Beyoncé and Jay-Z donated $1.5 million to civil rights organizations.

In August 2017, during Hurricane Harvey, Beyoncé launched BeyGood Houston. This helped those affected. She donated $75,000 worth of mattresses to survivors. Later that month, she released a remix of "Mi Gente". All proceeds went to disaster relief efforts. In April 2020, Beyoncé donated $6 million for mental health services. This helped essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also helped raise money for COVID-19 relief with a remix of "Savage."

Beyoncé worked with the Feminist Coalition in Nigeria. She helped cover medical costs and legal fees for protestors. She also supports other causes in Africa. In December 2020, Beyoncé donated $500,000 to help with the housing crisis in the US. In 2024, she started an annual grant program. This helps cosmetology students and hair stylists. In January 2025, she donated $2.5 million to Los Angeles fire relief funds.

Business Ventures and Partnerships

In 2005, Beyoncé and Tina launched House of Deréon. This was a women's fashion line. They also created Beyond Productions for licensing and brand management. The collection included sportswear, denim, outerwear, and accessories. In 2005, Beyoncé partnered with House of Brands for shoes. In 2008, a mobile game called Beyoncé Fashion Diva was launched. That same year, she founded Parkwood Entertainment. This entertainment company now includes a music division.

In April 2016, Beyoncé launched Ivy Park. This was a joint venture with fashion retailer Topshop. The brand's name was inspired by her daughter, Blue Ivy, and her favorite number, four. Beyoncé later bought out Topshop's stake in the company. In April 2019, she partnered with Adidas to relaunch Ivy Park. The first collection debuted in January 2020. The brand later ended its partnership with Adidas in March 2023. That same month, Beyoncé worked with Balmain on a couture collection. It was inspired by Renaissance. In February 2024, Beyoncé launched Cécred, a hair care line.

Endorsements and Collaborations

Beyoncé partnered with Pepsi in 2002. In 2004, she starred in a commercial for Pepsi. She signed a $50 million endorsement deal with Pepsi in 2012. Beyoncé also worked with Tommy Hilfiger for fragrances. In 2007, she promoted Emporio Armani's Diamonds fragrance. Beyoncé launched her own fragrance line with Heat in 2010. She also had deals with American Express, Nintendo, and L'Oréal.

In March 2015, Beyoncé became a co-owner of the music streaming platform Tidal. In November 2020, she partnered with fitness company Peloton. In 2021, Beyoncé and Jay-Z partnered with Tiffany & Co. for their "About Love" campaign. Beyoncé became the fourth woman, and first Black woman, to wear the famous 128.54-carat Tiffany Yellow Diamond. On August 20, 2024, Beyoncé announced SirDavis, a whiskey brand. In October 2024, Levi's launched a campaign with Beyoncé. It featured her Cowboy Carter track "Levii's Jeans".

In December 2025, Vogue announced Beyoncé as a 2026 Met Gala co-chair. The event's theme will be "Costume Art." This will be her first Met Gala appearance since 2016.

Beyoncé's Music: Albums

• Dangerously in Love (2003)
• B'Day (2006)
• I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008)
• 4 (2011)
• Beyoncé (2013)
• Lemonade (2016)
• Renaissance (2022)
• Cowboy Carter (2024)

Beyoncé's Movies and Documentaries

Beyoncé's Tours and Performances

See also

In Spanish: Beyoncé para niños

• Forbes list of highest-earning musicians
• List of most-followed Instagram accounts