Photos of Beyoncé Knowles' Incredible Life and Career
This one is for the #beyhive.
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We all know that Beyoncé is the Queen of...well, everything. But how much about the famous singer's life do you really know? She's the mother of Blue Ivy, Sir, and Rumi Carter; former Destiny's Child member; and causally the most-nominated female artist in Grammy history. After more than 20 years in the entertainment industry, we're taking a look back at the singer's remarkable evolution in photos.
1997: An Early Start
The Houston-native was just 16 years old when she and her all-female singing group landed their first record deal in 1997.
1998: The Original Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child was signed by Columbia Records and managed by her father, Mathew Knowles. The original foursome featured Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, LeToya Luckett, and LaTavia Roberson.
1999: Hit After Hit
In 1998, Destiny's Child released its debut self-titled album and quickly became one of the biggest new R&B groups. Their second album, The Writings on the Wall, was released in 1999 and included hits like "Bills Bills Bills" and "Say My Name."
2000: A Group Shake-Up
After a reported dispute between Luckett, Roberson, and Mathew Knowles, the singers were replaced with Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin. The latter was only in the group for a few months.
2000: A Big Win
The group wore custom leather and rhinestone ensembles for their MTV Video Music Awards debut in 2000—and took home their first Moon Man for Best R&B Video for "Say My Name."
2000: The Manager Dad
Before Kris Jenner coined the term "momager," there was Mathew Knowles. Beyoncé's father managed the group and her solo career until 2011.
2001: Continuing to Grow
By 2001, the group was firmly a trio and one of the biggest names in R&B. Later that year, Destiny's Child released its third studio album, Survivor.
2001: A New Relationship
Beyoncé met Jay-Z when she was 18 (so sometime between 1999 and 2000), but they didn't start dating for over a year. Soon after, they began making music together. Jay-Z released "'03 Bonnie & Clyde," featuring Beyoncé, in 2002.
2001: A Grammy Win
The group was previously nominated for a Grammy for "Bills Bills Bills," but it was their iconic track, "Say My Name," that resulted in Bey's first Grammy wins. They took home the awards for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocals.
2002: The Bootylicious Era
Beyoncé helped coin the word "Bootylicious" in a song on Destiny's Child's third studio album. In 2004, the word was even added to the dictionary.
2002: Breaking Into Film
After making her on-screen debut in Carmen: A Hip Hopera, Beyoncé starred alongside Mike Myers in Austin Powers in Goldmember, as Foxxy Cleopatra.
2003: Going Solo
By 2003, Destiny's Child decided to take a hiatus and Beyoncé pursued individual projects. Most notably, she released her debut solo album, Dangerously in Love.
2004: Sweeping the Grammy Awards
There was no doubt of Beyoncé's star power after the Grammys following her solo debut. The singer took home a total of five awards for her album Dangerously in Love.
2005: The End of Destiny's Child
After Beyoncé's solo success, the band reunited for one last studio album. They released Destiny Fulfilled in 2004 and disbanded in 2006 after their Destiny Fulfilled...And Lovin' It Tour.
2006: A Place in History
In 2006, the group was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The women reunited and showed the world that, despite their split, there were no hard feelings.
2006: Hitting the Pink Carpet
Decked out in a pink satin dress, Beyoncé stunned at the premiere for her feature film, The Pink Panther. The singer starred alongside Steve Martin and Kevin Kline.
2006: The Release of 'B'Day'
Following the success of her first solo album, Beyoncé released B'Day in 2006. It featured iconic tracks, like "Irreplaceable"and "Deja Vu," and was another huge success.
2007: An Oscar-Winning Film
Beyoncé starred in the Broadway-adapted film, Dreamgirls, in 2006, alongside Jennifer Hudson and Jaime Foxx. The film won an impressive five Oscars.
2008: On Stage With Tina Turner
The singer performed alongside icon Tina Turner at the Grammy Awards in 2008. The duo sang "Proud Mary" together in an unforgettable performance.
2008: A Secret Wedding
On April 4, 2008, Jay-Z and Beyoncé held an intimate wedding ceremony at their New York City apartment. The couple got matching roman numeral "IV" tattoos to commemorate the date on their left ring fingers.
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