Fun Facts About Beyoncé

In this episode of The Music in Me, we dive into the fascinating world of Beyoncé. From her early days in Destiny’s Child to her record-breaking achievements, alter ego Sasha Fierce, and humanitarian work, we’ll uncover some fun facts about Queen Bey that even her biggest fans might not know.


DESTINY'S CHILD SONGS MENTIONED...
I'm a Survivor
Say My Name
Bootylicious

BEYONCE SONGS MENTIONED...
Halo
Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it)
Run the World (Girls)
Formation
Listen from Dreamgirls
Spirit from The Lion King (Live Action 2019)
Love on Top

Transcript

Speaker A: 0:21

What's up, everyone? Welcome back to the music. And me. I am your host, Harry. And first of all, I hope you all had as much fun listening to last week's birthday episode as I did making it. It was so much fun and I had a great birthday. I want to thank everyone for the lovely birthday wishes. It was kind of like my inbox got hit with a Beyonce level crowd of love and I was here for it. Now, speaking of birthdays, if you listened to last week's episode, you already know that I share my birthday with none other than the queen herself, Beyonce. I mean, how lucky am I, right? While most people get a generic happy birthday text, I get to say, oh, yeah, I share mine with Queen bee. No big deal. So in honor of my very fabulous birthday twin, I thought, what better way to keep the party going than with an episode all about Beyonce? So today we're diving deep into some fun and lesser known facts about her life and career. And trust me, there is a lot. We'll talk about everything from her early days in Destinys child, a girl group that basically defined the late nineties, to her fierce alter ego, Sasha Fierce. And that one time she owned Coachella so hard they renamed it Beachella. And of course, all those Grammy wins that have her running out of shelf space. So if I do my job right, youll come out of this episode knowing way more about Beyonce trivia than you ever thought possible. Lets go, everyone. Alright, time for fun fact number one. Before Beyonce became the queen we all bow down to today, she was part of a girl group with a very different name. Get ready for this girls time. Yep, that was the original name. Sounds more like a Saturday morning cartoon, right? But hey, all great legends start somewhere. And lucky for us, this one quickly rebranded to become the powerhouse group we know as Destinys Child. And let me tell you, this group was destined for greatness after a few lineup changes. Because you know, every girl group, they need a little drama. The final trio of Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams emerged and together they conquered the world. Destinys Child went on to become one of the best selling girl groups ever. I mean, they didn't just make hits, they made anthems. If you've ever screamed I'm a survivor at the top of your lungs during a tough day, you know exactly what I'm talking about. But Beyonce wasn't just lucky to be surrounded by talented bandmates. She had a secret weapon. Her family, her dad, Matthew Knowles, managed the group and kept everything running smoothly. And Mama Tina, well, she was the creative genius behind those iconic matching outfits. That's right. Those bedazzled, camouflaged looks and glitter covered ensembles. All Tina, if your mom isn't out there making custom costumes for your world tour, are you even destined for stardome? But it wasn't all smooth sailing. There were bumps along the road, like the ever changing lineup and the pressure of being in the spotlight. But Beyonce and the group powered through Destinys Child was the rocket that launched Beyonce into the music universe. And we can think those early days of girls time. Seriously, thank goodness for the name change, right? We can thank those early days for setting her on her path. So the next time you're jamming out to say my name or bootylicious, just remember it all started with a dream. Some fierce vocals and a lot of sequins. Okay, its time for fact number two. Did you know that Beyonce has an alter ego? Thats right. Before we started calling her queen bee, she was calling herself Sasha fierce. Why, you ask? Well, Beyonce wanted to tap into the bolder, more daring version of herself when she was on stage. You know, the kind of alter ego that struts out in a glittery bodysuit, hair blowing in the wind, ready to slay the world. While Beyonce was soft spoken and humble offstage, Sasha fierce was the one who brought all the drama, confidence, and fierceness in performances. Basically, Sasha was the Beyonce we all dream of being in front of our bathroom mirrors. Now let's talk about the I am Sasha fierce albumen. This is where Bea really showed us her two sides. The I am part of the album was all about the real vulnerable, personal and heartfelt think halo, pure emotion, angelic vocals. You know, the kind of song that makes you feel things. Then we get to Sasha fierce's side, where things get fierce. Pun absolutely intended there. This is where hits like single ladies came from. Sasha was all about the powerful, fearless diva energy. Let's be honest, that dance, pure Sasha. But here's where things get really interesting and a little dramatic. After a while, Beyonce decided she didn't need Sasha fierce anymore. That's right. In 2010, she officially killed off Sasha. No, not in a murder mystery kind of way. Although that would have been a quite, that would have been quite the plot twist, but more like a peaceful retirement. Bey basically said, you know what? I am Sasha fierce. Now I don't need to channel anyone to be bold and confident. Talk about a glow up. So there you have it. Beyonce's journey from sweet, humble Houston girl to a full blown diva and then back to just being herself, which is all the fierceness she needs. Sasha Fierce may be gone, but that fearless energy, that's still very much alive. And honestly, we are all a little better for it, right? Okay, it is time for fun fact number three. And this one's a big one, people. Beyonce isn't just any artist. She's a record breaking legend. And when I say record breaking, im not just talking about chart topping singles and sold out tours, although shes got plenty of those too. Nope, im talking about the queens. 32 Grammy wins. Thats right, 32. At this point, she probably needs a second mansion just to house all those golden gramophones. If shed let me id live there and watch all the gramophones for her, I'd love to live in a mansion. All right, let's put that into perspective. Beyonce isn't just the artist who has the most Grammys of all time. She's also the most nominated female artist in Grammy history. She has a whopping 88 nominations. Wow. That's more nominations than some people have playlists on their phones. Unless you're me. I probably have, you know, hundreds of playlists. I keep adding them all the time. You know me, I love music. It's like every time Beyonce breathes, the Grammy committee is like, yep, just nominate her again. Whether she's serving us soul, pop, r and b, or turning Coachella into be Chella, she's dominating every genre and every award show. And it's not just the Grammys where Queen Bey reigns supreme. Shes racked up an entire shelf full of other prestigious awards. Were talking bET Awards, Billboard Music Awards, MTV, VMA's. The list goes on and on. Shes even got a Peabody award for her visual album Lemonade, which, lets be real, was basically a cultural event. Im pretty sure if Beyonce released her grocery list as a music video, it would win best picture at the Oscars. That's just the kind of power she holds. And let's not forget that Time magazine named her one of the most influential people in the world. Twice. Twice. People not just in music but in life. I mean, when Beyonce tells you to put a ring on it, you listen. Okay, so yeah, Queen Bee isn't just sitting on a throne. She's built an empire. With all her Grammy wins, honors and titles. She's practically royalty at this point. I mean, we do call her queen Bee, right? Honestly, the next Grammy Awards should just be called the Beyonce Awards because at this rate, who else even stands a chance? Although Taylor Swift is up there, she does win a lot overwords. I much prefer Beyonce to Taylor Swift. If we're being honest, but that's just me. Alright, everybody brace yourselves because fun fact number four is nothing short of legendary. In 2018, Beyonce didn't just perform at Coachella, she made history. That's right. She became the first black woman to ever headline the festival. And as you can probably guess, she didn't just show up, she showed out. And the world has never been the same since. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to be Chella. Now, if you didn't catch that performance, I'm going to need you to pause this episode, go watch it and then come back. Seriously, it was that good? I just watched it the other day and I could watch it again. Beyonce transformed Coachella into a cultural phenomenon. Blending her signature fierce choreography with a full marching band, steppers, and even a greek letter sorority. She paid homage to HBCUs, creating an experience that wasnt just a concert. It was a celebration of black culture, history, and pride. This wasn't just about music, it was a movement. And if you weren't lucky enough to be there in person, I mean, who of us were, right? We were all blessed with the Netflix special homecoming, which immortalized that iconic performance. Which, like I said, I just watched that and oh my gosh, that was one of the best things I've ever seen on Netflix. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to wear out my Netflix account just watching it on repeat. Because once is definitely not enough. Bea not only gave us a jaw dropping performance, but she also gave us a behind the scenes look at the months of preparation, the blood, sweat and tears that went into creating this masterpiece. Beyonce made it clear there's no such thing as just another gig for her. When she takes the stage, she owns it. And speaking of ownership, the fans took one look at that performance and immediately dubbed it be Chella. Thats right. Forget coachella. Its been beachella ever since. And lets be honest, its a name that stuck. The queen turned the festival into her own personal empire for 2 hours and no one has dared challenge her reign since. So the next time someone mentions Coachella, just remember Beyonce turned a desert festival into a cultural moment that shook the world. And if that's not a power move, I don't know what is. Okay, now it's time for fact number five. And we're diving into the Knowles family, aka the ultimate showbiz dream team. Behind every queen is a royal court. And for Beyonce, that starts with her mom and dad. Let's start with mama Tina Knowles. Because we all know that behind those legendary outfits. Theres a very stylish mastermind. Tina Knowles is the woman who made sure Beyonce looked flawless even before she had a glam squad. In the early years, Tina was Beyonces personal fashion designer, creating those iconic matching outfits for destinys Child. As I mentioned earlier, were talking about bedazzled cameo, metallic leather and more sequins than a disco ball. I mean, who else could turn a girl group into fashion icons with nothing but a sewing machine and some glitter? Tinas influence didnt stop with fashion either. She gave Beyonce that bold, fearless attitude that we see on stage. Fashion and confidence courtesy of Mama Knowles. And then theres Matthew Knowles, Beyonces dad and original manager. Talk about a man with a vision. Matthew was the one who steered the destinys child ship as I mentioned earlier, and helped Beyonce build a career that would take over the world. He knew that his daughter was destined for greatness and pushed her to reach the top. From negotiating record deals to shaping her brand, Matthew was a key player in turning Beyonce from a Houston girl with big dreams into the global superstar we all worship today. So while Beyonce may have had all the talent in the world, she's also got family members who believe in her, invested in her, and let's be real, probably made her practice those dance routines a lot. Without Tina's fashion flair and Matthew's business savvy, who knows if we'd be bowing down to queen bee today. The Knowles family isnt just Beyonce's support system, theyre part of her legacy. And thanks to them, we got a Beyonce who slays in both the boardroom and on stage. So if your parents ever told you to follow your dreams, just remember Beyonce is did too. And look where it got her. Alright, were going to take a little bit of a pause from the facts to to have a little fun. Are you ready? I am so excited. Okay, beehive, it's time for a little musical trivia fun. Get ready to put your Beyonce knowledge to the ultimate test with our Beyonce lyric challenge. Here's the deal. I'm going to throw out some of Queen Bee's most iconic lyrics. And don't worry, no singing from me. I promise. Your job is to guess which song each lyric is from. So we'll kick things off with some easy ones and then turn up the heat. Put on your thinking caps and let's see if you're truly a Beyonce super fan. Are you ready? Let's dive in and see how well you know the lyrics of our reigning queen. I'm going to read you the lyrics and then give you 3 seconds, and then I'm going to tell you the answer. All right, let's go. Lyric number one. If you liked it, then you should have put a ring on it. That's right, everyone. Single ladies, put a ring on it. An absolute classic. If you got that one, you're off to a great start. And yes, that was an easy one. Okay. Lyric number two. I'm a survivor. I'm not gonna give up. Yep. Destiny's child coming in strong with survivor. An empowerment anthem right there. Lyric number three. Who run the world, girls. Easy peasy for that one. That was run the world, girls. A bee anthem that still has us all feeling powerful. Now let's step it up a little bit. Are you ready? Lyric number four. My daddy Alabama, mama Louisiana. That's right, everybody. That's from formation. A cultural moment in itself. If you got that one, you're really in formation. Lyric number five, you're my lifeline. You're trying to kill me. That was a tricky one. That's from don't hurt yourself off lemonade. If you got that one, you are deep in the B catalog. Lyric number six. I love the way you walk. Cause I've never heard you talk. That's one from the I am Sasha Fierce album. It's Diva. Beyonce's not only a diva, she is the definition of one. Lyric number seven. Gravity can't begin to pull me back to the ground again. That is rocket from the self titled album. That's definitely one of her sultry tracks. Lyric number eight. I took some time to live my life, but don't think I'm just his little wife. That one's another lemonade gem. Sorry if you got that one, you're clearly not sorry about your bee knowledge. Lyric number nine. I sneezed on the beat and the beat got sicker. That's one of her coolest lines from Yonce. If you knew that, you were a true Beyonce connoisseur. Alright, lyric number ten, this is a reminder. Yes, that was a deep cut. That's from my power on the lion, the gift album. That's Beyonce's message of strength and empowerment coming through right there. So how'd you do if you got them all? You're a Beyonce lyric expert, and if you stumped you, no worries. There's always time for a Beyonce marathon. Alright, everybody, let's get back to the episode and dive into more Beyonce brilliance. Welcome back, everyone. Alright, hold onto your hats because fact number six is about to show you that Beyonce's impact goes way beyond the stage. While Queen Bey might be famous for her chart topping hits and jaw dropping performances, she's also a powerhouse when it comes to giving back and fighting for justice. Get ready to be inspired. Lets start with Beyonces charitable work. This queen doesnt just spend her time dazzling us with her vocal chops, shes also incredibly generous. Beyonce has donated millions to disaster relief efforts from Hurricane Katrina to the haitian earthquake. Shes the kind of person who sees a crisis and doesnt just think someone should do something. Instead, she is that someone. Her be good foundation is all about supporting causes like education, housing, and healthcare. She's even funded scholarships for students, proving that she's not just about giving handouts, she's all about giving people the tools that they need to succeed. But Beyonce's generosity doesn't stop there. Shes a vocal advocate for social justice and her activism is as powerful as her music. Her support for the Black Lives Matter movement has been unwavering. Shes used her platform to speak out against systemic racism and police brutality, often incorporating her activism into her music and performances. Remember when she used her Super bowl halftime show to make a powerful statement about black empowerment? Yeah, that was Beyonce reminding us all that shes not just here to entertain, shes here to make a difference. And dont think shes forgotten about gender equality either. Beyonce has been a fierce advocate for womens rights, often addressing issues like gender pay gaps and the importance of women supporting women. Her music videos and public statements often highlight the struggles and triumphs of women, reinforcing her commitment to equality. In short, Beyonce isn't just a superstar with a killer wardrobe and a record breaking career. She's also a trailblazer in the world of philanthropy and activism. So the next time you're dancing to run the world, girls or formation, remember that the queen is not just running the world and her music, she's actively working to make it a better place for everyone. Now thats a legacy worth celebrating, dont you think? Okay, buckle up, because fact number seven takes us deep into Beyonce's artistic genius. And im talking about next level brilliance here. Sure, we all know her music is legendary, but when Bea drops a visual album, she takes things from hit song to cinematic experience. Were talking about Lemonade and Black is kingdom, two masterpieces that are still being analyzed, dissected, and applauded years later. Let's dive into these cultural game changers, shall we? First up, we have lemonade. When Beyonce released this visual album in 2016, she basically said, hold my crown and then left the world shook. This wasn't just an album, it was a journey through love, betrayal, healing and empowerment, all wrapped up in stunning visuals and powerful symbolism. Every song had a unique chapter and every chapter was packed with deep message about race, womanhood and heritage. Fans and critics alike are still breaking it down, finding new layers of meaning from it. From the haunting images of southern gothic landscape to the powerful african inspired visuals. Lemonade wasnt just Beyonces personal story. It became a universal anthem for women, especially black women, reclaiming their power. And who could forget that unforgettable line? You can taste the dishonesty. Its all over your breath. Thats a mic drop movement right there. Now lets fast forward to black is king, Beyonces visual love letter to black culture, african heritage and identity. Released in 2020, this film was like a beautiful tapestry woven together with the rich history of african royalty and modern day black excellence. Beyonce used the Lion King inspired project to celebrate black beauty, strength and resilience, and she did it with breathtaking visuals including landscapes that looked like they were straight out of a dream. Oh, and let's not forget that star studded lineup. Can we talk about Beyonce's ability to bring together the most incredible artists and creators? Yep, that's just what queens do. And here's the kicker. Both lemonade and Black is king weren't just about the music. They were about telling a story through powerful imagery, fashion and yes, even symbolism that that will probably be decoding for the next decade or so. Beyonce uses these visual albums to speak on themes of race, gender, heritage, and everything in between. She's not just making art, she's starting conversations, sparking movements and reminding us all of the importance of our roots and our stories. So the next time you watch lemonade or black is king, take a moment to appreciate the layers of meaning hidden behind those jaw dropping visuals. Beyonce isnt just singing to us, shes speaking to us on a deeper level. And honestly, isnt that why we call her queen bee? Okay people, its time for fact number eight, where we take a little detour from the world of music and step into the movie world. Because yes, Beyonce is not only queen bee off the stage, but also a bona fide movie star. Thats right. Shes taken her immense talent to Hollywood and blessed us with some unforgettable performances. Lets talk about Beyonce the actress. First up, we have to mention her iconic role in Dreamgirls, one of my all time favorite movies. This was the moment where Beyonce proved that shes not just a pop sensation, shes got some serious acting chops too. She was great in that movie, by the way, as Dina Jones, Beyonce channeled her inner diva, which, let's be honest, probably wasn't that hard for her. And she delivered powerhouse performance that left us all saying give this woman an oscar. And who could forget her stunning rendition of Listen, which I talked about this song because it was on my birthday playlist and one of my favorite songs. To Singhenne, Beyonce is so powerful when she sings that song. I love it so much. That song alone was basically a mic drop on her acting career, proof that Beyonce could do it all. Dream Girls wasn't just a movie, it was a Beyonce moment. But there's more. Beyonce also made waves when she lent her voice to the role of Nala in the 2019 live action Lion Kingdom. I mean, when the queen of the Jungle is played by the queen herself, you know its going to be epic. Her voice acting brought depth, strength and a touch of that Beyonce magic to Nala, making her one of the most beloved characters in the film. And lets not forget, she gave us the anthem spirit, proving yet again that even in a voice role, shes still going to hit us with a chart topping hit classic Beyonce. Right. But her acting isn't just limited to musicals and voice roles. Nope. Beyonce's resume also includes the campy, fun role of Foxy Cleopatra in Austin Power's gold member with that seventies sass, funky wardrobe, and of course killer one liners like I'm Foxy Cleopatra and I'm a whole lotta woman. She showed us that she can totally rock comedy too. A little fun, a little fierce, and a whole lot of fab. Only Beyonce could pull that off. So when we talk about Beyonce, we're not just talking about a music icon. We're talking about a woman who has successfully crossed over into film with grace power and a touch of that Beyonce Sparkle. Whether she's belting out soul stirring ballads and dream girls, roaring with pride in the Lion King or cracking us up in Austin powers, Beyonce proves that her talent is limitless. Long story short, Beyonce isnt just conquering one industry, shes basically taking over everything, which im here for it. Alright everybody, now lets dive into fact number nine, where Beyonce puts on her business mogul crown and reminds us that shes not just ruling the music world, she's running the whole empire. Let me introduce you to Beyonce, the CEO, the fashion icon, and the entrepreneur who's out there making serious moves in the business world. Let's start with her fashion line, shall we? First up, we've got Ivy Park, Beyonce's athleisure brand that makes us all want to hit the gym or at least look like we do. Named after her daughter, Blue Ivy, and the park where she used to work out, Ivy park is more than just a clothing line. It's a full on fashion moment. And when Queen Bee partnered with Adidas for a collaboration, it became the hottest thing in the game. I mean, come on. Beyonce single handedly made workout clothes feel like Runway fashion. The minute that line drops, it sells out faster than you can say, can I get these in a size medium? And lets be real, if youve seen those pieces, whether its the neon sets or the cozy sweats, you know, they scream, I woke up flawless. But Beyonce is business savvy. Doesnt stop there. Shes got her own entertainment company, Parkwood Entertainment, where shes basically the boss of all bosses. What is Parkwood Entertainment, you ask? Well, its the genius company behind everything Beyonce does, her music, her films, her tours, and even her fashion. Beyonce is in full control of her brand, from how her albums are released to her Netflix specials. When you own the company that runs your career, you're not just a star, you're an empire builder. And Beyonce is doing just that. So Ivy park is crushing the fashion game, and Parkwood Entertainment is handling the music, film, and everything in between. With these business ventures, Beyonce is showing us that shes not just an entertainer, shes a strategic powerhouse. Shes got her hands in all the pots and shes cooking up success in every single one of them. Beyonce is not just giving us art. Shes building a legacy on and off the stage. And that, my friends, is why Queen Bey reigns supreme in the business world, too. Bow down to the ultimate boss. Okay, last but not least, everybody, it's time for fun fact number ten. And let me tell you, this one is close to my heart because it involves my favorite number four. That's right. Beyonce and I have yet another thing in common. Besides being born on the same day. The number four is a big deal for both of us. So here's the tea. Beyonce loves the number four, as I do. It's practically her lucky charm. First off, her birthday is September 4, same as mine. What a queen, right? But it doesn't stop there. Jay Z, her hubby, was born on December 4. So naturally, when they got married, they picked the 4 April, aka four four, as their anniversary date. Talk about a match made in number four heaven. And if that wasn't enough, Beyonce loved the number four so much, she even named one of her albums four. This album was a game changer in her career, featuring hits like Run the World, Girls and Love on top. The significance of the number four in her life just shines through in everything she does. Its like the universe lined up and said, yeah, this is your number b. Now, why do I love this fact? Because I was born on the fourth, too. So clearly Beyonce and I are birthday twins who share a cosmic connection with this number. Maybe its just me, but I feel like that makes us even closer in spirit, right? Queen Bee and I forever. Pun intended. So there you have it. Beyonce and the number four. It's more than just a number. It's a whole vibe. And honestly, I'm on board with it. Maybe I should start naming things after four two so I can change the name of this podcast to four music or something. Stay tuned for that. We'll see how that goes. But I also love the number four, so maybe I should incorporate it into naming my stuff. Okay, before we wrap up, let me hit you with some bonus fun facts, because let's be real. You can never have enough Beyonce trivia, right? So buckle up for a rapid fire round of Queen bee goodness. Did you know that Beyonce's favorite food is, wait for it, pizza? Yes, you heard me right. The queen of the music industry is also the queen of pizza night. Now, I don't know about you, but this just made her even more relatable. I'm picturing Beyonce in her Ivy park sweats, feet up on the couch, just chilling with a slice of pepperoni. Iconic. And get this. Beyonce is also a beekeeper. Yes, you heard me. In addition to being a musical genius and a fashion mogul, she's also out there with her own beehives, making honey. Talk about staying on brand with the whole queen bee thing. I mean, when you're called queen bee, you might as well embrace the whole bee theme, right? Apparently, she has over 80,000 bees, and they produce hundreds of jars of honey every year. Imagine getting a jar of Beyonce honey. You know, I'd totally spread that on my morning toast like it's pure gold. And I don't even like honey that much. But if it was from Beyonce, I'd put it on everything. And just to round it out, there's one more nugget of trivia for you. Beyonce is super competitive at Connect four. Yep, that classic childhood game is her thing. She's even beaten Kanye west at it, which, let's be honest, is probably one of her most underrated accomplishments. So pizza, beekeeping, and connect for a champion, Beyonce really can do it all. And with that, I think we've learned that Queen Bey is not just the ultimate entertainer but also the ultimate human. Even if she is kind of superhuman. That's why we love her, right? Well, there you have it, people. A whole episode dedicated to the queen herself. Beyonce, my birthday, twin pizza loving, beekeeping Grammy dominating legend. I hope you had as much fun as I did diving into these fun and fierce facts about bee. But don't go too far because next week we're keeping the legend train rolling. That's right. We're switching gears and talking about the one and only Celine Dion. We'll be diving into some of her greatest hits. And trust me, it's going to be fun and interesting and you might even get a few. My heart will go on moments. So mark your calendars and get ready for another legendary episode. Until then, keep the music in you alive. I'll see you next time on the music in me. Peace out, everyone.