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American singer Beyonce performs at Acer Arena in Sydney, Saturday, April 21, 2007. (AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy) NO ARCHIVING, INTL OUT

Who runs the world? Beyoncé’s career-defining moments

Olivia Harris
1 min read·March 27, 2024 - 1:17PM
News Corp Australia Network

From her early days with Destiny’s Child to her reign as Queen B of the BeyHive, we take a look at Beyoncé’s evolution as a solo artist and cultural icon.

Her record number of Grammy Awards makes her one of the most successful artists in history, however Beyoncé’s power extends far beyond the Hall of Fame. From platinum hits and politics, to fashion and feminism, we sift through the archives and explore the career of an artist who has truly changed the game.

 

The original four members of Destiny’s Child pose for a band photo in 2000: Farrah Franklin, Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé and Michelle Williams. Picture: News Corp Australia
The original four members of Destiny’s Child pose for a band photo in 2000: Farrah Franklin, Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé and Michelle Williams. Picture: News Corp Australia

 

By 2001, Franklin had left the group to leave Kelly, Beyonce and Michelle. From early on, it was clear that Beyoncé was the leader of the band. Picture: Nicky J. Sims/Redferns/Getty Images
By 2001, Franklin had left the group to leave Kelly, Beyonce and Michelle. From early on, it was clear that Beyoncé was the leader of the band. Picture: Nicky J. Sims/Redferns/Getty Images

 

The band was immediately popular, even winning favourite pop album for “Survivor,” and favourite soul/R&B band a second straight year at the 2001 American Music Awards. Picture: News Corp Australia
The band was immediately popular, even winning favourite pop album for “Survivor,” and favourite soul/R&B band a second straight year at the 2001 American Music Awards. Picture: News Corp Australia

 

In 2002, Beyoncé made her foray into acting and was a star in her role in “Austin Powers in Goldmember”. Picture: Supplied
In 2002, Beyoncé made her foray into acting and was a star in her role in “Austin Powers in Goldmember”. Picture: Supplied

 

In 2003, Beyoncé went solo. She performed the catchy “Crazy in Love” with Jay-Z during the BET Awards, solidifying herself on the scene. Picture: AP
In 2003, Beyoncé went solo. She performed the catchy “Crazy in Love” with Jay-Z during the BET Awards, solidifying herself on the scene. Picture: AP

 

“Dangerously in Love” was instrumental in shaping the sound of the 2000s and has sold over 11 million copies worldwide. Picture: Supplied
“Dangerously in Love” was instrumental in shaping the sound of the 2000s and has sold over 11 million copies worldwide. Picture: Supplied

 

Beyoncé has performed with her fair share of superstars and graced the 2004 Grammy Awards stage with Prince. Picture: AFP
Beyoncé has performed with her fair share of superstars and graced the 2004 Grammy Awards stage with Prince. Picture: AFP

 

Going solo was clearly the right decision, as Beyoncé picked up five Grammy Awards the following year. Picture: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Going solo was clearly the right decision, as Beyoncé picked up five Grammy Awards the following year. Picture: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

 

Beyoncé arrives clad in D&G and on horseback to perform for her hometown crowd at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Picture: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images
Beyoncé arrives clad in D&G and on horseback to perform for her hometown crowd at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Picture: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

 

The Destiny’s Child trio are honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006. Picture: Ric Francis/AP
The Destiny’s Child trio are honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006. Picture: Ric Francis/AP

 

In 2006, the group officially disbanded after their worldwide tour. The trio perform here in Melbourne for the last time. Picture: Martin Philbey/Redferns
In 2006, the group officially disbanded after their worldwide tour. The trio perform here in Melbourne for the last time. Picture: Martin Philbey/Redferns

 

“Dreamgirls” saw another opportunity for Beyoncé to grace the silver screen, alongside Anika Noni Rose and Jennifer Hudson. Picture: Supplied
“Dreamgirls” saw another opportunity for Beyoncé to grace the silver screen, alongside Anika Noni Rose and Jennifer Hudson. Picture: Supplied

 

2006 was a great year for the singer. She released her album “B’day” on her 25th birthday, which included hits such as “Irreplaceable”, which Beyoncé continues to perform to this day. Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
2006 was a great year for the singer. She released her album “B’day” on her 25th birthday, which included hits such as “Irreplaceable”, which Beyoncé continues to perform to this day. Picture: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

 

Beyoncé continues to rake in the awards, picking up four Grammys at the 2007 awards. Picture: Bob Riha Jr./Getty Images
Beyoncé continues to rake in the awards, picking up four Grammys at the 2007 awards. Picture: Bob Riha Jr./Getty Images

 

Beyoncé performs at Acer Arena in Sydney. Picture: Tracey Nearmy/AAP
Beyoncé performs at Acer Arena in Sydney. Picture: Tracey Nearmy/AAP

 

Uniting with another global superstar, Beyoncé performs with Tina Turner at the 2008 Grammy Awards. Picture: AP
Uniting with another global superstar, Beyoncé performs with Tina Turner at the 2008 Grammy Awards. Picture: AP

 

In 2008, Jay-Z and Beyoncé got married in a private ceremony, forming one of the music industry’s most powerful and influential couples. Picture: James Devaney/WireImage
In 2008, Jay-Z and Beyoncé got married in a private ceremony, forming one of the music industry’s most powerful and influential couples. Picture: James Devaney/WireImage

 

In 2008 we saw a different, fiercer Beyoncé, as she released one of her most notable songs. “Single Ladies (Put A Ring on It)” became a global phenomenon for its catchy tune and iconic dance moves and showcased her true cultural influence on the industry. Picture: Peter Lindberg/AP
In 2008 we saw a different, fiercer Beyoncé, as she released one of her most notable songs. “Single Ladies (Put A Ring on It)” became a global phenomenon for its catchy tune and iconic dance moves and showcased her true cultural influence on the industry. Picture: Peter Lindberg/AP

 

Beyoncé was asked to perform at the Inauguration of US President Barack Obama. The newly-sworn in president danced with his wife, Michelle, as the superstar sang “At Last”. Picture: Win McNamee/Getty Images
Beyoncé was asked to perform at the Inauguration of US President Barack Obama. The newly-sworn in president danced with his wife, Michelle, as the superstar sang “At Last”. Picture: Win McNamee/Getty Images

 

At the 2009 MTV Music Video Awards, Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech for Best Female Video to proclaim that Beyoncé deserved the award, sparking widespread controversy and a public apology from West. Picture: Christopher Polk/Getty Images
At the 2009 MTV Music Video Awards, Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech for Best Female Video to proclaim that Beyoncé deserved the award, sparking widespread controversy and a public apology from West. Picture: Christopher Polk/Getty Images

 

Beyoncé headlines the Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Festival at in 2011. Picture: Samir Hussein/Getty Images
Beyoncé headlines the Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Festival at in 2011. Picture: Samir Hussein/Getty Images

 

A slightly tamer version of Beyoncé appears on stage at the 2011 MTV Music Video Awards, announcing her first pregnancy during her performance. Picture: Kristian Dowling/Getty Images
A slightly tamer version of Beyoncé appears on stage at the 2011 MTV Music Video Awards, announcing her first pregnancy during her performance. Picture: Kristian Dowling/Getty Images

 

Beyoncé is all smiles as she reveals her first daughter to the world, Blue Ivy. Picture: Ed Burke/The Carter Family/AP
Beyoncé is all smiles as she reveals her first daughter to the world, Blue Ivy. Picture: Ed Burke/The Carter Family/AP

 

Déjà vu! Destiny’s Child reunite for Beyoncé’s first performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Picture: Christopher Polk/Getty Images
Déjà vu! Destiny’s Child reunite for Beyoncé’s first performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Picture: Christopher Polk/Getty Images

 

Drama surrounded the power couple in 2014 after Solange, Beyoncé’s sister, “attacked” Jay-Z in an elevator after the Met Gala, following rumours that he had cheated. Picture: Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Drama surrounded the power couple in 2014 after Solange, Beyoncé’s sister, “attacked” Jay-Z in an elevator after the Met Gala, following rumours that he had cheated. Picture: Mike Coppola/Getty Images

 

Two years later, the rumours were confirmed. “Lemonade” brought a raw and powerful collection to her fans. The album was a pivotal moment in Beyoncé’s career, with a focus on black culture and a more personal, emotive language. Picture: Supplied
Two years later, the rumours were confirmed. “Lemonade” brought a raw and powerful collection to her fans. The album was a pivotal moment in Beyoncé’s career, with a focus on black culture and a more personal, emotive language. Picture: Supplied

 

Beyoncé is back at the Super Bowl Halftime show, this time demonstrating her power as a solo female artist. Picture: Harry How/Getty Images
Beyoncé is back at the Super Bowl Halftime show, this time demonstrating her power as a solo female artist. Picture: Harry How/Getty Images

 

A darker side to the entertainer emerged in these years, potentially due to the rumours swirling around the couple. Solange’s outburst two years prior had sparked fury towards Jay-Z, and Beyoncé seemed to come out fighting. Picture: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
A darker side to the entertainer emerged in these years, potentially due to the rumours swirling around the couple. Solange’s outburst two years prior had sparked fury towards Jay-Z, and Beyoncé seemed to come out fighting. Picture: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

 

Despite outrage from fans at her latest album release, we can see influences from her heritage and country music throughout her career. Picture: Larry Busacca/MTV1617/Getty Images for MTV
Despite outrage from fans at her latest album release, we can see influences from her heritage and country music throughout her career. Picture: Larry Busacca/MTV1617/Getty Images for MTV

 

Beyoncé broke the internet with her second pregnancy announcement, which quickly became one of the most-liked posts on Instagram ever. Picture: Beyoncé
Beyoncé broke the internet with her second pregnancy announcement, which quickly became one of the most-liked posts on Instagram ever. Picture: Beyoncé

 

Being pregnant was clearly no excuse for Beyoncé to take it easy, as the singer continued to perform for months to come. Picture: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS
Being pregnant was clearly no excuse for Beyoncé to take it easy, as the singer continued to perform for months to come. Picture: Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS

 

Carrying on from the theme in her pregnancy announcement, the arrival of the twins saw the flowers around her bloom in a Renaissance-style composition. Picture: Mason Poole/Parkwood Entertainment/AP
Carrying on from the theme in her pregnancy announcement, the arrival of the twins saw the flowers around her bloom in a Renaissance-style composition. Picture: Mason Poole/Parkwood Entertainment/AP

 

Coachella 2018 was a moment in history. Headlining as the first black woman, Beyoncé’s performance paid homage to black culture and was later dubbed “Beychella.” Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella
Coachella 2018 was a moment in history. Headlining as the first black woman, Beyoncé’s performance paid homage to black culture and was later dubbed “Beychella.” Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Coachella

 

To try and mend some of the damage done by Jay-Z’s infidelity, the couple released an album under “The Carters”, which seemed to symbolise unity and forgiveness in their marriage. Picture: Larry Busacca/PW18/Getty Images for Parkwood Entertainment
To try and mend some of the damage done by Jay-Z’s infidelity, the couple released an album under “The Carters”, which seemed to symbolise unity and forgiveness in their marriage. Picture: Larry Busacca/PW18/Getty Images for Parkwood Entertainment

 

A now infamous photo of Prince Harry and Meghan meeting Beyoncé is the lasting memory of the singer’s role in the live action remake of Disney's
A now infamous photo of Prince Harry and Meghan meeting Beyoncé is the lasting memory of the singer’s role in the live action remake of Disney's "The Lion King". Picture: Niklas Halle'n/Getty Images

 

A slick Beyoncé released her visual album “Black Is King” in 2021, exploring themes of black identity, history, and resilience. Picture: Supplied
A slick Beyoncé released her visual album “Black Is King” in 2021, exploring themes of black identity, history, and resilience. Picture: Supplied

 

The same year, Beyoncé became the most awarded female artist in Grammy history, highlighting her enduring impact on the music industry. Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
The same year, Beyoncé became the most awarded female artist in Grammy history, highlighting her enduring impact on the music industry. Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

 

“Renaissance”, Beyoncé’s seventh studio album, was crafted during the Covid-19 pandemic and draws its inspiration from post-1970s black dance music, celebrating black and queer pioneers of the genre. Picture: Supplied
“Renaissance”, Beyoncé’s seventh studio album, was crafted during the Covid-19 pandemic and draws its inspiration from post-1970s black dance music, celebrating black and queer pioneers of the genre. Picture: Supplied

 

Beyoncé’s invite-only performance in Dubai at the “Atlantis The Royal” marked her return to the stage after a hiatus. It is reported to be the highest-paid private performance ever, for which the star pocketed over $36 million. Picture: Mason Poole/Parkwood Media/Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal
Beyoncé’s invite-only performance in Dubai at the “Atlantis The Royal” marked her return to the stage after a hiatus. It is reported to be the highest-paid private performance ever, for which the star pocketed over $36 million. Picture: Mason Poole/Parkwood Media/Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal

 

“Renaissance” went on to win four Grammy Awards and beat the record for most all-time wins with 32. Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
“Renaissance” went on to win four Grammy Awards and beat the record for most all-time wins with 32. Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

 

Beyoncé finally gives the people what they want, and returns to the stage for a tour for her award-winning album. Picture: Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood
Beyoncé finally gives the people what they want, and returns to the stage for a tour for her award-winning album. Picture: Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood

 

Blue Ivy becomes an icon in her own right on the tour, with crowds going wild for the superstar’s daughter and her dance role in the show. Picture: Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood
Blue Ivy becomes an icon in her own right on the tour, with crowds going wild for the superstar’s daughter and her dance role in the show. Picture: Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood

 

Beyoncé announces her new album, “Cowboy Carter”, sparking controversy around nationality and authenticity within country music. Picture: Beyoncé
Beyoncé announces her new album, “Cowboy Carter”, sparking controversy around nationality and authenticity within country music. Picture: Beyoncé

 

Beyoncé has now become the first black woman to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with “Texas Hold ‘Em”, despite attempts to boycott her new album. Picture: Beyoncé
Beyoncé has now become the first black woman to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with “Texas Hold ‘Em”, despite attempts to boycott her new album. Picture: Beyoncé

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/photos/who-runs-the-world-beyoncs-careerdefining-moments/news-story/353447ced4e856c367b7b4a171d96001