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Star Spotlight
To say that Beyoncé Knowles has been busy is an understatement. She released her second album, B'Day, on September 5. And in December, she stars in Dreamgirls, a new film about a girl group called The Dreamettes. Scholastic News Online had the opportunity to sit down with this talented star. We asked her about her favorite all-girl groups, her plans for the future, and her love of reading. Here's what she had to say:
Q & A
Q:
In Dreamgirls, you play a character who follows her dreams. Was this a dream role for you?
Beyoncé: It was definitely a dream role for me. I was born [in 1981] the same year that the Broadway musical [that the film is based on] was in New York. So I know I was born for this part. It deals with all the ups and downs, and all the positive and negative things that come with fame. It's all about friendship, and these women, and their journeys. In the end, they realize what their true dreams are.
Q:
You're one of the most successful entertainers out there, but are there any other dreams that you have set your sights on?
Beyoncé: Well, my mother and I have a clothing line that celebrates three generations of style. It's named after my grandmother. And it's just so nice to be able to do something for my family. I know my mother has done so many things for me and helped me make my dreams come true. Her mother was a seamstress, so she sewed clothes for her, and she sewed clothes for me. Hopefully, I can pass the tradition on to my children.
Q:
Do you have any advice for teens who want to follow their dreams?
Beyoncé: Definitely. Surround yourself with people who are believers, and people who are supportive. It's really important for everyone to have a support system. Be sure about what you want, and be focused on it. You have to make sacrifices. But in the end, make sure that whatever you want is important to you.
Q:
Name the greatest all-girl bands.
Beyoncé: The Supremes, definitely. Also En Vogue and SWV—they were my favorites.
Q:
Do you prefer singing and dancing to acting, or do you have the same love for each?
Beyoncé: I was a singer before I even knew I wanted to act. But I do enjoy acting. It's really important to me now that I've done a movie that I love. I have to make sure I love my next project as much as I love Dreamgirls. It makes a world of difference when you're so passionate about something.
Q:
Do you like to read?
Beyoncé: Yes, I do.
Q:
Why do you think reading is important?
Beyoncé: Well, it definitely influences your vocabulary, but it's important for your mind. It fills your mind with information.
Q:
Do you have a favorite book?
Beyoncé: The Catcher in the Rye [by J.D. Salinger].
Q:
When you were in school, did you have a favorite subject?
Beyoncé: I loved math! I was really scared of numbers when I was younger, but I had an amazing teacher who made it really fun. Teachers are so important—especially with math, which can be really intimidating.
Q:
What are your favorite foods, and what foods do you hate?
Beyoncé: I love lemon meringue pie. I love peach cobbler. I love macaroni and cheese. Foods that I hate? Beets. I hate beets!
—Interview by Marie Morreale
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Beyoncé
(Photo: Courtesy of Columbia Records)
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STAR STATS
Star Calendar
December 2006
Dreamgirls hits theaters
Star Stats
Full Name: Beyoncé Giselle Knowles
Birth Date: September 4, 1981
Birthplace: Houston, Texas
Height: 5' 7"
Star Faves
Book:The Catcher in the Rye
Subject: math
Foods: lemon meringue pie, peach cobber, macaroni and cheese
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