Beyonce

One of the most recognizable characters in modern-day R&B, Beyoncé first rose to fame as the siren-voiced centerpiece of the group Destiny's Child before embarking on a multi-platinum solo career in 2001. Booming record sales, Grammy awards, movie roles, and marriage to rapper/CEO Jay-Z combined to heighten her profile in the 2000s, making the singer a virtual mainstay in the entertainment world.

Destiny's Child gained momentum in the 1990s, appearing on Star Search in 1992 (under the name Girl's Tyme) and weathering several lineup changes before signing to Columbia Records in 1997. Four studio albums later, the group has officially become the best-selling female group of all time, with such smash hits as "Jumpin' Jumpin', ' 'Bills, Bills, Bills," "Say My Name," and "Survivor," bolstering the girls' momentum despite a continued string of lawsuits from former members.

In 2001, Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and replacement member Michelle Williams allowed themselves a break from the group to pursue individual solo careers. Before landing several movie roles, Beyoncé became the first African-American female artist and second woman ever to win the annual ASCAP Pop Songwriter of the Year Award. An appearance in the MTV drama "Carmen: A Hip Hopera" quickly followed, but it was her role as Foxxy Cleopatra in 2002's "Austin Powers" that established Beyoncé as a true Hollywood star.

Beyoncé's full-length solo debut, 2003's "Dangerously in Love," reached multi-platinum status. Featuring collaborations with Sean Paul, Missy Elliott, OutKast's Big Boi, and Jay-Z, the album spawned a total of four top ten singles and garnered the singer five Grammys.

Destiny's Child reconvened the following year to release "Destiny Fulfilled." Upon completing the resulting tour, the group issued one final album, a greatest-hits compilation entitled "#1's," and subsequently disbanded. Beyoncé turned her full attention to her burgeoning solo career, releasing the sophomore effort "B'day" in September 2006 and three months later, turning in an award-winning performance for the movie musical "Dreamgirls." The singer then embarked on the Beyoncé Experience concert tour, releasing a live DVD in November 2007.

The following year proved to be another busy one as Beyoncé landed the role of Etta James in "Cadillac Records," a musical biopic that explored the heyday of Chicago's Chess Records. Shooting commenced in February 2008, with Beyoncé also serving as co-executive producer. One month before the film's December release, the singer released her third studio album, "I Am...Sasha Fierce." The double-disc effort emphasized her two distinct personalities, allowing Beyoncé to explore both mainstream sounds and traditional R&B.