Beyoncé: An American Pop Icon

The Houston, Texas born city girl, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles Carter, started as the lead singer in an R&B girl-group known as Destiny’s Child. Dangerously in Love was her first solo album that established her career. Beyoncé has received 20 Grammy awards and is the most nominated woman in the award’s history. She has been recognized by her many talents such as being a musician, a performer, an actress, a feminist, a mother and a businesswoman. One can look at Beyoncé’s public image, recognition, imitability, longevity, and her ability to change with the times to see whether or not she is truly an American pop icon. So the question is, how is Beyoncé an American pop culture icon? Beyoncé has upheld her public image throughout her career and

Many women can relate to her with being a mother and also having a job. Relating to the single, "Formation" is a song from a mother who certainly has it all with success in her family, career, wealth, power and fame, but realizes that none of that means as much as the world she leaves behind to her daughter. Most parents in this world want the best for their children just like Beyoncé. Fans of all ages and gender want to be like her because her music grabs their attention. Beyoncé’s music is generally R&B, but she also incorporates pop, soul and funk into her songs. Most of her tunes are catchy, intriguing and memorable. She recently introduced the Record of the Year Award at the 2016 Grammy Awards with a very powerful quote, “Art is the unapologetic celebration of culture through self-expression. It can impact people in a variety of ways for different reasons at different times. Some will react, some will respond and some will be moved.” Artists strive to send a message to their audience through their music. This concept comes into play when talking about making an impact or maintaining longevity as a

Her first tour with the hit album, Dangerously in Love was popular then and is still popular today. She has embarked on six world tours in her life. Beyoncé, being 31 years old presently had always thought she would retire at age 30. She says that she still has so much that she wants to achieve in her career. As successful as she has been, she never would have imagined the extent of what she has achieved (Klaudia). According to fellow classmate, Lafarge said, “She’s never going to not be popular. She’s got it all along with her music and fashion; she is THE woman. She is way more famous now than when she first started out.” Her longevity proves how much she has grown as a woman throughout her