Born in 1981 in Houston, Texas, Beyonce Giselle Knowles demonstrated a gift for music before she could even talk. With her obvious affinity for performance, she was encouraged by her mother and father and driven by her own desire for success. By the age of seven, Beyonce began preparing for her life on stage by singing and dancing for her family and friends. Today, Beyonce is not only recognized for her outstanding musical talents, but she is also ranked one of the “Top 100 Sexiest Women” by Maxim Magazine and FHM, as well as one of the “50 Most Beautiful People in the World” by People Magazine. This is an indication of her broad-based sex appeal which is only topped by her milestone achievements in the entertainment industry.

We caught up with Beyonce who shared a few moments about where she has been and what the future might hold for her as she accelerates her acting career and reunites with the group, Destiny’s Child, for a world wide tour that brings her back to Las Vegas to perform at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on August 26, 2005.

Question: Did you always want to be in music?

Answer: As a child I knew I wanted to be an entertainer. I was always singing and dancing around the house. I always competed in pageants and auditioned for every play at school. I used to sing in the church choir before being trained in classical opera. When I was eight, I formed a singing group with my cousins and we were pretty good. In 1992, we landed a spot on Star Search. We didn't win, but it led to a contract offer from Columbia Records.

Question: Did stardom at a young age force you to grow up quicker than other kids?

Answer: I've had the responsibility since I was 15 of someone who is 25 or 30, so naturally I've had a lot of pressure. I employ a lot of people, I make a lot of adult decisions, and that has forced me to grow up a little faster.