Female Icons of the 2000s: Then and Now

#9: Beyoncé Then

In the 2000s, Beyoncé rose from Destiny’s Child frontwoman to solo superstar. Her debut album Dangerously in Love made her a global force, with hits like Crazy in Love and Baby Boy defining early-2000s R&B. She became the decade’s gold standard for talent, beauty, and relentless work ethic.

Beyond the music, Beyoncé built a brand — commanding fashion, film, and pop culture all at once. Her performances were electric, her image carefully polished, and her relationship with Jay-Z gave her an aura of mystery and power. By the end of the decade, “Queen Bey” was a global phenomenon.