Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter is an American singer, songwriter, and businesswoman. Nicknamed "Queen Bey", she is regarded as a prominent cultural figure of the 21st century. Throughout her two-decade career, Beyoncé has been recognized for her distinctive vocal range and live concert performances. Rolling Stone named her the world's greatest living entertainer in 2022, and one of the greatest vocalists of all time in 2023.

Beyonce Giselle Knowles was born on September 4, 1981, at the Park Plaza Hospital in Houston, Texas to Celestine "Tina" Knowles (née Beyonce), a hairdresser and salon owner, and Mathew Knowles, a Xerox sales manager. Tina is Louisiana Creole and Mathew is African American. Beyoncé's younger sister, Solange Knowles, is also a singer and a former backup dancer for Destiny's Child. Solange and Beyoncé are the first sisters to have both had number one solo albums.