How Beyoncé Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Beyoncé across different fields.

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is a highly influential American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. Celebrated for her powerful vocals, innovative artistry, and captivating live shows, she's a major cultural figure of the 21st century. Beyoncé is recognized as one of the greatest entertainers and most impactful artists, shaping popular music and inspiring audiences globally.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

2003: Became a "Crossover Sex Symbol" After Dangerously in Love Release

According to music journalist Touré in Rolling Stone, Beyoncé became a "crossover sex symbol" after the release of her album Dangerously in Love in 2003.

2004: "Bootylicious" Added to Oxford English Dictionary

In 2004, the word "bootylicious", popularized by Destiny's Child's 2001 single of the same name, was added to the Oxford English Dictionary, defined as "(of a woman) sexually attractive".

August 2011: Pregnancy announcement at MTV Video Music Awards

In August 2011, Beyoncé revealed her pregnancy at the MTV Video Music Awards while performing 'Love on Top', contributing to record viewership and social media engagement for the ceremony.

August 29, 2011: "Beyonce pregnant" becomes most Googled phrase

During the week of August 29, 2011, "Beyonce pregnant" became the most Googled phrase.

January 2012: Naming of Scaptia beyonceae Horse-Fly Species

In January 2012, Australian research scientist Bryan Lessard named a species of horse-fly, Scaptia beyonceae, after Beyoncé, due to the insect's distinctive golden hairs on its abdomen.

2012: Named the "World's Most Beautiful Woman" by People and the "Hottest Female Singer of All Time" by Complex

In 2012, Beyoncé was named the "World's Most Beautiful Woman" by People magazine and the "Hottest Female Singer of All Time" by Complex.

January 2013: GQ Cover and "100 Sexiest Women of the 21st Century" List

In January 2013, GQ placed Beyoncé on its cover, featuring her atop its "100 Sexiest Women of the 21st Century" list.

2016: "Beyoncé Day" in Minnesota

In Minnesota, May 23 is designated as "Beyoncé Day" to mark the same day she performed the Formation World Tour in the state in 2016.

February 2018: First female artist to have three albums surpass one billion streams on Spotify

In February 2018, '4' made Beyoncé the first female artist to have three of her albums surpass one billion streams on Spotify.

2018: Coachella Performance

In 2018, Beyoncé headlined both weekends of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, paying homage to Black culture and including a Destiny's Child reunion.

2023: Ranked Eighth on Rolling Stone's List of the "200 Greatest Singers of All Time"

In 2023, Beyoncé was ranked eighth on Rolling Stone's list of the "200 Greatest Singers of All Time", with the magazine stating that her voice contains the entire history of Black music.