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 and captivating live performances, she has become a significant cultural figure in the 21st century. Throughout her three-decade career, she has consistently reinvented her music and performance style, setting new standards for artistry in popular music. She is often considered one of the greatest entertainers and most influential artists of all time.

Sections (5)

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

1999: Lauryn Hill wins Album of the Year

In 1999 Lauryn Hill won Album of the Year, before Beyoncé repeated the feat in 2025.

2003: Becoming a Crossover Sex Symbol

In 2003, following the release of Dangerously in Love, Beyoncé became recognized as a "crossover sex symbol" by music journalist Touré.

2004: "Bootylicious" added to the Oxford English Dictionary

In 2004, the word "bootylicious" was added to the Oxford English Dictionary, defined as "(of a woman) sexually attractive".

June 2007: Reporting on her earnings began

Forbes began reporting on her earnings in June 2007.

2011: BeyHive Nickname

In 2011, the name of Beyoncé's fanbase changed from "The Beyontourage" to the "BeyHive."

January 2012: Horse-fly named after Beyoncé

In January 2012, research scientist Bryan Lessard named a species of horse-fly, Scaptia beyonceae, after Beyoncé due to its distinctive golden hairs.

2012: Beauty and Sexiest Singer Titles

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

January 2013: GQ Cover and "Sexiest Women" List

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

2014: Named One of the 100 Most Influential People

Time magazine named Beyoncé one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2014, continuing her streak from the previous year.

2015: Most-Followed Account on Instagram

Until 2015, Beyoncé's Instagram account was the most-followed account on the platform; she remains one of its most-followed users.

2016: Person of the Year Recognition

Beyoncé occupied the sixth place for Time magazine's 2016 Person of the Year, highlighting her continued influence.

2016: "Beyoncé Day" in Minnesota

In 2016, May 23 was designated as "Beyoncé Day" in Minnesota to mark her Formation World Tour performance in the state.

2017: Billion-Dollar Couple

In 2017, Beyoncé and Jay-Z officially became a billion-dollar couple, with Forbes estimating a combined net worth of $1.16 billion.

2023: Ranked Eighth on Rolling Stone's '200 Greatest Singers of All Time' list

In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Beyoncé eighth on its list of the "200 Greatest Singers of All Time", highlighting her voice's significance in Black music history.

2023: Named One of the 100 Most Influential People

Time magazine named Beyoncé one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023, continuing her streak from previous years.

2024: Most RIAA-certified female artist in history

In 2024, Beyoncé became the most RIAA-certified female artist in history, adding to her over 200 million records sold worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

2024: Billboard names Beyoncé "Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century"

In 2024, Billboard named Beyoncé the "Greatest Pop Star of the 21st Century", also including her on their "Greatest of All Time" list, recognizing her cultural significance.

June 2025: Forbes estimates Beyoncé's net worth

As of June 2025, Forbes estimates Beyoncé's net worth to be $780 million.

2025: Billboard ranks Beyoncé as a soloist at number three on its "Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century" list

Billboard ranked Beyoncé as a soloist at number three on its 2025 "Top 100 Women Artists of the 21st Century" list and as part of Destiny's Child, which was listed at number seventeen.