Beyonce is highest paid performer per minute

Beyonce Knowles has been named the highest earning entertainer in the world who charges per minute for appearing on the stage.

The "Love on Top" singer topped a poll by social media website saucytime.com by earning 1.25 million pounds for a five-song performance at a private New Year's Eve 2010 party, equating to 71,040 pounds for each minute she was on the stage, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

In second place was Mariah Carey, who earned 630,000 per minute for a four-song set at a similar party held the previous year on the same Caribbean island.

Third highest earner per minute was Kylie Minogue, who commanded 33,000 pounds every sixty seconds or two million for her whole hour set. She had sung at the launch party of the Atlantis Hotel in Dubai, November 2008.

Next was Jennifer Lopez, who received the equivalent of 25,000 pounds a minute from Russian tycoon Andrei Meinichenko to appear at his wife's birthday party in 2007.

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Beyonce's pregnancy reveal breaks Twitter record: Why do we care so much?

When Beyoncé unbuttoned her purple sequined jacket Sunday night at the MTV’s 2011 Video Music Awards and revealed that she has something baking in her oven—her first child, to be exact—the building roared in celebration.

If you weren’t at Nokia Theater L.A. Live to experience it in person, the next best thing was logging on to your choice social network and shooting off your reaction. For millions, Twitter was their first destination.
Techland reports that fans hopped on the medium to express their shock, happiness, and such at a rate of 8,868 tweets per second. That beats news of Osama Bin Laden’s death in May, which drew in 5,106 tweets per second, and the Super Bowl, which earned 4,064 tweets.

Crazy, right? The question is why did so many people care so much? Well, for one, people looooooove them some Beyoncé. She’s a major pop star who, unlike most of her peers, has managed to steer clear of celeb shenanigans. Add the fact that she’s married to Jay-Z, arguably the best rapper ever, and that they both keep the details of their life together on the hush-hush and bam, here’s the answer: We’ve never seen them so excited to let a secret out of the bag! Watch them let it go after the jump:

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Women dominating on music world

Rihanna has insisted that Lady GaGa, Katy Perry, Beyoncé and she are the women who are currently dominating the pop music scene. The singer, who finished up the US leg of her ‘Loud’ tour on Sunday, said that it is “exciting” so many female stars are topping the charts and selling more records than their male contemporaries.

‘’There’s a pack. It’s me, GaGa, Katy Perry, Beyoncé... who else? Ke$ha for sure,” she told Glamour magazine. “Women are definitely dominating music right now, and that’s because we are competitive beings. I feel like music hasn’t been this exciting in a while.” She added: “All my friends are guys, to be completely honest. But when I met [Katy Perry], it was such a breath of fresh air.

 I just couldn’t believe this chick had no edit button... Katy and Lady GaGa came out of the gate exactly the way they think, the way they wanna dress, the way they wanna speak.’’ The 23-year-old recently revealed that ‘Cheers’ will be the sixth single to be lifted from her multi-million-selling Loud album. 

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Beyonce’s wake-up call for astronauts

Singer Beyonce delighted America’s astronauts on the final NASA shuttle mission with a special message and girl-power tribute. Beyonce recorded a touching wake-up call for the crew of shuttle Atlantis and gave a memorable shout-out to the sole female astronaut on the mission, Sandy Magnus.

The singer piped in her hit song Run The World (Girls) over the spacecraft’s sound system and told the group, “Good morning Atlantis. This is Beyonce. Sandy, Chris, Doug, and Rex, you inspire all of us to dare to live our dreams...

“This song is especially for my girl, Sandy, and all the women who? ve taken us to space with them, and the girls who are our future explorers.”

Beyonce follows in the footsteps of Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John, who have also recorded wake-up calls for NASA. –TOI

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Beyonce serenades Glastonbury to a close

GLASTONBURY: US soul diva Beyonce on Sunday brought Britain's Glastonbury festival to a flamboyant finale with a greatest hits and covers set before of 100,000 sun-baked revellers.

The Bootylicious singer, whose husband Jay Z played a famous set at the 2008 festival, performed her solo repertoire, hits from her time as a member of Destiny's Child and an eclectic mix of cover versions.

The crowd helped the superstar through "Say my Name", "Survivor" and "Independent Women" along with her interpretations of the Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams", Alanis Morisette's "You Oughta Know" and "Sex on Fire" by the Kings of Leon.

Addressing the massed ranks, the singer said: "I want you all to know right now you're witnessing my dream.

"I always wanted to be a rock star and tonight we are all rock stars," she added. "I still can't believe I'm performing at Glastonbury."

Earlier in the day, veteran singer-songwriter Paul Simon took to the main stage to perform hits "Diamonds on the soles of her shoes" and "You can call me Al", with a huge crowd seemingly unperturbed by his illness-affected voice.

British rapper turned soul crooner Plan B cemented his reputation as one of the country's hottest talents with an epic early evening set on the main Pyramid Stage.

"I came here in 2000, broke in, and watched Cypress Hill on the main stage," the singer told BBC. "To perform there and look from the other side was mental."

Despite a wet start to festivities on Thursday and Friday, the weather gods smiled on the 170,000 ticket holders with unbroken sunshine greeting artists performing at the farm in Somerset, south west England, on Saturday and Sunday.

Rockers Coldplay occupied the coveted Saturday night headline slot, while Irish megastars U2 kicked off proceedings at the world's largest performing arts and music festival with a two-hour set on Friday.

Crowd violence marred the band's debut Glastonbury performance as security guards stamped out a protest against the rockers' tax status.

As the band came on stage, campaign group Art Uncut inflated a 20-foot (six-metre) balloon emblazoned with the message "U Pay Your Tax 2."But as they tried to release it over the crowd, a team of security guards swooped into the crowd and tackled them to the ground before confiscating the balloon.

"Bono is well known for his anti-poverty campaigning but Art Uncut is accusing him of hypocrisy," campaigner Charlie Dewar said.

The group highlighted U2's decision to switch their tax affairs from Ireland to the Netherlands to pay less tax following a change in the law in 2006.

On a sombre note, the body of Christopher Shale, chairman of West Oxfordshire Conservative Association, was discovered Sunday morning in a portable toilet in the festival's VIP backstage area.

British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha said they were "devastated" to hear of the death of their "great friend". (AFP)

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Beyonce Knowles to be honoured with Millennium Award

Beyonce Knowles is all set to be honoured with the Millennium Award at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas.

Knowles will attend the prize giving on 22 May (11) at the Mgm Grand Garden Arena, reports Contactmusic.

The Billboard Millennium Award will recognise Beyonce''s career achievements and influence in the music industry. Previously, Billboard named Beyonce its Woman of the Year in October 2009, and Top Female Artist of the Decade in December 2009.

The show will be a star-studded affair - Rihanna, the Black Eyed Peas, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Cee Lo Green, Nicki Minaj, Pitbull and Taio Cruz are among the performers at the awards.

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Beyoncé, Jay-Z to perform at royal wedding?

Beyoncé and Jay-Z have reportedly been asked to perform at the royal wedding reception.
Prince William and Kate Middleton are said to be big fans of the married entertainers and the Daily Star Sunday reports that the pair have accepted the offer.

"Both William and Kate are massive fans of Beyoncé and Jay-Z," a source said. "They really wanted to make their big day even more special and what better way than by getting pop royalty to perform at the party?

"Will and Kate will have an official reception for hundreds of dignitaries before throwing a less formal bash for loved-ones. They both wanted to ditch traditions and make it more personal for them.

"Jay-Z and Beyoncé are both in Europe at the moment while she promotes her new single 'Run The World (Girls)'. So it's highly likely they have taken up the Royals' offer. After all, who would turn down a once-in-a-lifetime gig like that?"

It was recently reported that beer had been banned from the big day.

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Beyonce doesn't feel complete until she's wearing perfume

Beyonce Knowles says she would never leave the house without wearing her favourite scent.

The singer-and-actress - who recently launched her second fragrance, doesn't feel complete until she's wearing perfume.

"I feel like fragrance is one of the most important accessories a woman can have - it's sexy, it says something, and it's that final touch, like putting on a gorgeous pair of stilettos," Contactmusic quoted Beyonce as telling Britain's Cosmopolitan magazine.

"One of the things I remember from being a little girl is how I loved watching my mother getting ready to go out and she'd spray on her perfume. It was this gorgeous blast that would linger in the room after she'd gone and it would remind me of her. I thought it was so sophisticated and glamorous, so feminine and sexy.

"To me, even if you are dressed to kill and everything is looking fabulous, you are still not done without that touch of fragrance. It's the cherry on top of the cake."

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Beyoncé named highest-earning artist

Beyoncé has been named the highest-earning music artist of 2010.

The 'Single Ladies' singer, who claimed to be on a career hiatus this year while she works on her new album, was listed ninth in the Forbes Highest Hollywood Earners Of 2010 list.

The star is estimated to have earned $87 million over the last 12 months from a number of high-profile endorsements and her 'I Am... World Tour', which saw her play over 100 live shows and gross $103 million.

Television host Oprah Winfrey topped the magazine's tally - which also included sportsmen and film directors - having amassed a $315 million fortune in the last year. Avatar creator Jamed Cameron finished second with $210 million.

Further down the list, Britney Spears and Lady GaGa came in at 13 and 14, having earned $64 million and $62 million respectively.

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Tina Knowles: 'Beyoncé, Jay-Z great parents'

Beyoncé's mother Tina Knowles has admitted that she is impatient for her daughter and husband Jay-Z to have children.

Speaking to People, Knowles insisted that the couple will be "great parents" because they are good people.

"Of course I am [ready for her to have a baby]. What grandmother isn't? I can't wait," she said.

"They're good people and they're really positive and they're talented and they've had a lot of practice with my grandson – their nephew. So I know they're going to make great parents."

Beyoncé recently insisted that she is used to speculation surrounding her possible pregnancy.

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Beyoncé dons disguise for TV appearance

Beyoncé pretended to be a model named Sarah for a surprise appearance on the Today Show last week.
The ''Why Don't You Love Me?' singer featured during a segment promoting her mother Tina's new fashion line.
The show's co-host Hoda Kotb began screaming in shock after realising the true identity of the model.

Beyoncé, who was sporting frizzy hair and a black dress, said: "[My mother] has always been my biggest supporter so I was very excited to do this for her."

She also revealed that she is still working on her "up-tempo" new album, commenting: "Now I'm trying to go take a break and I can't help it, I just have to go into the studio."

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Lady GaGa 'buys whip for Beyonce

Lady GaGa reportedly gave Beyoncé a diamond whip and lingerie for her 29th birthday.

GaGa apparently wanted to give the RNB star "something special" as the pair have remained friends since recording 'Telephone' together last year.

A source told The Sun: "The whip was made out of hundreds of diamonds and leather.

"When Beyoncé received it she squealed with excitement. The dressing room was decorated with balloons and banners."

GaGa allegedly presented Beyoncé with the whip and matching underwear in Jay-Z's dressing room, before singing 'Happy Birthday' to her. They then shared a bottle of champagne together to celebrate.

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Beyonce and Jay-Z Say Goodbye to a Nice Vacation as They Ready For the VMAs

Beyonce and Jay-Z continued their European vacation yesterday, relaxing on a yacht off the coast of Nice, France. They soon docked on dry land and took off in a chauffeured car with lots of luggage. The couple have been making the most of their time in the sun, riding jet skis and enjoying their romantic dinners as they tour Italy and France. Beyonce even busted out her bikini — and dance moves — on the deck in St. Tropez last week. The musical couple's trip is coming to a close as they'll be returning to the states in time for his shows with Eminem in NYC and to appear at the VMAs next month. Beyonce is nominated for five moonmen, while Jay-Z racked up four nods himself.

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Beyoncé sets 'Next Top Model' challenge

Beyoncé has set a challenge for next week's Britain's Next Top Model.

The fifth episode will feature the 'Single Ladies' singer asking the remaining girls to show off their modelling skills in an advert for her perfume range Heat.

Speaking to the hopefuls via videolink, the popstar said: "Let's see what you've got in front of the camera and if you can handle the Heat!"

Other upcoming challenges for the remaining ten girls include a task on London's Carnaby Street and posing in the nude while covered in chocolate.

On last night's show, Susan Loughnane and Harleen Kaur Nottay departed the competition, following a double elimination by the judges.

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Beyoncé gets 'Brooklyn' tattoo?

Beyoncé has reportedly been seen sporting a new tattoo.

According to Media Takeout, the R&B superstar was recently photographed at a New York City event with a tattoo on her left hand that reads 'Brooklyn'.

It is still unknown if the tattoo is permanent or temporary but an eyewitness has claimed that the tattoo "looked real".

It was recently reported that Jay- Z and Beyoncé are moving to Pennsylvania.

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Beyonce wins five Grammy Awards

The 28-year-old singer-actress had 10 nominations coming into the awards show, including album of the year for "I Am ... Sasha Fierce", song of the year for "Single Ladies" and record of the year for "Halo".

"Single Ladies" won song of the year and best R&B song. Beyonce also won best contemporary R&B album, best R&B female vocal for "Single Ladies" and best traditional R&B performance for "At Last", which she performed at President Barack Obama's inauguration.

The televised show started with Lady Gaga singing her hit "Poker Face", which won the award for best dance recording, while her album "The Fame" was named best electronic/dance album.

The Kings of Leon won best rock song and best rock group performance for "Use Somebody", beating out the likes of Bruce Springsteen, U2, Pearl Jam and Green Day.

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Beyonce duels Taylor Swift at 52nd Grammy Awards

LOS ANGELES — R&B superstar Beyonce was preparing to battle country star Taylor Swift at the 52nd Grammy Awards here Sunday as stars descended on Los Angeles for the music industry's equivalent of the Oscars.

Beyonce heads a star-studded field of contenders with 10 nominations going into Sunday's extravaganza at the Staples Center, just ahead of the precocious 20-year-old Swift, who has eight.

Beyonce has nominations in the coveted record of the year and album of the year categories, for her single "Halo" and her chart-topping double-album "I Am ... Sasha Fierce." The former "Destiny's Child" singer is also nominated in the song of the year category.

But Beyonce is likely to face fierce competition in the major categories from Swift, as well as eccentric pop star Lady Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas, who all have nominations in the best album, record and song categories.

The televised main section of the show gets under way at 5:00 pm local time (0100 GMT) but more than 100 awards in junior categories will be handed out over the course of Sunday's pre-show, which begins at around 1:00 pm.

Trailing Beyonce and Swift in overall nominations are the Black Eyed Peas, Maxwell and Kanye West with six nods each.

Swift, who enjoyed success last year at the American Music Awards and Country Music Awards, has rocketed to fame over the past two years.

Nielsen SoundScan reported earlier this month that Swift was the top-selling digital artist in music history with over 24.3 digital tracks to date.

Grammy chief Neil Portnow has praised Swift as a "phenomenon in entertainment." "She crosses so many genres and generations. She?s really struck a chord with people because her music is so honest," Portnow said.

Sunday's show is the first Grammy Awards since Michael Jackson's death last year and is expected to feature an extended tribute to the late "King of Pop."

The tribute will include a 3-D film clip made before his death as well as performances from Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Celine Dion, Smokey Robinson and Usher. Jackson will also be honored with a lifetime achievement award during the show.

Meanwhile, in the record of the year race, Beyonce's "Halo" will go up against Black Eyed Peas's pop track "I Gotta Feeling", the Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody," Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" and Swift's "You Belong with Me."

The nominees for song of the year, awarded to the songwriters, are Lady Gaga's "Poker Face," Maxwell's "Pretty Wings," Beyonce's No.1 single "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)," Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody" and Swift's "You Belong with Me.

The best rock album nominees, meanwhile, comprise AC/DC's "Black Ice," "Live From Madison Square Garden" by Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood, "21st Century Breakdown" by Green Day, "Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King" by the Dave Matthews Band and "No Line on the Horizon" by U2.

The best new artist category features the Zac Brown Band, Keri Hilson, MGMT, Silversun Pickups and The Ting Tings.

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Beyonce Knowles is the new Queen of Pop

Beyonce Knowles has been named the 'World's Greatest Pop Star' by British music lovers.

More than 100,000 fans voted in Rimmel London's World's Greatest Popstars contest, selecting Beyonce as the new Queen of Pop, reports Contactmusic.

Beyonce aced the list consisting of heavyweights like Madonna and Kylie Mionogue. The “Crazy In Love” singer was declared the winner at a live concert on the weekend at London's Earls Court, where she was given a special tribute.

The top 10 pop stars are:
1. Beyonce
2. Britney Spears
3. Eminem
4. Pink
5. Madonna
6. Take That
7. Robbie Williams
8. Kylie Minogue
9. Justin Timberlake
10. Girls Aloud

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Seprate room for Beyonce luggage

US pop star Beyonce Knowles booked a separate hotel room just to keep her 12 luggage pieces when she performed in Liverpool, Britain.
The "Sweet Dreams" hitmaker rented a 2,450 pounds-a-night Charles Forte Presidential Suite at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester while performing in nearby Liverpool earlier this week, but after struggling to find space to hold her 12 bags, she had her entourage make a second booking to store her belongings, reports Contact Music.

"She had seven suitcases, three hand-luggage bags and two boxes, all for her mammoth concert. In the cases there were apparently 14 dresses, lots of shoes, make-up and 25 wigs," said a source at Liverpool's Malmaison hotel, where the star took a 170 pounds-a-night room for her luggage.

It took four helpers to carry her luggage to the room in the hotel near the Liverpool Echo Arena, where she performed twice this week.

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Beyonce throws Lindsay out of dressing room

Beyonce Knowles reportedly drew frowns with her diva tantrums at the F1 Rocks gig in Singapore, and was seen making Lindsay Lohan move out of her own dressing room.The singer is said to have ordered her team to grab her the largest dressing area backstage, which was already claimed by Lindsay as she arrived before.But the 'Mean Girls' actress was left facing disappointment after being told to vacate the room because Beyonce wanted it for herself, it was claimed."I've been a bit down. It was a strange night. Everyone was being aggressive and bothering me. I really didn't like it," Contactmusic quoted Lindsay as having told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper.Beyonce also purportedly made her support acts face the heat, quite literally, after her entourage declined to use her air conditioning for them. British DJ Seb Fontaine, who suffered heatstroke, told Britain's Daily Star newspaper, "We were told, 'No they are Beyonce's fans.' I wasn't asking to play her drum kit on stage. I just wanted to keep cool."The 'Single Ladies' hitmaker further demanded six beauty chambers, fitness equipment, an authentic fruit platter and tea and honey in her 139-page rider.

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