Becoming ... Beyoncé

See how the R&B diva went from Star Search wannabe to superstardom. By Serena Kappes

INDEPENDENT WOMEN

After taking a hiatus to pursue solo projects (including Beyoncé's triple-platinum 2003 album Dangerously in Love), Destiny's Child – now featuring (from left) Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé and Michelle Williams (in 2001) – went back into the studio in June to record a new album. "We're still together and very happy," says Rowland.