How Beyoncé Came to Run the World

Beyonce performs during the Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show
Okay, so Beyoncé's supercharged performance at the 2013 Super Bowl XLVII halftime show didn't actually cause the blackout that set Twitter atwitter, but the hit-filled set, which featured a reunited Destiny's Child, was electrifying.Kevin Mazur—WireImage
By Nolan Feeney
Beyonce
Beyoncé honed her pop star skills as a member of Destiny's Child, which sold more than 60 million records worldwide. An early incarnation of the group, then known as Girls Tyme, appeared on Star Search in 1993 in a performance Beyoncé references on her 2013 self-titled surprise album.Fred Duval—FilmMagic
Beyonce and Jay-Z
Let me hear you say "Hey, Ms. Carter!" In 2002, Beyoncé collaborated with rapper Shawn "Jay Z" Carter on his song "'03 Bonnie & Clyde." Around the same time, the two began dating, and the powerful couple tied the knot in 2008.Kevin Mazur—WireImage
Beyonce
In 2003, after three studio albums and a few highly publicized lineup changes, the most prominent member of Destiny's Child got "Crazy In Love" with her solo debut, Dangerously in Love. Beyoncé put out one more album with Destiny's Child before the group disbanded in 2005.Paul Bergen—Redferns
Beyonce and Prince
As if sharing the stage with the Purple One himself wasn't enough, Beyoncé also picked up five trophies at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards in 2004, including Best Contemporary R&B Album for Dangerously in Love.Michael Caulfield Archive—WireImage
Beyonce pregnant with Blue Ivy
News of Bey's baby bump broke on the red carpet of the MTV Video Music Awards in 2011, but the world's real introduction to the future Blue Ivy Carter happened during the finale of Beyoncé's "Love on Top" performance, when the singer dropped her mic and unbuttoned her sequined blazer for a primetime belly rub.Gregg DeGuire—FilmMagic
After accusations of lip syncing at President Obama's second inauguration, Beyoncé admitted to relying on a backing track to ensure the historic moment went flawlessly--but not before she belted out the song one more time at a press conference. "Any questions?" she asked.Mark Gail—MCT/Getty Images
Beyonce performs during the Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show
Okay, so Beyoncé's supercharged performance at the 2013 Super Bowl XLVII halftime show didn't actually cause the blackout that set Twitter atwitter, but the hit-filled set, which featured a reunited Destiny's Child, was electrifying.Kevin Mazur—WireImage

More Must-Reads from TIME

Write to Nolan Feeney at nolan.feeney@time.com