She's won numerous Grammys, sold over 120 million records, appeared in seven films, and headlined solo world tours, but Beyonce, former member of girl group "Destiny's Child," still gets excited about new challenges. Born Beyonce Gisele Knowles in Houston, Texas, in 1981, she took dance and singing classes to overcome shyness, but it soon become obvious to everyone that she could belt out a tune. By the age of seven she was winning talent competitions, and at fifteen formed "Destiny's Child" with best friend Kelly Rowland. In June, 2005, the trio called it quits so they could pursue individual goals. Beyonce has done this with irrepressible style, dipping her toes into cinema, as well as producing the follow-up to her debut solo album. Her third solo album shows the two halves of her personality: the stage persona she calls "Sasha Fierce" in contrast with her quieter, more introspective side. Hard-working, modest, and likable, Beyonce is passionate about what she does, and that passion shows in her performances.