Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z shared a laugh as they walked around NYC on Saturday. This weekend Beyonce’s new movie, Obsessed, hits theaters and she’s promoting that along with her upcoming Summer tour. In a recent interview she chatted about Twitter, Etta James and what’s worth fighting for.

“Everything that’s worth anything you have to fight for. You have to fight in your relationships, I have to fight for my career, I have to fight to stay in shape, because I get tempted to eat good old chocolate (laughs), and all this stuff everybody loves. It’s all a fight, but it’s worth it.”

“I played Etta James, so I did my research, I read her book. I was not at all surprised. That’s Etta. She’s hilarious.” ”My sister is the Twitter queen. She told me about the twittering, but I don’t get it, I feel like I’m getting really old. I’m like, what? I don’t understand. Just call me.”

Beyonce Knowles reportedly refused to walk to her car in the cold after rehearsing for US President Barack Obama’s pre-inauguration concert.

The “If I Were A Boy” singer was furious when she was told she would have to make her own way to her car four blocks away as the surrounding streets had been shut amid heightened security before the event.

Police refused to bow to her demands, but the US Secret Service eventually decided to allow her driver to come and pick her up.

A host of celebrities converged on Washington’s Capitol Hill yesterday (Jan 20, 2009) to watch the historic day which saw the first African-American President sworn in.

Beyonce was joined by her husband Jay-Z, while Diddy was also spotted in the near two-million strong crowd.

Diddy was so affected by the ceremony he stood blowing kisses to Obama and said: “Me and my man Barack. Love you baby. It’s a new day.”

“Fall Out Boy” rocker Pete Wentz left his wife Ashlee Simpson and two-month-old son Mowgli at home to attend.

He said: “When you’re at an event this large and when you’re in a city like this and you see the people who have done so much, you realize you were kind of throwing pennies.”

“But to be honest, this campaign was proof that everyone contributed in small ways everything really did count. Who would have ever guessed this a year ago?”

David Arquette and his wife Courteney Cox also made the trip to Washington.

David explained: “These moments don’t happen a lot in a person’s lifetime, so to be a part of it is a great honor.”

“I’ve already been inspired by Obama and his integrity and his wife’s integrity. They’re just true role models, and it’s exciting to have somebody in office that really has their head on their shoulders and in the right place.”

Usher called the inauguration “incredible” and joked it was so cold standing watching it his “tears turned to ice.”

Other famous faces in attendance included Oprah Winfrey, Dustin Hoffman, Samuel L. Jackson, Denzel Washington and Jamie Lee Curtis and her husband Christopher Guest.

Beyonce Knowles has abandoned her dog.

The US superstar has reportedly angered staff at her record label Columbia Records by leaving her canine companion Munchie at their offices since last summer.

A source at the label said: “Munchie has effectively taken up residency. Beyonce left the dog here towards the end of last summer and hasn’t returned to pick Munchie up.”

Annoyed staff have been forced to clear up after the pooch – who is apparently not toilet trained – and are angry that their once smart offices have turned into Munchie’s playground.

The source added to Britain’s The Sun newspaper: “Puddles of liquid are appearing all over the office. Staff are taking turns to take Munchie for walks and take it home on the evenings and weekends.”

Back in 2005 the dog was named America’s Most Eligible Pet in Animal Fair magazine, but those looking after the pup seem reluctant to agree.

The source said: “Everyone realizes that Beyonce has been incredibly busy recently recording and promoting her “I Am… Sasha Fierce” album. But the whole team will be glad when she eventually takes charge of the dog for herself again.”

Beyonce Knowles hates going to parties.

The 27-year-old singer – who is married to Jay-Z – admits she dislikes attending social gatherings because she always feels like the other guests are spying on her.

She said: “I don’t really go out much. If I wasn’t a celebrity then I don’t know how I would feel, but it’s not that much fun for me – it feels like I’m in a cage and everyone is watching.”

However, Beyonce does still attend some special events and has particularly fond memories of one New York party.

She added: “Whitney Houston had a birthday party years ago. She sent the girls in Destiny’s Child personal invitations. We didn’t even know she knew us, so we were ecstatic.”

“We put our money together and flew to New York, dressed up and went to the party and we met her. She was such a beautiful person, it was an unforgettable moment.”

Beyonce Knowles is worried she might kill her family when she cooks Christmas dinner.

The “Cadillac Records” star – who is married to music mogul Jay-Z – has planned a festive feast for her closest relatives but fears her lack of culinary skills may prove to be a serious problem.

She said: “One thing I am doing for the first time is cooking. But I’m the worst! I’ve been working since I was 13. I’ve been touring. I haven’t had the time to be at home and learn the simple things.

“My mother’s like, ‘You’re 27 years old. This is a shame. You have to learn how to cook.’ So this year it’s going to be my first time. Hopefully, my family will still be well and alive after they eat what I cooked!”

The former Destiny’s Child star also revealed she never sings over Christmas because she likes to have a break her job.

She is quoted by website Inquirer.net as saying: “Singing is the last thing I want to do. I just want to relax. Usually, I want to be spoiled. I can have my socks on and watch TV.”

“But this time, I’m going to try to pitch in and make more than ice water – what I am very good at!”

Beyonce Knowles has topped a list of young rich stars.

The 27-year-old singer-and-actress‘ $81 million 2008 earnings were almost double that of Justin Timberlake, also 27, who was ranked second in Forbes magazine’s list of high earners under 30 after taking home $44 million last year.

Sports stars made up the rest of the top five, with LA Lakers basketball star Kobe Bryant in third place with $39 million – who at 30 features in the list for the final time – 23-year-old Cleveland Cavaliers basketball player LeBron James in fourth, and tennis star Roger Federer, 27, fifth.

Keira Knightley, 23, was the highest-earning young British star, with earnings of $32 million.

Both the “Harry Potter” and “High School Musical” franchises helped three of their young stars make the list.

Wizard threesome Daniel Radcliffe, 19, Emma Watson, 18, and Rupert Grint, 20, came 8th, 16th and 19th respectively, while Disney trio Zac Efron, 21, Ashley Tisdale, 23, and Vanessa Hudgens, 19, also made the top 20.

This is the second rich list Beyonce has topped in the last month. The “Cadillac Records” star and husband Jay-Z were named Hollywood’s richest couple by Forbes.com with a combined fortune of $160 million.

Forbes magazine 2008 highest earners under 30:

1. Beyonce Knowles ($81 million)
2. Justin Timberlake ($44 million)
3. Kobe Bryant ($39 million)
4. LeBron James ($38 million)
5. Roger Federer ($35 million)
6. Keira Knightley ($32 million)
7. Maria Sharapova ($26 million)
8. Daniel Radcliffe ($25 million)
9. Miley Cyrus ($25 million)
10. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen ($15 million)
11. Serena Williams ($14 million)
12. Venus Williams ($13 million)
13. Katherine Heigl ($13 million)
14. Jonas Brothers ($12 million)
15. Zac Efron ($6 million)
16. Emma Watson ($5.5 million)
17. Ashley Tisdale ($5.5 million
18. Hilary Duff ($5 million)
19. Rupert Grint ($5 million)
20. Vanessa Hudgens ($3 million)

Beyonce Knowles revealed her hairy arm pits when she waved to shocked fans yesterday (December 2, 2008).The glamorous star had apparently forgotten to shave as she walked the red carpet at the New York premiere of her new Etta James biopic “Cadillac Records.”

One horrified onlooker said: “Beyonce always looks her best at these kind of events.”

“She obviously either ran out of razors or just missed a bit in the bathroom.”

The singer-and-actress – who was joined by her rapper husband Jay-Z at the glitzy event – isn’t the first actress to shock fans with her unkempt pits.

In 1999, Julia Roberts revealed her unshaven armpits as she waved to the crowd at the premiere of “Notting Hill.”

Drew Barrymore also stunned onlookers by sporting tufts of hair under her arms at a New York fashion show in 2005.

Beyonce recently revealed moviegoers will be “shocked” by the dark undertones of the new film.

She said: “I have been saying for a long time now that I wanted to do something dark. This was a scary and dark role.”

“People are going to be very shocked. It is the complete opposite of me. It was emotionally draining.”

The 27-year-old star even visited drug rehab clinics to research her role as the substance abusing singer.

She added: “I was really afraid. I didn’t know what I would see.”

Beyonce Knowles has learned marriage is ”more than a dress.”The “If I Were a Boy” singer, who tied the knot with rapper Jay-Z earlier this year, is inspired by her parents’ happy marriage and is willing to work hard to ensure her relationship survives.

She said: “I learned that it’s a lot of hard work, that it’s more than a dress.”

“My parents are tighter now than ever, but they’ve been through it all.”

“There were times when they were together, times when they were apart.”

The 27-year-old star recently insisted her feelings for the hip-hop mogul are “real” and they aren’t interested in flaunting their love in public.

Beyonce, who has been pictured wearing a $3.8 million engagement ring, explained: “What Jay and I have is real. It’s not about the interviews or getting the right photo op. It’s real.”

The couple dated for around five years before finally getting married.

She might be a successful singer, but when it comes to the kitchen, Beyonce Knowles admits she’’s far from great. Therefore,the stunner is learning to cook for Thanksgiving.

The ‘Crazy In Love’ hitmaker is learning the culinary skills in order to serve up a Thanksgiving feast for husband Jay-Z.

The singer, who is also a great actress, is normally treated to a meal by her mother, Tina, to celebrate the November holiday. However, now Beyonce feels the time is right for her to have a go at cooking a Thanksgiving meal for all the family. “For Thanksgiving my mother usually cooks. It’’s just like anyone else’’s Thanksgiving. It’’s actually my favourite holiday because it’’s not about anything but giving back, giving thanks for all our blessings,” the Daily Express quoted her, as saying.

“Hopefully I”ll try to make some type of pie. I”m not the best cook, but I think I”m ready to try something,” she added.

Beyonce, who supported Barack Obama in the US Presidential election race, also revealed she would love to sing at his inauguration ceremony in January.

The 27-year-old star added: “I know I”m definitely going to be there, I want to be there with him. I”m not sure if I”ll be performing, but I”d love to.”

Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z have been named Hollywood’s highest-earning couple.

The married pair topped the list compiled by Forbes magazine after collectively making $162 million between June 1, 2007, and June 1, 2008.

Hip-hop star Jay-Z pocketed $82 million from a 10-year deal with Live Nation, while Beyonce raked in $80 million from film, fashion and publishing deals.

Clinical psychologist and celebrity researcher Jim Houran said: “Naturally powerful people tend to gravitate toward other powerful people.”

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith finished second place in the list, with earnings of $85 million.

Will was responsible for $80 million of the couple’s fortune, most of which came from his roles in box-office hits “I Am Legend,” “The Pursuit of Happyness” and “Hancock.”

Together the three movies made $1.2 billion at the box office, making Will Hollywood’s most bankable star.

British couple David and Victoria Beckham were third with $58 million. The soccer star has made $50 million since his highly-publicized move to the Los Angeles Galaxy team.

Although his salary from the club stands at $5.5 million, he boosted his income twofold by taking a cut of the team’s ticket, merchandise and sponsorship sales. David made a further $35 million through endorsement deals.

Victoria earned $8 million thanks to her hugely successful Spice Girls reunion tour and clothing lines.

Other stars to make the top 10 include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban and Eva Longoria and Tony Parker.

The list takes into account money made from film, TV, and music projects, business ventures, endorsement deals and fashion lines.

Forbes magazine’s list of Hollywood’s Top-Earning Couples, top 10:

1. Jay-Z and Beyonce – $162 million
2. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith – $85 million
3. David Beckham And Victoria Beckham – $58 million
4. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill – $35 million
5. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie – $34 million
6. Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann – $30 million
7. Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani – $28 million
8. Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman – $25 million
9. Tony Parker and Eva Longoria – $22.5 million
10. Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart – $22 million

Beyonce Knowles visited rehab to prepare for her role in new film ”Cadillac Records.”
The singer-and-actress visited a treatment clinic for people suffering from addiction to learn about the drug problems experienced by US soul singer Etta James, who Beyonce portrays in the movie.

Beyonce, 27, said: “I’ve never tried drugs in my life so I didn’t know about it all. I learned a lot about myself.”
Etta, now 70, became a music sensation in the 50s and 60s, and is said to have been exposed to substance abuse from an early age after growing up in the spotlight.
And Beyonce admits her preparation for the part also had a massive influence on her new album “I am… Sasha Fierce.”

The “Bootylicious” singer explained: “It changed my art. It changed my way of looking at everything, my approach to the songs I chose and the way I sang.”

“Before, I was still really insecure and scared and now I have the confidence. It was like I had gone through therapy to something. I felt like a whole new woman, ready to reveal me. The real me.”

Meanwhile, Beyonce was joined by a leotard-clad Justin Timberlake on stage on Saturday (Nov 15, 2008).

The pop pair performed a version of her track “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it)” on US TV show “Saturday Night Live” – and Justin parodied the song’s video by throwing some comical dance moves.

Beyonce also sung another version of the track with real female backing dancers and her latest single “If I Were a Boy.”

Beyonce Knowles can’t cook.Although she is a huge food lover, the “If I Were A Boy” star has never managed to master her kitchen.

She said: “You’d think as much as I love to eat that I’d be able to cook, but no. I’m the best at ordering room service though!”

Beyonce – who is married to hip hop star Jay-Z – also accepts her healthy appetite will always mean she has a curvy figure.

Rather than try and slim all the time, the singer-and-actress is happy with her voluptuous body.

Beyonce – who had to gain 15lbs for her role as blues singer Etta James in upcoming film “Cadillac Records” – added: “I like that I’m curvy but sometimes I get too curvy in the wrong places.”

“I have days where I’m like, ‘Oh God, please let me go back to sleep,’ but I just have to accept I’m never going to be skinny because I love food.”

Following the election of Barack Obama as America’s first African-American President, singer Beyonce Knowles has expressed her desire to play the country’s first black superhero.

The 27-year-old diva has met executives at DC Comics and Warner Brothers, who own the rights to the super heroine “Wonder Woman”, to play the lead role, reports dailymail.co.uk.

A black Wonder Woman would be a powerful thing. It’s time for that, right? It would be great. I was thinking to myself, okay, I need to be a superhero and Wonder Woman would be a very bold choice. There’s an action element that I would enjoy in it, Beyonce said.

Her interest was sparked when she saw the red, white and blue swimsuit costume worn by Lynda Carter in the hit 70s TV show on display at a museum. The singer-actress has also put on 20 pounds to play soul sensation Etta James in ‘Cadillac Records’ and admitted the suit would be unforgiving of any extra weight.

I would definitely have to keep it right for that costume. The way Lynda Carter wore that suit was amazing. Her waist was unbelievable. It was pretty crazy, her proportions. But I love Wonder Woman and it would be a dream come true, she said.

Beyonce Knowles still flies economy class.The “Crazy in Love” singer – who along with husband Jay-Z is worth millions of dollars – insists she doesn’t mind shunning the elite seats to sit with the general public when she travels.

She is quoted as saying: “Even now I sometimes fly economy if I need to.”

“We had a storm in Miami and there was a hurricane coming so we just got out.”

“You know the airlines where if you’re fifth in line, you sit in seat five?”

“And then they throw a peanut at you with your drink? I don’t care about those kind of things.”

However, the 27-year-old star admitted there are some reasons why she prefers first class, including a greater degree of privacy.

Beyonce – who recently traveled to Japan for a promotional appearance with her sister Solange – added: “It’s just that people don’t give me peace in economy, that’s the hardest thing.”

Beyonce Knowles is ”terrified, but excited” about married life.

The “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” singer – who wed Jay-Z earlier this year – admits it is taking time for her to get used to her new relationship status.

She said: “This is a new chapter for me. I’m terrified, but excited. It’s like I’m a new woman!”

The 27-year-old beauty also revealed Jay-Z has inspired a lot of songs on her new record ‘I Am…,’ adding: “I am happy right now and this album has a lot of love songs that talk about my emotions – me naked with my heart exposed.”

Beyonce also spoke about her role as blues singer Etta James in upcoming film “Cadillac Records,” a role for which she was required to gain 15lbs.

She told America’s InStyle magazine: “It was way easier – and tastier – than having to lose so much weight for ‘Dreamgirls.’”

“I also studied Etta’s mannerisms and tried to make them my own. My performance, my posture – everything was so different from who I am. It was difficult.”

Beyonce Knowles is set to receive $1 million for a one-off performance.

The “Crazy in Love” singer – who recently married rapper Jay-Z – is set to receive $500,000 for an appearance at the Bermuda music festival, with a further $500,000 to cover her expenses.

Beyonce will join Alicia Keys and UB40 as headliners of the festival, which will also feature a performance by Beyonce’s sister Solange and a host of other acts and comedians.

Rock Newman, a producer of the music festival, said securing Beyonce will help put the tiny North Atlantic island – a British overseas territory – on the map: “This event will garner more worldwide attention for Bermuda than anything that has ever happened here. Folks around the world are going to say ‘Bermuda has got it going on!’”

Last month, troubled singer Amy Winehouse also reportedly received a huge pay day for a one off gig.

The singer was paid an undisclosed sum – believed to be $2 million – by Chelsea soccer club owner, billionaire Roman Abramovich to perform at a private concert in a converted bus depot in Russia.

Super producer Mark Ronson also raked in $2 million last month to perform at a 21st birthday party.

Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z have reportedly splashed out on a new house.

The newlyweds have purchased a home in Scarsdale, a quiet New York suburb close to where they got married last month.

The colonial-style house has reportedly been under construction for six months and the 15,000 sq ft property is situated on two acres of land.

Quiet Scarsdale is very different from where the couple’s current home is – a penthouse apartment in New York’s trendy TriBeCa district.

The first indicator that the couple were planning to marry came when they registered for a license in Scarsdale in April.

Shortly after applying for permission to wed, Beyonce and Jay-Z exchanged vows in a private ceremony at a chapel in Scarsdale Village.

Reports then emerged that the former Destiny’s Child star may be pregnant.

Last year, Beyonce insisted she wouldn’t pressurize 38-year-old Jay-Z into having children, saying: “You can’t rush a man into anything whether it’s a relationship, marriage or having children. When he’s ready he’ll let you know.”

Beyonce Knowles is too famous to go to church.he former Destiny’s Child singer always gets mobbed by fans when she attends religious services, so has made the difficult decision not to go anymore.

She said: “I can’t really go to church anymore, which is a shame. People have come up to me in church during the sermon and, of course, people watch everything I do.”

“They come up and take pictures on their mobile phones too. They are very nice, but I think God understands if I miss Sunday service!”

Beyonce also revealed she will never officially confirm that she has married rapper Jay-Z.

She added to Britain’s Look magazine: “I don’t deny it. I just don’t talk about it. We have never talked about us and it has kind of protected our relationship.”

“A lot of actresses that have had successful relationships don’t talk about them, so neither do I. I just want to protect my private life.”

A host of stars including newly weds Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles turned out to see the Joe Calzaghe-Bernard Hopkins fight in Las Vegas in the early hours of the morning.

Arnold Schwarzenegger also took a break from governing California to attend the light heavyweight bout at the Thomas & Mack Center.

However, Welshman Calzaghe had some home celeb support from actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, with Tom Jones also performing before the main event.

Whether that was what saw Joe through in his time of need is debatable – as was the result.

The undefeated champion was named a split-points victor after originally being knocked by 43-year-old Hopkins down in the first round

Pop star and actress Beyonce is to play the role of blues singer Etta James in Cadillac Records, a film about the 1950s music business.

Etta James was most famous for the song I Just Want To Make Love To You.

Oscar-winning Adrien Brody, who starred in The Pianist, will also be in Cadillac Records in a lead role in the film about the influential Chess label and the lives of some of its most famous stars, including Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry.

Beyonce is recording four songs for the Cadillac Records soundtrack, and is donating part of her fees to the Survivor Foundation, a charity which to help drug addicts.

Beyonce also has film credits that include Austin Powers in Goldmember and The Pink Panthe