Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, known simply as Beyoncé to her millions of fans worldwide, is a cultural icon, music industry powerhouse, and one of the most influential artists of our time. While her chart-topping hits and electrifying performances are well-known, there are still some surprising facts about Queen Bey that might catch you off guard.
She’s a Spelling Bee Champion
Long before she was spelling out “BOOTYLICIOUS” for the world, Beyoncé was showcasing her spelling prowess in a different arena. As a child, she competed in and won several spelling bees at her elementary school in Houston, Texas. It’s a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour is a sharp mind that’s been honed since childhood.
She Has a Species of Fly Named After Her
In the scientific world, Beyoncé’s impact is quite literally buzzing. In 2012, Australian scientists named a species of horse fly after the pop star. The Scaptia (Plinthina) beyonceae was so named because of its dense golden hairs on the fly’s abdomen, reminiscent of Beyoncé’s golden glow. The researchers also noted that the year they collected the specimen, 1981, was the same year Beyoncé was born.
She Stared in a Horror-Drama
While Beyoncé’s vocal prowess is legendary, she once took on a role that required no singing at all. In 2009, she starred in Obsessed, a horror drama about a woman who becomes obsessed with her co-worker, going to lengths to seduce him.