Simply Abu Dhabi III

The title warrants a deeper significance beyond being her fourth solo album. “I was married on April 4. I was born on September 4. My husband was born December 4. My mother was born January 4.” It signifies some of the ways in which she considers herself blessed. “I’ve won a lot of money on the number four, when I was gambling,” she chuckles, before redirecting the sentiment back to Brand Beyoncé: “Which I don’t do often.” You don’t come to Beyoncé for scandal. You come to her for grace, good manners and a glimpse into how her dextrous performance technique and ear for a stone-cold pop classic turned her into a 21st-century global icon. Yet in direct contrast to her ferocious stage presence, she is actually a discreet, gentle woman. Beyoncé Knowles told her mother when she was nine years old, watching Whitney Houston singing The Star Spangled Banner at the Super Bowl, that she would be there one day. Tina Knowles politely laughed off the idea, but there Beyoncé was, 19 years later, the day the White House turned black, singing for the Obamas’ first dance, at the president’s request, during his inauguration party. “There was so much power coming from that couple, it was hard to sing,” she says. “I had to keep my composure and remind myself, ‘You better do this right, because this is a moment in history. This is your legacy. Forget your legacy, this is Obama’s legacy. So you better suck it up and be the person that they asked to perform this song.’” She regained her nerve after her turn backstage, contemplating what had just happened. “I just witnessed and I was so close and a part of one of the best moments in American history.” Beyonce will headline the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury, and she is no less complacent: “I am very, very nervous. But it feels good to know I still can feel so out of my element.” She watched from the wings three years ago as her husband, the American hip-hop giant Jay-Z, conquered the predominantly white rock institution. “Yes, I saw Jay... Jay Zee... Jay Zed conquer Glastonbury, and I was also a bit nervous because of the controversy. And he just completely took over.” Clearly wowed by the experience, she blanches at the suggestion of asking his advice on this one. “I saw the advice. I don’t have to ask. The best way is to see it for yourself.” Besides, she has had an elite coterie of rock veteran friends to call on. “I’ve spoken with Bono and Edge, who’ve given me tips. And of course Chris [Martin] has given me tips and Gwyn’s given me tips, so we’ll see.” Beyoncé doesn’t mind the thought of getting her fingernails chipped at the festival. “ I’ve been there behind the scenes and I had the time of my life. I hope it rains. I want it muddy. I want to ditch the heels and put on my wellies. I just want to make sure that I deliver. I’m sure it’ll be one of those memories I’ll take with me to my grave.” In incremental steps since 1998, when she busted out with the Wyclef Jean-produced Destiny’s Child hit No, No, No (Part 1), Beyoncé has become one of perhaps half a dozen defining stars of our age. Now best friends with Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow (their children call her “Auntie B”), calling on rock gods for advice, at nearly 30, Beyoncé has risen above the carefully constructed controversies of Madonna and Gaga to build her reputation purely — and more credibly — on a deeply intuitive reading of street funk. Paul Flynn / The Sunday Times / The Inter view People BEYONCÉ LI FT ME UP She sang at Obama’s inauguration, and headlined Glastonbury. Beyoncé may be at the top of her game, but she’s still got something to say . It is a scorching June afternoon in downtown Manhattan, in a converted loft on Lafayette. Yet even the 35C outside cannot compete with the heat given off by Beyoncé as she enters the room. The star steps onto a film set, her translucent beauty framed by black drapes. She is wearing a short silver dress, chunky rings of exotic stones she cannot quite identify and heels that stretch her to the height of the bearded crewmembers mumbling meaningfully at kit. Hers is the best skin I have seen on any human. Beyoncé is filming an ad for her new album, 4. 79 SIMPLY ABU DHABI