"I grew up upper-class. Private school. My dad had a Jaguar. We're African-American, and we work toge..." — Beyonce Knowles

I remember being in Japan when Destiny's Child put out 'Independent Women,' and women there were saying how proud they were to have their own jobs, their own independent thinking, their own goals. It made me feel so good, and I realized that one of my responsibilities was to inspire women in a deeper way.

When you're a pop star, it's a little conservative; you always have to stay in a box. You have fans that are five and fans that are 65; there are so many people wanting so many things.

I wanted to be famous for my music and my talent, and I always wished I could cut it out when I left the stage.

To be able to travel the world, especially to places I never thought I'd be... it's really, you know, still fascinating for me.