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Piers Morgan Live
Interview with Beyonce
Aired June 27, 2011 - 21:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
PIERS MORGAN, HOST: Tonight, the superstar you've been really waiting for.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BEYONCE: Hey, Piers, it's me.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MORGAN: Beyonce as you've never seen or heard her before.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MORGAN: So, it's a bit embarrassing because Beyonce hasn't brought any money with her.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MORGAN: The woman behind the legend, from Texas schoolgirl, international singing sensation, and a life with husband Jay-Z.
Beyonce, world exclusive for an intimate hour. This is PIERS MORGAN TONIGHT.
(MUSIC)
MORGAN: Beyonce has won over a dozen Grammys and she may have to make room on the shelf for a few more because just hours from now, she releases her new album entitled "4" and Beyonce is with me now.
How are you?
BEYONCE: I'm so wonderful.
MORGAN: It's so nice of you to come all this way to London so that I could interview you in my own backyard.
BEYONCE: Yes.
MORGAN: And the fact that you are at Glastonbury with last night.
BEYONCE: Had nothing to do with it.
MORGAN: A coincidence. BEYONCE: Yes, just a coincidence.
MORGAN: Now, I sat and watched you. I had a couple of beers, turned on the television and watched Glastonbury. You were the first ever woman to headline at Glastonbury, an amazing achievement.
BEYONCE: Yes.
MORGAN: What was it like for you last night?
BEYONCE: Well, you know, I'm still walking on the clouds. I'm still kind of shocked. I can't believe what happened to me happened yesterday. And I think it's because I have seen Glastonbury in photographs and I've seen it, you know, when I've traveled here and on television and only amazing rock stars perform.
And it's just the coolest festival and I was able to see my husband perform there a couple of years ago. And it was one of the most exciting nights. He had a bit of controversy. And he came out and performed Oasis song and the crowd went crazy. And I thought, oh, my God, this is -- I'm just so honored to be here and prayed that one day I'd be able to do it.
And three years later, I was asked to headline and be the first woman and first African-American woman --
MORGAN: That's the amazing part. Never mind any other criteria. You were the first woman to ever play at this incredible event.
BEYONCE: Yes.
MORGAN: To ever headline it.
BEYONCE: It's a little strange when you think about it, but I'm just happy that I'm the first woman. It was so many women out there and it was incredible because the men usually -- when I have them do certain parts, they are trying to be cool, but they were like just belting out the songs and everybody was just united. And --
MORGAN: Let's watch a little clip from last night and then I'll ask you your reaction to this.
BEYONCE: OK.
(VIDEO CLIP PLAYS)
MORGAN: And watching that, I was struck by several things. One was the glint in your eye when you said you always wanted to be a rock star. Like you finally felt you were a proper rocker.
BEYONCE: Exactly.
MORGAN: Is that what Glastonbury does to you?
BEYONCE: It's the mud. It's all the beautiful people. Everyone is -- MORGAN: A lot of them are ugly actually.
BEYONCE: No, I love it. It's not about fashion. It's not about trying to be cool. Everyone just is cool.
And that's what I love about it. It's not about your production. It's not about how many hits you have. It's about good music and everything coming from the inside and everyone has so much love and appreciation for a good performance.
And, you know, I love when I cannot have to think about all the other things that are not as interesting and I can just belt out the songs and dance from the heart and I know that it's appreciated.
MORGAN: So, here's the weird thing. Watching you last night, you seemed about 20 feet tall. You were like this giant coming at me on my big widescreen TV, right? You are quite tiny, aren't you?
BEYONCE: People say that I'm a lot smaller than they think I am on TV. But I think they -- they say that to everyone. They say it to other girls in Destiny's Child. They say is to my husband, to my mother. I think it's just the television.
MORGAN: The thing that struck me watching you about your -- I've never watched a whole Beyonce concert before. So, I was fascinated to see how you go about this. A, the energy levels you kept up were extraordinary. B, the size of your heels.
How did -- how did you stay up? (INAUDIBLE) at that stage.
BEYONCE: It was very slippery. And the first song I was like, OK, am I going to make it? I thought I was going to have to switch shoes. And actually have (INAUDIBLE) just in case. But I have been practicing in heels since I was 13 years old.
And to be honest, it's kind of second nature. The heels are second nature. It's just a part of it, whenever I rehearse I have on my heels.
MORGAN: The whole theme of last night was -- I don't like the phrase "girl power." But it was about empowerment of women.
BEYONCE: Yes.
MORGAN: You were like strutting around that stage making men like me feeling pretty useless at home, like I have no right to be near this woman.
BEYONCE: Not at all.
MORGAN: Quite intimidating this thing you do.
BEYONCE: No, but I definitely feel that it is my job to empower women, and I remember having this dream that my band was all females and I told my male band at the time -- I'm sorry, guys. You all are so talented but you're not women. And they all had wigs on and came to the last performance like, we can do it.
(LAUGHTER)
BEYONCE: But I found these incredible women and incredible background singers. And I do have men on the stage as well. I have great male dancers.
MORGAN: Washing your shoe heels for you?
BEYONCE: No, some incredible dancers. And it's great to have that camaraderie. I feel like I learned so much from the other musicians and it makes me want to be a better musician.
MORGAN: What do you feel? When you are there and you got 175,000 people going crazy, this is never going to happen to me. Much as I'd love to think it will, it isn't. Those days are over.
When you walk out and you get this surge of energy from a crowd like that, you've never performed to a crowd that big.
BEYONCE: No.
MORGAN: What does it feel like?
BEYONCE: Well, before I performed, I was so scared. I was like a leaf. Just -- I was really, really afraid. And I just had to say forget that it's 175,000 people and pretend it's just like the show you did two days ago and you have been doing this your whole life. And just have fun.
And, you know, we all got together, said our prayer. We took our breath and tried to exhale all the negativity and I just had to tell myself, I deserve it. I'm a diva. I've worked hard.
And I psyched myself up, and once you hear the crowd and you get past the first couple of minutes, then it's time to rock. It's time to have a good time and enjoy it.
MORGAN: I love that phrase. I'm a diva. You say that proudly.
BEYONCE: I do.
MORGAN: A lot of stars, you know, they sort of shy away, "I'm not a diva." You love being a diva.
BEYONCE: Well, I've met what a diva is supposed to be. And I've met Patti LaBelle and I've met Tina Turner and I've met these incredible women that are graceful.
MORGAN: What is a true diva?
BEYONCE: Graceful and talented and strong and fearless and brave and someone with humility and I think, you know, it's an appropriate time to be a diva. And you know, I did not show up in my costume that I wore yesterday because --
MORGAN: I was kind of hoping you might. It wasn't really a costume.
BEYONCE: Yes, it absolutely was.
MORGAN: More like a little beachwear. You slapped a jacket on.
BEYONCE: No, it was not. It was a costume. And I did not wear that because it's appropriate for the stage, but there is a certain mentality and certain aura that's appropriate for the stage. But it's only appropriate for the stage.
MORGAN: So, what are you thinking for the outfits for me that I'm fascinated? I mean, you woke up and thought, it's Piers, it's CNN.
BEYONCE: You know, I just tried on a few dresses and I like the color.
MORGAN: Come on, humor me. How many did you try on before you thought
BEYONCE: I tried on two. I tried on a red suit and tried on this. And I said I like the color. It makes me feel happy.
MORGAN: What made you think that was the right one for me.
BEYONCE: It's all about the color. It's a beautiful day, the warmest day here.
MORGAN: It's the warmest day in Britain for five years. You brought the heat, lady.
BEYONCE: Yes.
(LAUGHTER)
MORGAN: What I'm fascinated with about your new album is the fact you took this year off before you did this. This is a woman that's worked so hard in the way that your parents did before you. When you had this year off, what did you learn about yourself?
BEYONCE: I learned a lot about myself. The biggest thing I learned is I love to perform. I love music. I love what I do. I love singing in the studio or writing songs and coming up with video treatments to the point that during that year, I do not count the 72 songs I recorded as work because it's what I was born to do.
And I learned balance. I learned the importance of taking time for myself and I was moving around so much that I had no idea that I really have 16 Grammys. Like I have heard that and I got up and accepted my awards, but I didn't realize what an amazing accomplishment that was.
MORGAN: You never had time presumably. It's just treadmill. The more successful you get, the less time you have to enjoy anything.
BEYONCE: Exactly. MORGAN: So, finally, you went, enough. I'm having a year off. I'm going to enjoy what I've achieved. And realized -- what was the most fun you had in the real world?
BEYONCE: Well, I did everything. You know, I definitely enjoyed the simple things like, you know, driving and picking my nephew up from school. Traveling but not working and actually visiting museums and seeing ballets and having great conversations with people on the plane.
MORGAN: Really?
BEYONCE: Yes. Just having normal --
MORGAN: Why do I never get to sit next to people like you on a plane? Can you let me know your schedule next time?
BEYONCE: OK.
MORGAN: You are on some plane and you start talking to some random person?
BEYONCE: Yes. And you know what? And it's great when people really don't know who you are. And it's funny because sometimes say, I'm sorry, I'm just realizing. I didn't know. And I'm like, that's why the conversation was so great because you just forget how wonderful it is to just --
MORGAN: Let me ask you what you do, what do you say?
BEYONCE: They didn't. Not until -- not until, you know, people start getting weird and asking for pictures and they are like, what is going on?
(LAUGHTER)
BEYONCE: But I visited, you know, the pyramids and I was able to sing at the top of the pyramids.
MORGAN: I heard you sang "Ave Maria" in one of the tombs of the pyramid and it just echoed around. What a moment.
BEYONCE: It was beautiful. And who would ever think that I'd get an opportunity to do that. I was there along with my family and --
MORGAN: Any truth to the rumor that you and Jay-Z are having joint pyramids built to be remembered? This is rumor?
BEYONCE: That's a good one.
MORGAN: I just made it up.
BEYONCE: OK.
MORGAN: I thought it was a good one. BEYONCE: It is a good one. I haven't heard that. That's a good one. It might stick.
MORGAN: We're going to have a little break. And when we come back, I'm going to show you some incredible footage of a 6-year-old Beyonce Knowles performing -- where it all started.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(VIDEO CLIP PLAYS)
MORGAN: Tat is hilarious. Even at 6, you were showing off.
BEYONCE: I was.
MORGAN: Seriously, very precocious performer.
BEYONCE: It's very embarrassing. That's not something you need everyone to see.
MORGAN: Even as a kid, can you remember the thought process when you were that young? Did you always know, I am going to be a star? I don't care what it takes.
BEYONCE: I didn't at al know that I was going to be a star. But I did know that I felt very comfortable when I was on the stage. I was really shy. And I did not speak much. I was more comfortable with adults because my mother owned a hair salon and I stayed in her salon. I was in grown people's business all day trying to listen to their conversation.
And when I got on the stage, you know, my mother put me in dance lessons, and I really loved it. And I think, you know, when they saw me perform they were like, wait a minute. She's like in heaven. And they realized that it was where I could step out of my shell and I just felt the most like myself.
MORGAN: And I thought that last night watching you. You just seemed like in utopia for you.
BEYONCE: Absolutely.
MORGAN: Like it just couldn't get better. And yet I keep hearing how shy you are. Last night, I mean, I've never seen such self-confidence in almost any performer. Where do you get it from? I mean, how do you create that kind of aura when, by nature, you're not really like that?
BEYONCE: I don't know. I think I -- for one, I'm not shy anymore. I am the person at the dinner party that is quiet and observing and having a one-on-one conversation. I get embarrassed when it's a lot of people and a lot of eyes. And I am still that way. I wouldn't say shy.
But now, you know, on the stage, I have been doing it for a while. And it's my place to be me and to be free. And I don't feel like I'm being judged. I feel like it doesn't matter how irritated I am or angry I am or excited or in love or whatever emotion.
When I get on the stage, I'm just purely free. And it's -- I feel so honored every time I get on the stage because I know -- you know, I've been doing this for 15 years. And it's what I love to do and so many other people that love to do the same thing and they don't get to perform in front of 175,000 people.
MORGAN: A lot of performers come from quite damaged backgrounds or dysfunctional in some way. What's quite refreshing about your story is it's not really like that. You came from a remarkably successful family. Not lots of money, but your dad was a top Xerox guy when he was young. Your mom ran this incredibly successful salon. And they both taught you, (a), that if you want to be successful, you have to work really hard.
BEYONCE: Absolutely.
MORGAN: And it seemed to me they taught you about the importance of when you get there to be humble, to not lose a sense of who you are.
BEYONCE: They absolutely did. I learned -- you know, my mother worked 13 hours a day, and I never heard her complain. I mean, she worked until her feet were calloused.
And my father was such an incredible entrepreneur. Anything and everything he said he would have, he worked until he had it. He told me there is no such thing as no.
And I had a lot of great support. And I think the support is really a huge, you know, factor in my success, knowing that if something didn't work out, I still was loved and, you know, having that security is really important.
MORGAN: Your mom is only 10 feet away --
BEYONCE: Yes, she's here.
MORGAN: -- as we speak. So, she's here protecting you even now. And she does come almost everywhere that you go.
BEYONCE: She does.
MORGAN: What are the values you think she's instilled in you?
BEYONCE: Well, definitely that, you know, beauty fades and who you are from within is forever. And definitely be a woman of your word and hard work.
She is always correcting me and, you know, I feel like it doesn't matter if you are the janitor or the president, everyone is the same, making sure that I keep my humility and my spirit. You know, she is always honest with me.
MORGAN: When has she -- since you became famous and successful, when has she been the most angry with you? BEYONCE: I remember when we first had our single on the radio, and I was starting to feel like I was hot. And I was in the record store and she was talking to me and I started singing, because I didn't want to hear whatever she was saying. And I was about 15.
And the song was playing on the radio and I am like, yes, and these guys were looking like, oh, that's Beyonce. And I thought I was hot.
And she smacked the crap out of me in that store.
(LAUGHTER)
BEYONCE: When I tell you whack, whack.
MORGAN: Really?
BEYONCE: Yes, and sent me to the car. And was like, I don't care what song you have on the radio, you are my child. You do not disrespect me, and I will never forget it. It was a great lesson.
MORGAN: So you've never sung again like that in a shop with your mom?
BEYONCE: No, absolutely.
MORGAN: See, when I met her I could tell -- I mean, (a), she's got your beauty. I don't think this beauty thing fades. But there was a steely look in her eyes as if, you mess with my girl, young man or old man, and you're going to get it.
BEYONCE: She's strong.
MORGAN: So, I'm just a smack, smack away if --
BEYONCE: Exactly.
MORGAN: -- one question goes wrong here, right? She's there.
BEYONCE: She is. But she is my friend. And, I mean, we don't agree on everything, and I'm an adult and, you know, we have our own -- our moments because we work together with our clothing line. And she is --
MORGAN: What is she most proudest of that you've achieved, do you think? What was the moment for your mom?
BEYONCE: I can say probably when I sang "At Last" for the president. I think, you know, my father, all of his history, he grew up in Gaston, Alabama. And he was escorted to school every day because he was one of the first African-Americans in his school. And my mother, you know, in her day, she couldn't ride the front of the bus. So, for her to see her child --
MORGAN: Doesn't this sound amazing when you say things like that now? BEYONCE: Yes.
MORGAN: In this day and age, only in our generation even, that's what your parents had to go through. I find that a staggering thing.
BEYONCE: I do, too.
MORGAN: Even now when I hear it.
BEYONCE: It's true. But it's a new day. And my parents saw me being a part of that history. And now, I see my nephew and he is like, I don't understand why everyone is saying that Obama is black, because it's just normal to him. And that makes me -- that's my, you know, my joy.
So, you know, it's great to see the growth. And it's great that my parents could live to see that and it makes me very proud.
MORGAN: Hold that there because I want to talk to you more about that, an amazing night when you sang at the inauguration because I can imagine for you. You talk about nerves at Glastonbury. The nerves at that event?
BEYONCE: Yes.
MORGAN: Let's discuss it in a moment.
(LAUGHTER)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(VIDEO CLIP PLAYS)
MORGAN: You have got a pair of chops on you, haven't you?
BEYONCE: Thank you.
MORGAN: Wow, you belted that. I mean, waiting before you went to sing that, knowing the background, knowing what you've known about your parents, the struggle they've had to come through, like so many African-Americans in America and then Barack Obama has become president, this sea change. And on the night that America celebrates, you are selected to sing.
What are you feeling just before you go out?
BEYONCE: Right now, I'm -- I am very emotional because it's like I'm reliving it. And it was really powerful and overwhelming. And I kept telling myself, OK, this is not about you. You have to do this for them. You have to do this for history.
And it's the only way I was able to get through that song because I wanted to ball, and I wanted to stare and I wanted to watch and I wanted to, you know -- but I was a part of it. So, it was probably the -- oh, my God. I can't believe I was there and I can't believe it was my voice for that moment, and so honored and so many memories -- so many stories from my father and grandparents and my mother all going through my mind. And it was really fantastic.
MORGAN: Have you had to put up with racism as you grew up? Did you experience the bad side of it?
BEYONCE: A bit. But, you know, I -- I feel like now, people -- at least with my career, I've kind of broken barriers. And I don't think people think about my race. I think they look at me as an entertainer and a musician and I'm very happy that that's changing because I think that's how I look at people. And that's how I look at my friends. It's not about color and race and I'm just happy that that's changing.
MORGAN: There was a moment around that time when you had the most powerful man in the world, Barack Obama, African-American. You had the biggest TV star in the world, Oprah. You, the biggest singing star in the world. You know, Tiger Woods was then the number one golfer in the world, which would have been unthinkable, 20, 30 years before.
BEYONCE: Exactly.
MORGAN: The sea change really came through personal achievement as much as anything else.
BEYONCE: Absolutely.
MORGAN: Did you feel that?
BEYONCE: I did. Absolutely. And I'm proud of it. And I'm just praying that we continue to grow and people continue to see the right things in people.
MORGAN: What did your parents say after you performed at the inauguration?
BEYONCE: Oh, my mom cried forever. And I did, too. It was a beautiful night, and, like I said, definitely the most proud moment for her and for myself.
MORGAN: The president, what did he say? And the first lady. Did you talk to them?
BEYONCE: I did not speak to them. I wish I had it like that. But I've seen them years later.
MORGAN: I've heard and you can clear up this rumor. This is a brilliant rumor, even if it's not true. If it's not true, maybe just pretend.
I've heard that Jay-Z has the president on the speed dial of his cell phone. Is this true?
BEYONCE: I don't know.
(LAUGHTER)
MORGAN: That means it is.
BEYONCE: No, it's not.
They are amazing. They are wonderful. And I have -- actually, I just worked with the first lady with the Let's Move initiative. And it was so beautiful.
MORGAN: Because she's a remarkable woman.
BEYONCE: She is.
MORGAN: Whatever side you are on the political divide, whatever your view of how he's doing as president, Michelle Obama has barely put a foot wrong and is a remarkable role model, I think.
BEYONCE: She is. And she cares so much. And what she did -- her whole idea was so brilliant because the boys and girls were practicing the choreography, not even realizing that they were taking care of their bodies and moving around. And I'm so happy she asked me to be a part of that.
MORGAN: How do you think he's doing as president? What's your verdict?
BEYONCE: I think he's doing a great job. I think he's fantastic. I think he needs another term. He needs more time. And I think with the time he has, he's incredible.
MORGAN: Will you campaign for him?
BEYONCE: Absolutely.
MORGAN: On the stump doing your bit?
BEYONCE: Absolutely. I did the first time and I will again.
MORGAN: But you must have met him now.
BEYONCE: No, I've met him. They are amazing. They are so gracious.
MORGAN: He has gotten around to thanking you?
BEYONCE: Yes, of course. And we performed. I performed at the White House. And they were so gracious. They not only spoke to me. They spent time with every single member of my band. And they are just the epitome of class and heart. It's beautiful.
MORGAN: America is going through a sort of difficult phase. Everybody knows that when you are there. Economically, very, very tough conditions. Obviously, wars going on as well. A lot of drain on resource.
What do you think? When you look at America now, what do you think America needs to get itself back on its feet properly? BEYONCE: Well, I think we're getting there. I think we need -- we need Obama. And he's doing his job. And we just have to believe in him and trust our president.
MORGAN: What do you think about what I detected a slight lack of confidence in America? You are an incredibly confident American businesswoman. What advice do you give to people? Maybe they've lost their jobs. Maybe they are going through difficulty.
What advice do you give them, as someone who came from no money to build this empire through hard work? What do you say to them?
BEYONCE: I would say to continue to work hard and don't give up on your goals. And I know, for me, like I said, I grew up watching my family struggle. And I grew up with family that was successful, but not born successful. And I believe with hard work and with a goal and love and positivity, then eventually we're going to be fine.
MORGAN: Well, talking of love and positivity, I am going to have a little break and come back and talk about the man in your life, which I know you love to talk about.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(SINGING)
MORGAN: That was "Crazy in Love," which you sang with a certain gentleman, Mr. Jay-Zed, as we call him in Great Britain. Jay-Zed. Now I sat opposite your husband at a dinner. And I didn't know what to expect.
You know, you hear sort of ferocious rap star coming to town. Everyone batons down the hatches. In walks this guy, immaculately dressed -- I mean immaculate -- incredibly charming, friendly, easy to talk to, funny, very, very funny.
We had two or three hours just talking about life and the universe, a little bit about you and stuff. And I was really impressed with him. I don't say that just to make you feel good. I actually was genuinely struck by -- he's not just a successful singer or a good businessman. He's a good man, it struck me.
You could have had your pick of any guy. What was it about Jay- Zed? That's the last time I'm calling him that. But it gets me -- gets me a free laugh in America.
BEYONCE: I feel the same way you feel. And I -- Jay and I have kind of made a decision that we want to be known for our music and, you know, not our relationships or scandals. And it's hard, because sometimes, like, OK, I can't talk about him, but he's amazing.
MORGAN: He is amazing.
BEYONCE: And I agree with all the things --
MORGAN: Occasionally, you've just got to sit back and go, you know what? My husband is a pretty cool guy.
BEYONCE: He is.
MORGAN: And he's a pretty cool guy. He was there last night supporting you. He's abandoned you with me to go to the tennis, which I'm personally quite pleased about.
BEYONCE: I'm not. No, I'm happy to be here with you.
MORGAN: But when you sing a song like "Crazy in Love," how many times have you been crazily in love in your life?
BEYONCE: Not many. Not many at all.
MORGAN: And then you meet this guy.
BEYONCE: Yeah.
MORGAN: That's it. Bang.
BEYONCE: I definitely had a very natural friendship and connection with him. And I mean, we've been together for a very long time and very happy.
MORGAN: What does love mean to you? Proper love?
BEYONCE: Well, you know, love is the foundation of everything -- everything I do. It's -- my music is inspired by love, from my family, from my husband, from my sisters. And it gives me this security and the confidence that you see on the stage.
MORGAN: I mean, most people say you have to have had your heart broken to sing with real emotion. I don't get the sense that you ever have.
BEYONCE: I've had my life experiences, definitely. I mean, I haven't had this perfect, flawless life. And any relationship, you go through issues and you have to learn each other and you grow and you have painful moments.
And I feel like, you know, a lot of my life experiences I used in this album. There's a way that I'm singing that's very different. And I think I had an epiphany when I did "Cadillac Records," when I played Etta James, because for the first time, I had to sing from a different place.
She was addicted to heroin. I have never done any drugs. So I had to use the most painful emotions and memories of my life, and sing from that place.
MORGAN: Let's just hold and watch a clip from that. It was an incredible performance.
BEYONCE: Thank you.
MORGAN: And we'll talk about it after this. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BEYONCE: You wouldn't even begin to know my problems, baby.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let me.
BEYONCE: My mother was a whore. And that fat mother (EXPLETIVE DELETED) just looked me in the face and he didn't see himself. He didn't see his little girl.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MORGAN: I mean, a really visceral, raw performance there. And it surprised a lot of people. A lot of your critics watched it and were like, whoa, OK, she's not as simple in terms of her performance as we think she is. There was real depth there. That must have been satisfying to you.
BEYONCE: It was real satisfying. And I worked really, really hard. So it felt good to know that it was appreciated. And even if it wasn't, it was such growth for me as a human being and as an artist. It made me want to take more risks in my career.
It made me a lot braver, and to have the freedom to kind of let go of all ego and not care about what I look like or fitting into a pop star box,. It just was really liberating to me.
MORGAN: Do you like the acting?
BEYONCE: I do.
MORGAN: Do you like the pace of it? I would imagine with singers, when you get on stage, wham, bam. It's all over in two hours. And you get all the energy out and you go home, have a drink, whatever you want to do. When you are acting, all this sitting around, waiting, hundreds of people watching you.
BEYONCE: I don't like that as much. But I do like the stability. I like being able to go to the same place every night and your call time is around the same every morning and you are around the same people for six months and you don't have to travel 100 places. So you kind of build a family relationship.
And because I've been touring since I was 13, that is something I haven't had in my life.
MORGAN: How do you like doing those love scenes?
BEYONCE: I don't like them.
MORGAN: Do you not?
BEYONCE: No. They're uncomfortable. But after maybe --
MORGAN: Even if it's like
(CROSS TALK)
MORGAN: He was a good looking guy.
BEYONCE: He is. But it's weird because, you know, you -- I didn't grow up acting, so I've done six or seven movies, which I've done kind some romantic scenes in maybe three. So it's still new to me. But I realize that, you know, it's a part of it. And after a few times, it kind of becomes choreography, so it gets a little easier.
MORGAN: I couldn't do it.
BEYONCE: It's strange. It is. I mean, actors don't say that, but I feel that it's strange.
MORGAN: When we come back, I want to talk to you about brand Beyonce. What it is and how you keep it at the top.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(NEWS BREAK)
MORGAN: Beyonce, it just wouldn't be right for you to be in my hometown of London and I don't introduce you to a classic English tea.
BEYONCE: I am very happy.
MORGAN: Because I know that despite your very svelte physique, that occasionally you do have lapses and you have these mad eating days.
BEYONCE: I do. And I missed it yesterday.
MORGAN: Pizza, fried, it all goes swilling in.
BEYONCE: Yes.
MORGAN: You couldn't have it yesterday because of Glastonbury. You now have a piping hot cup of English tea. Then what you need, especially on a hot summers day like this, is a scone. I'm going to prepare one for you.
BEYONCE: OK. What is this for now?
MORGAN: It's called a scone. Or if we're really pretentious, you can call it a scone, which is what -- people who think they are members of the royal family or ought to be call them scones. So you take some cream. It's about as fattening as it can possibly get.
BEYONCE: It looks delicious.
MORGAN: Take a bit of fattening cream, you take some jam, like this, slap it all on. And you put it together. And this is an old- fashioned -- and it basically gives you a heart attack in about five minutes. But on behalf of Great Britain --
BEYONCE: Thank you very much. MORGAN: -- there is your first ever scone.
BEYONCE: OK. I'm going to try it. OK, do I just go away.
MORGAN: Just go for it.
BEYONCE: OK.
MORGAN: Now how good is that? Seriously.
BEYONCE: Delicious. I love it.
MORGAN: Seriously.
BEYONCE: It's very good.
MORGAN: It's the tastiest thing you'll ever eat.
BEYONCE: It's like a Popeyes chicken biscuit, my favorite. I'm supposed to be proper. I'm having tea.
MORGAN: It's pretty cool, isn't it.
Isn't it nice?
BEYONCE: The cream is so great.
MORGAN: You've spoken quite honestly and openly occasionally about having slight weight problems in your life. How have you dealt with them and what advice do you give your female fans, in particular, who may be going through that period in their lives?
BEYONCE: Well, I have found my personal goal, my ideal weight for myself. And I try to stick with that. You can't let anyone tell you what, you know, your best is. You know what your best is.
And I work at it. You know, you can have whatever you want. It just takes work.
MORGAN: You are 29 years old.
BEYONCE: Yes.
MORGAN: And in September --
BEYONCE: I'll be 30.
MORGAN: The looming, dooming big 30 is emerging in your life. You are pretending to be very, very thrilled about this. Are you?
BEYONCE: I am absolutely serious. I can't wait, because 29 is very strange. You are still in your 20s, but you feel like you are supposed to be 30. And I feel like a woman. I feel like I am very aware of who I am and I feel great.
And I feel like 30 is the ideal age. because you are mature enough to know who you are, and to have your boundaries and your standards and not be afraid of too polite, but you are young enough to be a young woman. I am so looking forward to it.
MORGAN: When I hear you speak like this, this mature, sensible, rational way --
BEYONCE: It's the truth.
MORGAN: It's beginning to sound a bit like your mother, which makes me think you are now heading to the right kind of time in your life --
BEYONCE: I'm turning into my mom.
MORGAN: No, I didn't say that.
BEYONCE: You are trying to say I need to have a baby.
MORGAN: I didn't even ask the question.
BEYONCE: OK. I always says I would have a baby at 30.
MORGAN: I know you did.
BEYONCE: I'm 29.
MORGAN: Exactly.
BEYONCE: But I also said I was going to retire at 30. So, I don't know.
MORGAN: It could be a big year.
BEYONCE: Who knows. I'm not retiring, I'll tell you.
MORGAN: Can we expect the little patter of little Beyonce and Jay-Zs?
BEYONCE: Only God knows.
MORGAN: Would you mind asking him to tell me?
BEYONCE: I will. We'll have a conversation. I'll whisper, but you can't tell anybody else.
MORGAN: We're going to go off in a moment to do a very exciting thing involving your new album. But before we go, if I could ask you to replay the greatest moment in your life, the moment, the five minutes maybe, that you would replay if you had the chance, what would it be.
BEYONCE: That's a tough one.
MORGAN: So far?
BEYONCE: I talked about, I think, two of the highlights, which is Glastonbury and performing for the president.
MORGAN: I was kind of hoping that you were going to see tea and scenes with you, Piers.
BEYONCE: -- a chance. You just -- you ruined it.
MORGAN: For the record, the greatest moment of your life.
BEYONCE: It's absolutely speaking to you today, Mr. Morgan.
MORGAN: Beyonce, I couldn't have asked for more. When we come back, Beyonce, you and I are going to go album hunting.
BEYONCE: Yes, we are. There's a special album out today.
MORGAN: So I hear.
BEYONCE: Yes.
MORGAN: I hope they're stocking it.
BEYONCE: I hope they are too.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MORGAN: We are now snaking through South Kensington --
BEYONCE: South Kensington.
MORGAN: -- heading towards Harrods.
BEYONCE: I can't believe we're actually about to do this.
MORGAN: We're actually going to go into Harrods and buy a copy of your album. Imagine the hell that's going to descend on these assistants if they don't have it in stock.
BEYONCE: I know. That won't be good.
MORGAN: I could see your fuse blowing if that happened. This could be a very tense few moments.
BEYONCE: No, no.
MORGAN: The big question really, I need to ask you, is you or J.Lo?
BEYONCE: Me or who?
MORGAN: Jay-Lo?
BEYONCE: What?
MORGAN: Who has the best booty, obviously?
BEYONCE: You are crazy. J-Lo. MORGAN: You don't honestly thing that?
BEYONCE: I love Jay-Lo. She's great.
MORGAN: You think she's got a better booty than you?
BEYONCE: No, I'm not saying anything. I'm not comparing my booty to J-Lo's.
MORGAN: Who are the real rivals for you? Don't pretend you don't have them. Everyone needs rivals. Who are the names you look for to compare yourself to, in terms of success?
BEYONCE: Well, to be honest with you, in the past, I have always looked at my last performances and my last chart positions, and tried to figure out how I can better myself. I don't feel like I really have any -- I don't want to say rivals.
There are people that I respect. There are people that I admire. Like, I love Gaga. She's like -- not even -- more than an artist, as a human being, she's just so genuine and such a really nice person, and brilliant.
MORGAN: I'm like a magic genie and I can offer you complete anonymity again. You're never going to have another prying camera, never going to have a weirdo fan, just complete privacy for the rest of your life, the only dear is you have to be poor.
BEYONCE: I don't know. Because I -- I'm thinking that I would probably go back and -- but then that means that I wouldn't be me. I don't know. That's a tough thing. I'm happy with my choices in my life and I'm happy with my life. So, I don't know.
MORGAN: Does money bring happiness to you?
BEYONCE: No. No. It brings some happiness. It bridges comfort. But absolutely --
MORGAN: I always think, if you have a lot of money, you don't have to worry about money. A lot of people in the world have to worry about money.
BEYONCE: They do and it's tough. It's extremely tough. We've been through times in our family where we had to worry. It's stressful on relationships, on everything. And I'm very happy that I don't right now. Who knows -- look what you did!
MORGAN: I'm sorry. I apologize. It's the bane of my life. They follow me everywhere.
BEYONCE: Here we go!
(CHEERING)
MORGAN: Good news, your album is on sale!
BEYONCE: It is. That looks so cool.
MORGAN: I think we need to buy one, don't you?
BEYONCE: I think we do.
MORGAN: Good news, we can actually probably get two.
BEYONCE: OK. That is great!
MORGAN: You can afford it, right?
BEYONCE: Actually, I didn't bring any cash.
MORGAN: You want me to buy them?
BEYONCE: Yes, I think --
MORGAN: How much are you worth? Seriously, 100 million dollar woman, and you're making me buy your album?
BEYONCE: I don't have any cash. I'm sorry.
MORGAN: Seriously, this is really awkward. How about a check. Why don't we get one of these. Here.
BEYONCE: Winning!
MORGAN: It has to be.
This is the perfect t-shirt.
BEYONCE: It is.
MORGAN: I'm going to get you one of these with one of your albums. I can't be fairer than that.
After you.
BEYONCE: Thank you.
That was great!
MORGAN: Quite a racy little number, huh?
BEYONCE: Good music on there.
MORGAN: Never mind the music.
BEYONCE: Good music!
MORGAN: It's more pictures I'm interested in.
BEYONCE: I appreciate it!
MORGAN: Charging me to buy her record. No wonder she's so rich, seriously. BEYONCE: I'm telling you.
MORGAN: So this was apparently -- this mayhem was all caused by one Tweet on Twitter.
BEYONCE: The power of Twitter.
MORGAN: Nothing secret anymore, is it?
BEYONCE: It's not. That is a little disappointing. It's hard to keep the excitement that I used to have when I saw a photograph of Michael Jackson or Prince, the mystery, and just being able to create the fantasy in your mind, it's so hard to keep that. But --
MORGAN: Is that one of the reasons that you're quite private?
BEYONCE: It is. I think it's important.
I enjoyed that. It's an exciting thing, as a fan, to be able to yearn for more.
MORGAN: It's interesting, Twitter brought them all here and then all the camera phones come out.
BEYONCE: Yup.
MORGAN: Boom, boom, boom. Everyone is a paparazzi.
BEYONCE: Everyone's a director. Everyone's a photographer.
MORGAN: Thank you.
BEYONCE: Great.
MORGAN: Seriously, I loved it. Really good.
