Beyoncé

Beyoncé is regarded as being one of the most influential musicians for her generation. With over 75 million record sales as a solo artist and a further 60 million with her girl group 'destiny's child' She is amongst the best selling artists of all time. She is also The highest paid Black musician of all time. I believe Beyoncé to be an icon to not just African Americans but to all Americans, especially young women because of her ability to connect to her young female fans with her songs that promote self-worth and independence. She is a strong supporter of Feminism and a advocate of same sex marriage. Although she has received some criticism from the media. In 2009 she appeared on a cover of a magazine in black face with tribal markings. She replied with a statement saying that she was embracing her African roots. She has also received criticism for the African American Community because of her lighter skin colour. In 2008 She was subject of accusations that L'Oreal had lightened her skin for a commercial, an accusation that she denies.  Beyoncé is also against the use of photoshop and being digitally 'touched up' during photo shoots. and has criticised companies such as 'H&M' over their use of digitally enhanced photos.

Beyoncé is in my eyes an idol. She is one of the most successful Artists of all time, singing songs that give women empowerment and ask them to strive for equality in a world which is lacking. She is a loyal wife and a loving mother on top of being a fashion icon. She has in the past been referred to as a 'Sex icon" which can be seen as another way of her empowering herself and women.