YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! The pre-superbowl NFL press conference featuring Beyonce` aired today on the NFL Network and the megastar lead off by addressing the lip-synching hoopla that surrounded her inauguration performance on January 21st, singing the U.S. National Anthem ACAPELLA and finishing by playfully saying "Any questions?" When asked by reporters what exactly happened, Beyonce` explained that she sung on top of a pre-recorded track as a precaution because she didn't have an opportunity to rehearse with the Marine Corps. Band and wanted the historic moment to be perfect. When questioned if she will lip-synch at the Superbowl on Sunday as many other halftime performers have, she reiterated that she always sings live and will definitely do so for the show. She was coy about whether or not her Destiny's Child sisters will join her onstage or if she will be on tour soon, but gave notice that fans need to be on the lookout. She also completed a very cute and funny post-conference interview; you can see both in full below. Ever focused on her craft and full of composed, positive energy, Beyonce` usually doesn't respond to negativity or rumors, but I was glad to see her shut mouths and nip it all in the bud- especially since she did it in such a classy way. I LOVE MY BEY! After hearing about how it made Beyonce` emotionally upset to be accused of "faking" her pregnancy following a heart-breaking miscarriage, I have been infuriated as a fan. Like the rest of the BeyHive, I hate for Beyonce` to experience any sadness or hurt. This is why I have ALWAYS kept her and other artists in my prayers. Life is hard on it's own without the scrutiny and vices that loom over the entertainment industry.

Some fans were concerned that Beyonce's upcoming HBO documentary "Life is But a Dream" would be a flat regurgitation of previous behind-the-scenes short films by the star, but the new trailer released today by Yahoo! News is very promising as Beyonce` discusses the artistic traps of being a commercial artist and concealing a pregnancy while promoting her 2011 album, "4." Her comments about her struggle to sustain artistry while having big sales confirm my long-held theories and thoughts about the design of her discography (See "The Discography Analyzed"). In short, her two middle albums ("B'Day" & "I Am...Sasha Fierce") served to expand her audience and make her an ever-marketable figure, but it has subsequently bit her in her fantastic butt, as those albums generated a fan-base that will expect her to continue to make the same type of music. Back on the subject of the documentary, this trailer makes me even more eager for the premiere on February 16th :) You can check out the trailer below.

Seriously, this time, it's not a rumor! Beyonce` posted on her Facebook fan-page earlier today: "I am so proud to announce the first original Destiny's Child music in eight years!" One of the biggest-selling girl groups of all time returns with "Love Songs," a collection of previously released romantic tracks with a NEW song, “Nuclear," produced by Pharrell. I AM SO FREAKIN' EXCITED! No, it's not a new full-length album, but after almost 10 years, I'll take anything fresh! I'm so elated to know that the girls got back in the studio together. Anyone who knows me or follows this portion of the site knows that I adore and have great respect Destiny's Child and what they represented. I hope that this is only the beginning of reunion work. Who knows, maybe we'll see Kelly Rowland & Michelle Williams appear on stage with the Queen Bey at the Superbowl! "Love Songs" will be available on January 29th; you can pre-order it now here: http://smarturl.it/dc_lovesongs_amzn

BeyHive, we all get a little riled up when people suggest that Beyonce` isn’t a “real” artist or that there isn’t much of a difference between her and your average pop-tart. We only know better because we watch everything she does and listen to every bit of music. Despite how unfair or upsetting other’s criticisms are, we can’t blame them sometimes as they’re on the outside-looking-in and can only go off of what they see or hear. Beyonce` dons the February cover of GQ wearing a bikini piece and a tiny shirt with the bottom of her breasts peeking out. This is the type of cover that other female artists usually do, not Beyonce`. When I make the argument that Beyonce` isn’t as risqué or suggestive as some other artists, I mention that I’ve never seen even a sliver of Beyonce’s private parts; can’t use that as a talking point now. Bey has done a lot to differentiate herself musically, personally and with her image. She is often applauded for her regality and considered a healthy role model for women. A cover like this gives the impression to the unknowing that’s she just another scantily-clad singer whose career is dependent or based on sex appeal. I’m not saying it’s all over now because of this one magazine cover; I’m saying this cover is counteractive to a more positive perception. Not to mention, it gives more fuel to those who argue Bey’s status as a symbol of female empowerment and claim she objectifies herself. Do you think the cover is too sexy or revealing?