Why Beyoncé Thought She ‘Destroyed’ Her Voice

Beyoncé became a Grammy Award-winning artist in the 1990s as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child. After kicking off her solo career in 2003, the 39-year-old superstar has created multiple chart-topping hits and acquired an estimated net worth of $400 million. Additionally, the multitalented star recently paid homage to her hometown, Texas, with a rodeo-inspired collection from her line, Ivy Park. 

Although she’s considered one of music’s biggest icons, Beyoncé shared in Aug. 2021 that her career almost ended before it ultimately began. 

Beyoncé suffered her first ‘vocal injury’ as a child

In the 1980s, Beyoncé and her family lived an everyday life. Her father, Mathew Knowles, worked for a phone company in Houston. At the same time, Beyoncé’s mom, Tina Knowles Lawson, ran a beauty salon in the city. 

While speaking with Harper’s Bazaar for its Sept. 2021 issue, the “Drunk In Love” artist said she spent most of her childhood alone. Growing up, Beyoncé said she was timid at school and around strangers. However, the self-described “introvert” always “felt safe” onstage. 

By age 13, Beyoncé recorded over 60 songs for Destiny’s Child. Unfortunately, an injury almost cost the singer her career and forced her to revert to being shy. 

“I had my first vocal injury at 13 from singing in the studio for too many hours,” Blue Ivy’s mom recalled. “We had just gotten our first record deal, and I was afraid I had developed nodules and destroyed my voice and that my career could be over. The doctors put me on vocal rest all summer, and I was silent once again.”

Beyoncé credits years of sacrifice for her success

After recovering from her vocal injury, Beyoncé’s passion for a music career increased. Soon, the artist became immersed in making Destiny’s Child global musicians. However, her commitment to the group led Beyoncé to give up several things. She focused solely on music until the group landed their first hit song, “No, No, No,” in 1999. 

“I had to put in the work,” Beyoncé said. “I committed to always being a student and always being open to growth. No one in my school knew that I could sing because I barely spoke. My energy went into Destiny’s Child and the dream of us getting a record deal and becoming musicians. 

“If something wasn’t helping me reach my goal, I decided to invest no time in it,” she continued. “I didn’t feel like I had time to “kiki” or hang out. I sacrificed a lot of things and ran from any possible distraction.” 

The ‘Crazy In Love’ singer doesn’t have any competition

While reminiscing on her journey to fame, Beyoncé said she doesn’t regret sacrificing for her career. Today, the acclaimed singer focuses on projects she’s interested in instead of commercial success. As new artists continue to surface, the mother of three doesn’t see anyone within the music industry as competition. Additionally, Beyoncé doesn’t lean on her past success. 

“I’ve spent so many years trying to better myself and improve whatever I’ve done that I’m at a point where I no longer need to compete with myself. I have no interest in searching backward. The past is the past. I feel many aspects of that younger, less evolved Beyoncé could never f*** with the woman I am today. Haaa!”