10 of Beyoncé’s Best Throwback Photos in Honor of Her 45th Birthday

Emily BlackwoodSat, September 5, 2026 at 10:30 AM UTC

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Beyoncè Knowles and Solange Knowles on December 23, 1990; Beyoncè Knowles on Oct. 18, 2000Credit: Paul S. Howell/Houston Chronicle via Getty; Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty -

Beyoncé rose to fame in the 1990s with the girl group Destiny’s Child

They achieved early success with hits like “No, No, No” and “Say My Name”

Reflecting on her 40th birthday in 2021, she said she was appreciative of her early years that were “dedicated to dreaming”

Long before Beyoncé became Queen Bey, she was a kid from Houston with big dreams.

“The first decade of my life was dedicated to dreaming,” she told Harper’s Bazaar ahead of her 40th birthday in August 2021, reflecting on the introverted child she once was.

The artist continued, “I spent a lot of time in my head building my imagination. I’m no longer shy, but I’m not sure I would dream as big as I dream today if it were not for those awkward years in my head.”

In September 2026, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter marked another milestone: her 45th birthday.

From Christmas decorating with her sister Solange Knowles to performing alongside Destiny’s Child, look back at 10 photos of Beyoncé in her early years.

01 of 10

Beyoncé and Solange as kids on Christmas

Beyoncé Knowles and Solange Knowles in 1990Credit: Paul S. Howell/Houston Chronicle via Getty

Before they were famous pop stars, the Knowles sisters were photographed at their family home in Houston for a 1990 Houston Chronicle story about holiday traditions.

“We sing songs, we decorate the Christmas tree. After that, we dance,” a then 9-year-old Beyoncé told the publication.

02 of 10

Beyoncé performing with Destiny’s Child in 1997

Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland and LeToya Luckett of Destiny’s Child perform in October 1997Credit: Raymond Boyd/Getty

Though she’s performing in arenas now, the “Halo” singer got her start singing in bars with Kelly Rowland, LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson as Destiny’s Child in the 1990s.

They released their debut single, “No, No, No,” the same year this photo was taken, and it went on to reach No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, per Grammy.com.

03 of 10

Beyoncé at the 1998 Soul Train Music Awards

Destiny’s Child attend the 1998 Soul Train Music AwardsCredit: Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

Destiny’s Child coordinated in all-black ensembles for the 1998 Soul Train Music Awards. The four-piece girl group’s appearance took place the same month they released their debut album, Destiny’s Child.

04 of 10

Beyoncé in concert with Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé Knowles of Destiny’s Child perform on May 27, 1998, in Mountain View, Calif.Credit: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty

Beyoncé and Rowland shared the stage hundreds of times throughout the late ’90s and early 2000s. But their relationship extended well beyond Destiny’s Child.

“Kelly and Michelle are still my best friends,” the “Single Ladies” told Harper’s Bazaar in August 2021.

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05 of 10

Beyoncé with Destiny’s Child in Amsterdam

Destiny’s Child in Amsterdam on July 21, 1998Credit: Goedefroit Music/Getty

Destiny’s Child took their burgeoning fame overseas in 1998, the same year they released their self-titled debut album. The group made their way to Amsterdam.

06 of 10

Beyoncé performing at an NFL game

Beyoncé Knowles and Destiny’s Child perform at halftime of the New York Giants vs New York Jets game on Aug. 20, 1998Credit: Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives

Over a decade before she headlined the Super Bowl XLVII Halftime Show, Beyoncé performed during halftime of a New York Giants and New York Jets game in 1998.

She later paid homage to her girl-group roots during her 2013 set by inviting Rowland and Williams onstage.

07 of 10

Beyoncé with her Destiny’s Child doll

Destiny’s Child and their dollsCredit: Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

The singer posed alongside her bandmates with their Destiny’s Child dolls that Hasbro released in 2001.

“Growing up, most girls dream of having their own doll,” she said, per NME. “So today one of our dreams came true.”

08 of 10

Beyoncé at the 9th Annual MTV Movie Awards

Beyoncé at the 9th Annual MTV Movie AwardsCredit: Steve Granitz Archive/WireImage

Beyoncé rocked a quintessential Y2K style to the 2000 MTV Movie Awards, wearing an asymmetrical tie-dye slip dress with long, wavy blonde hair.

Her appearance came amid a massive year for her group, whose sophomore album, The Writing’s on the Wall, had produced hits including “Bills, Bills, Bills,” “Jumpin, Jumpin” and “Say My Name.”

09 of 10

Beyoncé at an event in 20010

Beyoncé Knowles on October 18, 2000Credit: Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

By the early 2000s, Beyoncé’s star power was undeniable. The group’s third album, Survivor, which featured hits including “Bootylicious” and “Emotion,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 when it was released in 2001.

10 of 10

Beyoncé with Destiny’s Child at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards nominations

Destiny’s Child at the 43rd Grammy Awards nominations annoucementCredit: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage

That same year, Beyoncé won her first two golden gramophones — Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group — for “Say My Name.”

During the trio’s acceptance speech, the singer iconically said, “Oh gosh, I can’t believe we’re winning a Grammy, ladies!”

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”