AOL: What did you draw from as inspiration while making this album?
Beyonce: I did this amazing movie, 'Cadillac Records,' and I played Etta James, and I definitely was inspired. After I finished the film, I wasn't afraid to step out of the box because she was the queen of R&B, of rock 'n' roll, of soul, of jazz, of blues. She did whatever she wanted to do. I figured it's time for me to take more risks, it's time for me to do what I really love and to take myself out of this R&B box and do whatever. It didn't matter if it made sense or if it was shocking to people. If it was something that touched me, I sang it. And definitely my life experiences ... a lot has happened this year. You hear all of that in my music. I know I'm very private, but I always reveal myself on the stage, and I always reveal myself in my music. I'm really proud of it and I feel like it's my best work.
AOL: 'Single Ladies' is yet another female empowerment anthem. How did that song come about?
Beyonce: 'Single Ladies' is one of my favorite songs. I have not been to a club yet and I have not yet seen the reaction of the ladies, but I've heard and everyone tells me the ladies want all the fellas to move out of the way. They don't even care if there are any other men in the room -- it's all about the ladies. They're united and they know every step, and that's my goal, my dream. I love to have something that has that type of impact, gives women self-esteem and reminds them that they're worth everything. They hold up their head and they're not afraid to be sexy and confident, and I love it.
