Beyoncé shocked the world on Friday when she unceremoniously released an entire album, complete with videos for every song. However, this isn’t the first time the singer, 32, has done something in a nontraditional way. Here are a few other ways she’s thought outside the box.
| She Secretly Married Jay-Z |
After Beyoncé and Jay-Z had been a couple for several years, fans hoped that the two would say “I do” in a big, big way. They didn’t. Instead, the power couple exchanged vows before 40 friends and familymembers in their Manhattan penthouse — but never actually discussed it in the media. In fact, according People magazine, when congratulated on the nuptials days later, Jay-Z responded, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” It wasn’t until years later that her fans got a glimpse of Queen Bey in her wedding dress, when it was included in a montage in her HBO documentary, “Life Is But a Dream.”
| She Announced Her Pregnancy in a Big Way |
Some celebrities announce that they’re expecting via Twitter, while others have their publicists release statements. Beyoncé did neither. After wearing an orange gown on the red carpet of the 2011 MTVVideo Music Awards that clearly outlined her baby bump, the singer emerged on stage to perform and announced, “I want you to feel the love that’s growing inside of me!” After singing “Love on Top” (and dancing in stilettos), she rubbed her stomach to screaming applause.
| She Introduced Blue Ivy Via Tumblr |
Beyoncé and Jay-Z undoubtedly could have made a bundle selling photos of their daughter, Blue Ivy, but they didn’t choose to go that route. Instead, the power couple created their own Tumblr blog, helloblueivycarter.tumblr.com. “We welcome you to share in our joy,” they wrote on the page. “Thank you for respecting our privacy during this beautiful time in our lives. The Carter Family.”
| She and Jay-Z Went on Vacation — in Cuba! |
In April, the “Countdown” singer went on vacation with her husband to celebrate their anniversary, but when they showed up in Cuba, some were outraged. Later, theTreasury Department confirmed that the superstars were there as part a licensed program that encourages “meaningful contacts” with the Cuban people. (Tourism from America is not allowed.) Jay and Bey were unconcerned about the controversy. “I’m in Cuba, I love Cubans,” Jay-Z later rapped. “This communist talk is so confusing/When it’s from China, the very mic that I’m using.”
| She Went Vegan! |
When Jay-Z turned 44, Beyoncé joined him in his quest to be vegan for 22 days. Since then, she’s posted photos of her meals on Instagram, including vegan cupcakes she enjoyed after releasing her new album.