While pumping up the flick, Knowles also shot down talk that she didn't get along with co-star Jennifer Hudson because of jealousy over the newcomer having the meatier role in the film. Hudson has been receiving a myriad of accolades for her portrayal of Effie White (see "Jennifer Hudson's 'Dream' Is Reality: R&B Album, Starring With Beyonce, Jamie Foxx").
"I didn't have the part with the most drama, I was fine with that," Knowles clarified. "I'm not doing this to become a star or prove that I can sing. I've already won nine Grammys and everyone knows that I can sing. I did this mainly to know I can act, to know myself and show everyone else that I could. I'm extremely happy with the movie. I'm extremely proud of Jennifer. I think she's incredible. It's so unfortunate that once again the media is starting things with women. ... You hear I'm mad. Why would I be mad? I'm a part of an Oscar-buzz-[worthy] movie.
"Why would I be mad at Jennifer?" she continued. "I can only imagine the pressure she had being a woman that's never had an album, never done a movie. When I told people I'm doing 'Dreamgirls,' they were like, 'That's good. Who's doing Effie? Is she singing "And I Am Telling You [I'm Not Going]" right?' ... That [song] is what the [production] is famous for, [and] she pulled it off. She's sweet, she incredible and I hope she maintains that same sweetness. ... She's gifted, and I hope she maintains that."
"It is a surprise," Hudson said of the ballyhoo over the alleged quarrelling, "because [Beyoncé] is a sweet girl and we've always got along. It's like, 'Where did this come from?' Any time when something is going good, somebody is gonna find anything to turn from a molehill and make a mountain out of it. But Beyoncé and I support each other the same as we did when we first started. That's my 'Dream' sister. There's nothing but love for each other."
Beyoncé says she would have been happy with any role she could get her hands on — she wanted to be part of the movie that badly. Knowles became familiar with the play 10 years ago as a teen and instantly fell in love with the story. She says the onetime Broadway musical was inspiration for some of the choreography and staging that Destiny's Child used over the years.
To show you how things come full circle, Knowles revealed that she first met with director Bill Condon while on the road with her group.
"He said, 'I'm not sure if you can play this part. I'm not sure if people will believe you as Deena when she's more plain and younger,' " she recalled. "I did a screen test. I found the ugliest wig I could find and put the thickest eyebrows on my eyes I could. I got the part. I was the first one cast. I knew this would be important, I knew this would be history. I knew Deena was not written as the strong powerhouse singer. She's actually not even the star of the movie — it's an ensemble cast — but I didn't care. I just wanted to be a part of something so wonderful, and I did it."
In the movie, Hudson has her crescendo scene when she sings "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," the epitome of a power ballad, made famous 25 years ago by Jennifer Holliday. Knowles gets her chance to sing out via the tune "Listen" — the scene comes toward the end of the movie, when Deena goes through a life change.
"Bill Condon suggested 'Listen,' " she said of the song, the only original one in the movie. "Actually, it was in the script I read. He felt the second half needed another song. ... It was exciting for me. ... It was important for Deena's character, because she was so controlled [throughout] the whole movie — so manipulated — and finally, when she stands up for herself, it's so effective. I love the record. I think it's something that's still relevant now. Everyone has a moment when they decide they're taking control of their life."
Offscreen, Knowles has another one of those empowering women anthems, "Irreplaceable," to her own name. The song is #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
"I love 'Irreplaceable,' " she said. "I think it's important to have those songs. I've had so many people come up to me in tears saying, 'I experienced my first breakup. If it wasn't for the song, I wouldn't be strong enough to not call. I wouldn't know how much I'm worth.' I'm happy to be a part of that. I wrote 'Independent Women' and 'Bootylicious' and 'Survivor,' and it helped women with their self-esteem. I'm happy to continue to do that."
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1547863/20061212/knowles_beyonce.jhtml