Beyonce draws sold-out Philips crowd

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Beyonce draws sold-out Philips crowd

Beyonce brought her world tour to Atlanta's Philips Arena, where she performed for a sold-out crowd that included filmmaker Tyler Perry and former heavyweight champ Evander Holyfield.

Beyonce, one of the superstars of current R&B, entertained a sold out Philips Arena crowd on Wednesday evening, July 1, 2009. In the audience were film director Tyler Perry and former heavyweight boxing champ Evander Holyfield.

Beyonce's high-energy show includes two dancers from Atlanta. After a sweep through Europe, she kicked off the American portion of her tour June 21 in New York.

Beyonce sang songs from her latest album "I Am ... Sasha Fierce." Sasha Fierce is Beyonce's famously odd alter-ego -- an identity she says that helps her shake some of her insecurities.

Beyonce Giselle Knowles rose to fame as the centerpiece of Destiny's Child but has remained solo -- except for her dancers -- since her debut solo album, 'Dangerously in Love,' became a major hit in 2003.

Beyonce was among the performers at Sunday's BET Awards show, where she also won he Best Female R&B Artist award.

Beyonce sang 'At Last' as President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama danced their first dance at the inaugural ball. Etta James, who popularized the song, complained that Beyonce got the chance instead of her. Beyonce, ironically, played Etta James in the film 'Cadillac Records.'

When she opened the latest U.S. tour in New York, she was joined briefly on stage by her equally famous husband, rapper and music mogul Jay-Z.

Beyonce has sold more than 50 million records worldwide with Destiny's Child and more than 75 million records in her total career.

Beyonce has also had a successful acting career and was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in 'Dreamgirls,' which earned an Oscar for co-star Jennifer Hudson.

Forbes magazine put Beyonce fourth on its 2009 list of the 100 Most Powerful and Influential Celebrities in the world, and third on its list of the top-grossing musicians, with more than $87 million dollars in earnings for 2008 and 2009.

In the audience was Atlanta film director Tyler Perry, whose 'Madea' movies have been major hits. He recently began filming 'Why Did I Get Married Too' in Atlanta with singer and actress Janet Jackson, who rushed to California to be with her family late last week after the death of her very famous brother Michael Jackson.

Also in attendance was Atlanta's own onetime heavyweight champion of the world, Evander Holyfield, who was somewhat less successful on 'Dancing with the Stars.'

Kaliyah and Tanya Potts wait for Beyonce to perform.

Fans were invited to send text messages before the show.

This guy appeared to be sending his text the hard way, by telepathy through garter-belt sunglasses.

Inside -- and on the sidewalks outside -- Beyonce brought a party spirit to Philips Arena.

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Beyonce, one of the superstars of current R&B, entertained a sold out Philips Arena crowd on Wednesday evening, July 1, 2009. In the audience were film director Tyler Perry and former heavyweight boxing champ Evander Holyfield.

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