Up Close and Personal With Beyonce

Beyonce Knowles opens up about her family, acting, and more in this excerpt from In Style's November cover story by Isabel Gonzalez Whitaker.

[ Check out Beyonce's In Style Pics ]

ON FAMILY
"Even though it's not perfect all of the time, my family is part of my life."

Thanksgiving is coming up ... what are you thankful for?
"My family is the most important thing to me. We grow together and work well together. My mother is great at what she does and so is my father [Mathew Knowles is Beyonce's manager]. We do argue and need our time apart, but there's nothing better than having someone you can trust, love, and be happy to see."

And that includes your little sis, Solange.
"I am so lucky to have her. We talk on the phone all night. I've been at all of her video shoots, even the ones that take 28 hours!"

What have you taught her about being in the public eye?
"This industry involves a lot of pressure. I would do anything for my sister, but I didn't want her to go into the entertainment business. She learns from watching me, but she's a little more open than I am. Except when it comes to her son -- she is protective of him and she's a great mother."

What kind of things do you talk to her about?
"It can be difficult having a sister people expect you to be or sound like. Solange is her own person; she knows who she is, and she doesn't try to impress anyone, which is great. But since she says what she feels, that can be shocking sometimes."

[ Watch the Superstar Get Giggly at Her Cover Shoot ]

ON ACTING
"Dreamgirls was incredible. I didn't think I'd be able to top that experience. but this movie [Cadillac Records] was just something!"

Was it intimidating to play Etta James? She had a rough life, struggling with heroin...
"She was one of the most important singers ever, especially in R&B. If it weren't for her crossing over, so many of us wouldn't be on the radio. But because I've never experienced [the drug] world, I had to do a lot of research. I went to a rehabilitation center in Brooklyn called the Phoenix House and spent hours with women who are struggling with addiction. They were so open; I completely admired their courage. That's why I'm donating my paycheck from the film to start a cosmetology program there. I hope it's something they'll embrace and benefit from."

The singer struggled with obesity. How did you approach that?
"I gained almost 15 pounds to play the role. It was way easier -- and tastier -- than having to lose so much weight for 'Dreamgirls.' I also studied Etta's mannerisms and tried to make them my own. My performance, my posture -- everything was so different from who I am. It was difficult."

[ See Beyonce Go From Destiny's Child to Solo Star ]

ON LIFE
"A lot of women opened doors for me, and I feel I'm opening doors for others too, especially African-American women."

You're the face of the Emporio Armani Diamonds fragrance. What's that like?
"I'm honored and grateful -- I don't take it for granted. I try to do something positive with it. I hope I give a lot of women hope. All the endorsements, the magazine covers -- there are not many African-American women or women of color in these roles."

How do you think the media is doing in terms of diversity?
"The good thing is that at least you know people are trying to include everyone, and it's evident that we have a voice and influence on the world. Instead of complaining about what isn't being done, I choose to see what is being done."

What are your feelings about the presidential election?
[Beyonce has been photographed wearing a Barack Obama t-shirt.] "Right now, my generation -- black or white -- we all have someone that we connect with. It's such an exciting time. Even on July Fourth this year, I was listening to 'Proud to Be an American.' When that song comes on, I usually have to be in the mood to listen to it, but this time I actually welled up and was like, 'This is great, I am really proud.' I can't wait!"

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For Beyonce's complete interview, pick up the November issue of In Style, on newsstands now.