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6 FEBRUARY 2004
Despite reports she has become something of a diva, R&B starlet Beyonce Knowles has proved she may be the most down-to-earth woman in pop. The singer was dubbed a prima donna after a list of the requirements for her performance at last weekend's Superbowl found its way into the newspapers.
Upon close inspection her requests seem far from unreasonable, however, bearing no comparison to the demands of her pop contemporaries. Among the 22-year-old's list of conditions were that her bathroom be properly cleaned and supplied with fresh towels. Not overly demanding, you might think.
The Destiny's Child star must have been somewhat surprised, therefore, at being accused of "diva-like behaviour". Particularly considering her snack-list included nothing more extravagant than baked chicken and basic condiments such as mustard, mayonnaise and ketchup.
Indeed the only eye-catching item on her list of wants was that her dressing room be maintained at 78 degrees Fahrenheit. This is common practise among top singers, because extremes of temperature can be harmful to the voice. And given that she was about to sing her country's national anthem in front of 89 million TV viewers, the Texan belle might be forgiven for taking precautions.
Compared to the expectations of other young women currently topping pop charts, it seems clear Beyonce has her feet planted firmly on the ground. When Jennifer Lopez took part in a charity performance of Marvin Gaye's hit What's Going On, she demanded a 45ft trailer with white rooms, white drapes, white tables, white candles and white couches, not to mention bunches of white lilies and white roses. And Christina Aguilera has been known to insist on a police escort to engagements, while Janet Jackson requires a professional masseuse be on stand-by.
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