Beyonce Talks About Stress, Miscarriages, Losing at Award Shows As She Answers Fan Questions for Elle

Beyonce got very candid with her fans for Elle magazine's "Ask Me Anything" interview.

While participating in the publication's Q&A, the singer was asked questions from inside the Bey Hive itself and opened up about motherhood, stress, disappointment, criticism and more. One thing is very clear: her children have had a profound impact on who she is now.

One of the most revealing answers came when a fan asked Beyonce about how she felt losing at award shows for her Netflix series, "Homecoming," which was nominated for a whopping six Emmys, but won zero. "What's up with the people who give out awards? Were you disappointed not winning? Because you know, you already won with me," a fan asked via Instagram.

"I began to search for deeper meaning when life began to teach me lessons I didn't know I needed," Beyonce replied. "Success looks different to me now. I learned that all pain and loss is in fact a gift. Having miscarriages taught me that I had to mother myself before I could be a mother to someone else."

"Then I had Blue, and the quest for my purpose became so much deeper," she continued. "I died and was reborn in my relationship, and the quest for self became even stronger. It's difficult for me to go backwards. Being 'number one' was no longer my priority. My true win is creating art and a legacy that will live far beyond me. That's fulfilling."

Beyonce, who shares daughter Blue, 7, and twins Sir and Rumi, 2, with husband Jay-Z, was also asked about she handles people criticizing her appearance and commenting on her weight.

"If someone told me 15 years ago that my body would go through so many changes and fluctuations, and that I would feel more womanly and secure with my curves, I would not have believed them," she admitted. "But children and maturity have taught me to value myself beyond my physical appearance and really understand that I am more than enough no matter what stage I'm at in life."

"Giving zero 🤬s is the most liberating place to be," Beyonce added. "Also knowing true beauty is something you cannot see. I wish more people focused on discovering the beauty within themselves rather than critiquing other folks' grills."

"In moments of vulnerability, I try to remind myself I'm strong and I'm built for this," she later said of receiving negative comments. "Thank God most of the noise bounces off of me after all of these years."

"The Lion King" star went on to reveal what stresses her out most in life -- yes, even Beyonce gets stressed.

"I think the most stressful thing for me is balancing work and life," she replied. "Making sure I am present for my kids -- dropping Blue off at school, taking Rumi and Sir to their activities, making time for date nights with my husband, and being home in time to have dinner with my family -- all while running a company can be challenging."

She added, "Juggling all of those roles can be stressful, but I think that's life for any working mom."

Beyonce famously has featured people of all colors and sizes and has included representation of members of the LGBTQIA in her productions and ad campaigns for Ivy Park. When asked why inclusion and representation is important to her, Beyonce said it's all "about amplifying the beauty in all of us."

"I rarely felt represented in film, fashion, and other media," she continued. "After having a child, I made it my mission to use my art to show the style, elegance, and attraction in men and women of color. We are living in a beautiful time of real progression towards acceptance. I'm so proud of the progress being made in and around the LGBTQIA community."

"Masculinity is being redefined," Beyonce concluded. "Women are not competing with women. They no longer strive to be the best female anything. They strive to be the best. Diversity and inclusion go beyond race."

Other things we learned in the Q&A: She loves Oreos, wishes she could be lazy sometimes and shops at Target. And yes, Beyonce sees you trying to sneak a pic. Check out the full interview here.

January 2020 issue of Elle hits newsstands December 17.

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