The Next Billionaire Singer
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
1/26/2026
WARM-UP
Answer briefly. No overthinking.
Do you listen to Beyoncé?
Do you follow famous musicians?
Would you like to be very rich and famous?
VOCABULARY
ESSENTIAL (A1–B1)
industry – a type of business or economic activity
Example: She works in the music industry.
successful – achieving good results
Example: The tour was very successful.
tour – a series of concerts in different places
Example: The band is on a world tour.
childhood – the time when someone is a child
Example: I have happy memories from my childhood.
worth – having a certain value
Example: The company is worth millions of dollars.
peace – calm and freedom from stress
Example: I like to read in peace.
DEVELOPED (B2–C2)
billionaire – a person who has a billion dollars
Example: She became a billionaire last year.
ticket sales – money earned from selling tickets
Example: Ticket sales were very high.
global success – popularity around the world
Example: The album was a global success.
business venture – a new business activity
Example: She started a new business venture.
prioritize – to treat something as most important
Example: She prioritizes family over work.
READING
INTRODUCTION
This article explains how Beyoncé became a billionaire and how she balances success, business, and family life.
ARTICLE (ALL LEVELS)
Beyoncé is now a billionaire, according to Forbes magazine. She is the fifth musician in history to reach this level of wealth.
She has earned large amounts of money from successful tours and music sales. One of her recent tours made over $400 million from ticket sales.
Beyoncé has also created several businesses that sell clothing, drinks, and hair products.
DEVELOPED ARTICLE (B1–C2)
Her husband, Jay-Z, became the first billionaire musician in 2019. Other billionaire musicians include Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and Bruce Springsteen.
Beyoncé’s 2025 tour was the most successful tour of the year and employed hundreds of workers. Moving the equipment required multiple large airplanes.
Although she continues to plan future tours, Beyoncé says she prioritizes her family. She only tours when her children are not in school so they can have a normal childhood. She believes no amount of money is worth losing her peace.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
A1–A2
Is Beyoncé a billionaire?
Does she earn money from tours?
Does she have children?
B1–B2
How does Beyoncé make most of her money?
Who was the first billionaire musician?
Why does she limit when she goes on tour?
C1–C2
Why are tours more important than albums for income today?
How does Beyoncé balance fame and family life?
What does her story show about modern celebrity culture?
SPEAKING
A1–A2 — FOUNDATION
Language Support:
“I like ___.”
“I don’t like ___.”
“I listen to ___.”
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
Do you like Beyoncé’s music?
Do you know any billionaire musicians?
Who is your favorite singer?
Do you listen to pop music?
Have you been to a concert?
Do you prefer concerts or listening at home?
Would you like to go on tour?
Do you want to be famous?
What music do you listen to?
Who is famous in your country?
Do you follow celebrities online?
Do you buy music or stream it?
Do you like loud concerts?
Who introduced you to music?
What song do you like right now?
B1–B2 — EXPANSION
Language Support:
“In my opinion…”
“I think that…”
“One reason is…”
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
Why do some musicians become extremely rich?
Are tours better than albums for income?
Should famous people share their wealth?
Would you start a business if you were rich?
What problems come with fame?
Do you think Beyoncé deserves her success?
Are famous children lucky or unlucky?
Would you prefer money or privacy?
Can fame affect mental health?
Do celebrities influence young people?
What makes a musician successful?
Is talent or marketing more important?
Would you work nonstop for millions?
Should artists retire early?
Would you enjoy celebrity life?
C1–C2 — DEPTH & REFLECTION
Language Support:
“This reflects…”
“One implication is…”
“From a societal perspective…”
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
What does billionaire culture say about modern society?
Should there be limits to personal wealth?
How has the music industry changed income sources?
Are billionaires role models?
Does extreme wealth increase happiness?
How does fame shape identity?
Can artists stay authentic while being global brands?
Should celebrities speak about values and family?
How do business ventures change an artist’s image?
Is commercial success equal to artistic success?
How does celebrity wealth affect fans?
Should governments tax billionaires more?
Does money equal freedom?
How do artists protect their peace?
What should success mean in the modern world?
