New projects

Knowles reportedly started working on her third studio album in December of last year. Although no working title of the new record has been disclosed to the media, it is rumoured that the album will be called "Virtuoso Intellect". As reported by Scratch magazine, producer Timbaland has been signed to produce the majority of the album. In an interview with producer Rodney Jerkins, he said that the style of the album keeps switching and is inspired by Knowles' upcoming film, Cadillac Records, in which Knowles has been cast to play famed blues singer Etta James, he also mentioned that the current release date she is working at for her third and yet untitled album is November 2008. Knowles also recorded a cover of Billy Joel's "Honesty" which was included on a Matthew Knowles/Music World CD released only in Japan towards the end of June 2008 to celebrate the tenth-year anniversary of Destiny's Child. Knowles will also star opposite Ali LarterIdris Elba in a thriller film called Obsessed, which has been in production since May 2008. This film is due to be released in the US during January 2009, with an international release slated for March 2009. and

Knowles recorded with various artist for "Just Stand Up!", a charity single for the "Stand Up To Cancer" charity. This charity aims to raise funds for cancer research through the acts and offerings of the celebrity world. Joining Knowles on this charity single was Mariah Carey, Natasha Bedingfield, Leona Lewis, Rihanna, Leann Rimes and Mary J. Blige. The song was brought to public attention recently when it was performed live by most of the stars at Fashion Rocks 2008 in New York City- this show was broadcast simultaneously on all major American networks on September 5, 2008.

"If I Were a Boy" and "Single Ladies," the first singles from her upcoming album are to be released to radio on October 14, 2008, preceding the album's release on November 18, 2008. Knowles shot the video for her forthcoming single "If I Were a Boy" from her new album on the weekend after the Fashion Rocks Event and directed by Jake Nava who also co-directed "Beautiful Liar", the video is to have a similar theme to the 2006 video for her song "Ring the Alarm".

Knowles is expected to perform a world exclusive of the first single of her forthcoming album at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2008 in Liverpool, England.