Beyoncé released her fifth album, "BEYONCE," without prior notice at 12:01 AM local time on December 13th. It was released exclusively on iTunes. The visual album, featuring 14 new songs and 17 videos, reflects Beyoncé's sensibility and outlook on life. Featuring JAY-Z, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams, and Frank Ocean, Beyoncé commented on her Facebook page, "I can see music. Not only can I hear it, but when I feel something, I immediately see visuals connected to my emotions, childhood memories, thoughts on life, dreams and fantasies. And all of that is connected to the music." The Japanese version is scheduled for release in early 2014. A two-disc DVD set of a documentary and a live performance, "LIFE IS BUT A DREAM / LIVE IN ATLANTIC CITY" (subtitled, 3,990 yen) will also be released on January 22nd.

Beyoncé debuted in 1997 as a member of the R&B group Destiny's Child. She has released five albums with the group and four as a solo artist, recording total sales of over 100 million copies. At the 52nd Grammy Awards in 2010, she won six awards, including Best Song, surpassing her own record of five awards set in 2003, becoming the most awarded female artist in history.