>> you know, justin timberlake leaving 'n sync becomes the model for what can be done. ♪ yes ♪ it's your girl >> you talk about people who are always going to be bigger than their group, that was beyonce. >> ready? >> she puts out a solo album in 2003. first single is "crazy in love." it's got this incredible sample. and that catches your ear. beyonce hasn't opened her mouth yet, and you're already hooked on that song. ♪ i looked so deep in your eyes ♪ >> i remember being asked once, what do you think, christina or britney? i said, beyonce. ♪ got me looking so crazy right now ♪ >> "crazy in love." that's how it begins. it seemed like almost overnight she game a kind of icon. she became a deeply respected figure. >> beyonce! >> in the early 2000s the industry was so dominated by pop sensations and booming cd sales that they were totally oblivious to the new generation that