Beyonce Knowles, star of the upcoming film 'Dreamgirls,' talks to 'Elle' magazine in its December 2006 issue.

In the article, Beyonce talks about her music career, current album, and relationship with Jay-Z. The article also goes into detail about Beyonce's preparation for her role as Deena in 'Dreamgirls.'

Her acting coach Ivana Chubbuck says that Beyonce was able to draw in some of her real life experience like a pro.

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Bill Condon, the director of 'Dreamgirls,' comments that he wanted her to test for the role before giving it to her. Condon wanted to see ""whether she could lose that amazing stage persona she's invented and whether her interior life would be able to come though."" According to Condon, Beyonce did so beautifully. He also says that Beyonce has a lot in common with her 'Dreamgirls' character Deena, as the two have ""confidence and ambition and an incredible work ethic.""

Beyonce, however, points out that Deena is much more sneakier and ""manipulative"" than she is and has a different stage presence.

The singer also said the making of 'Dreamgirls' was ""life-changing"" for her.

The issue of 'Elle' is on news stands now.

Source: /www.elle.com/coverstory/9989/beyonc.html"">Elle.com"