Beyoncé fans shocked after seeing unexpected ‘name change’

Beyoncé fans have been left seriously shocked after seeing an unexpected 'name change'.

Forbes named the 43-year-old 'Bodyguard' singer in their rundown of the 'World’s Most Powerful Women 2024', which is determined by four main metrics: money, media, impact and spheres of influence.

Other women on the list included the likes of Taylor Swift, Oprah Winfrey and Rihanna.

Beyoncé has been named as one of the world's most powerful women (Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

Beyoncé was placed 35th out of the 100 women due to her contributions to the 'Media & Entertainment' category and was referred to as 'Beyoncé Knowles'.

The pop icon has referred to herself as 'Mrs Carter' for over a decade now and also toured under her married name.

Additionally, her most recent album, which was released back in March, was also named Cowboy Carter in a nod to her married name.

Fans were quick to notice she wasn't addressed as her full name, Beyoncé Knowles Carter, which she changed after tying the knot with her husband, Jay Z in 2008.

Beyoncé and the 55-year-old rapper later welcomed their daughter, Blue Ivy, a few years later in 2012. In 2017, the pair welcomed twins Rumi and Sir Carter, aged seven.

After catching wind of the Forbes announcement, many fans rushed to social media to share their reactions.

One X user penned: "My good sis where’s your hyphen?"

"When did Beyoncé change her last name?" asked a second.

Forbes referred to the 'Bodyguard' singer as 'Beyoncé Knowles' instead of 'Beyoncé Knowles-Carter' (Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

A third piped up: "… no hyphen???"

"Lemme hear y'all say UH OH," quipped a fourth, while a fifth exclaimed: "Nah don’t forget the Carter!!!"

A sixth chimed in: "What’s coming next, I’m intrigued!!!"

"Everyone say heeeyyyy ms knowles," chirped a seventh member of the Beyhive.

"Where is Carter?" wondered another, while a final X user speculated it was a 'soft launch name change'.

Explaining the reasoning behind Beyoncé's addition to the list, Forbes stated: "The majority of pop star Beyoncé Knowles' net worth comes from her roughly three decades as a solo performer and a member of the girl-group Destiny's Child.

"Beyoncé broke the record for the most Grammy wins ever, with 32, in 2023. In 2024, she broke another, becoming the most nominated artist with 11 new nominations."

Forbes also noted she and Jay-Z reportedly purchased a $200 million Malibu mansion last year in May 2023 - the most expensive home ever sold in California.

"Over the years, she has launched several clothing and fragrance lines with mixed success. Her hair care brand, Cécred, launched in 2024, is her latest business venture," the outlet rounded off.