Beyonce Knowles Screen Test Stunned Dreamgirls Producers  12/26/06

Pop star Beyonce Knowles had to fight hard to convince Dreamgirls filmmakers she was perfect for the part of glamorous Deena Jones, because they weren't sure she could act.

Knowles stars in the blockbuster musical, which was inspired by the story of Diana Ross and The Supremes.

Director Bill Condon explains, "I looked at everything she'd done on film. I got the videos, and I still didn't have the answer about whether she could do it or not.

"What no one wanted was Beyonce Ross - or, rather, Beyonce Jones. Did she have the (acting) chops?"

Knowles diligently studied tapes from famous girl groups and singers she admired before her audition, explaining, "I looked at every Cher video, Barbra Steisand, and of course Diana Ross and The Supremes. And Martha and the Vandellas, because I know that's who The Supremes looked up to."

Producer Larry Mark adds, "It was thrilling to watch, because she had absolutely done her homework. We never, ever auditioned or screen-tested anyone else."