Beyonce, Jay Z, Blue Ivy | Source: Getty Images
Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, has made waves at just 12 years old. Despite her young age, she’s achieved notable success, including a Grammy Award. Her mother said she feels “proud” and “thankful” to have the privilege of being her parent.
Beyoncé and her husband, who are parents to three children — including twins Sir and Rumi — welcomed their firstborn, Blue, in January 2012. The world first saw Blue when the couple posted photos of their 4-week-old daughter online.
Jay-Z and Blue Ivy Carter arrive at the MEURICE hotel on June 4, 2012, in Paris, France. | Source: Getty Images
Announcing the birth, the music icons expressed their joy, “Life just got REALLY good… We are happy to announce the arrival of our beautiful daughter, Blue Ivy Carter.”
Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Blue Ivy Carter onstage during the MTV Video Music Awards on August 24, 2014 in Inglewood, California. | Source: Getty Images
They described the experience as “emotional and extremely peaceful,” adding, “We are in heaven.” Blue’s birth, at 7 pounds, was called “the best experience of both of our lives.”
Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s journey into parenthood was a deeply transformative experience. A year later, the “Grown Woman” singer reflected on Blue’s birth, sharing how the presence of her family and loved ones gave her strength.
Beyonce Knowles and Blue Ivy Carter pictured in Midtown on November 4, 2014, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
“Everything that scared me just was not present in that room. So for me to really let go and really appreciate every contraction . . . it was the best day of my life,” she expressed in an interview.
Beyonce Knowles, Jay-Z and Blue Ivy Carter spotted on December 7, 2014, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Jay-Z said fatherhood grounded him during an appearance on “The Shop: Uninterrupted.” He explained that becoming a dad pushed him to overcome fears, like learning how to swim.
Rihanna and Blue Ivy Carter attend the 57th Annual Grammy Awards on February 8, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
“If she ever fell in the water and I couldn’t get her, I couldn’t even fathom that thought. I gotta learn how to swim. That’s it. That was the beginning of our relationship,” said the rapper.
Blue Ivy Carter and Jay-Z seen at Hammerstein Ballroom for the CFDA Awards on June 6, 2016, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s influence is evident in Blue, who is already making her mark in music. One notable example is her feature on the track “Glory,” credited to Jay-Z featuring B.I.C. The song debuted on the US R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart just days after her birth, making her the youngest chart entrant at the time.
Blue Ivy Carter and Beyonce attend the MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2016, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
While Jay-Z supports Blue’s early steps into show business, he believes that family is the true foundation. He once shared that the most important thing a child needs is to feel loved and supported, regardless of their interests.
Blue Ivy Carter at the MTV Video Music Awards on August 28, 2016, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
For him, it’s not about passing down a career in music or sports, but ensuring his children know they can pursue any path they choose.
Blue Ivy Carter and Jay-Z during the 59th Grammy Awards on February 12, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
That said, his daughter has continued to shine alongside her mother, contributing vocals to Beyoncé’s hit song “Brown Skin Girl.” She sings on both the opening and closing of the track and even earned a writing credit for it.
Beyonce and Blue Ivy Carter pictured on the "Brown Skin Girl" music video | Source: YouTube/Beyonce
Blue Ivy Carter appears on the "Brown Skin Girl" music video | Source: YouTube/Beyonce
Blue Ivy Carter during an appearance on the "Brown Skin Girl" music video | Source: YouTube/Beyonce
A screen grab of Blue Ivy Carter on the "Brown Skin Girl" music video | Source: YouTube/Beyonce
Jay-Z, Blue Ivy Carter, and Beyonce attend the 60th Annual Grammy Awards on January 28, 2018, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Building on her early success, Blue, who also appeared alongside her mom during the “Be Alive” performance at the 94th Academy Awards, achieved another milestone at just 9 years old. She won Best Music Video for her contribution to her mother’s “Brown Skin Girl” at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.
This honor earned her a second Guinness World Record as the youngest individually credited Grammy winner. In addition, the New York native — whose father has praised her accolades — also made history as the youngest BET winner for “Brown Skin Girl.”
Jay-Z and Blue Ivy Carter tour the field before the start of Super Bowl LIV on February 2, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Florida. | Source: Getty Images
Blue’s talents go beyond music and awards. She narrated the best-selling audiobook “Hair Love” by Matthew A. Cherry. The story, written by the former professional football player, is about the bond between a Black father and his daughter as he learns to style her hair while her mother is in the hospital.
Jay-Z and Blue Ivy Carter attend a basketball game on March 8, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Blue Ivy Carter appears on the official video of Jay-Z's 2021 Rock Hall Induction | Source: YouTube/Rock&RollHallofFame
Jay-Z and Blue Ivy Carter pose for a photo during a basketball game on June 13, 2022, in San Francisco, California. | Source: Getty Images
Jay-Z and Blue Ivy Carter attend Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona. | Source: Getty Images
Blue’s creative journey now includes voice acting. In 2024, she voiced Kiara in “Mufasa: The Lion King” and attended the film’s premiere with her parents. Beyoncé celebrated the moment on Instagram, “My gorgeous baby girl. This is your night. You worked hard and you did such a beautiful job as the voice of Kiara. Your family could not be prouder. Keep shining.”
Blue’s artistic abilities reflect her mother’s influence and support. In a September 2024 interview, the singer praised her daughter’s skills in music, fashion, editing, painting, and acting.
Beyonce and Blue Ivy Carter attend the world premiere of "Mufasa: The Lion King," 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Speaking about the pre-teen’s determination, she said, “I did not want Blue onstage. Blue wanted it for herself. She took it seriously and she earned it. And most importantly, she had fun!”
Jay-Z and Blue Ivy Carter at the 66th Grammy Awards on February 4, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Blue’s dedication to performing became even more evident during Beyoncé’s 2023 “Renaissance World Tour,” where she joined her mother onstage multiple times. The songwriter shared her pride on Instagram, “My beautiful first born, I’m so proud and thankful to be your mama. You bring us so much joy, my sweet angel.”
Meanwhile, Blue’s grandmother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, who posted a video of the mother and daughter duo at a public event that same year, is just as proud of her achievements.
At the HollyRod 2023 DesignCare Gala, she applauded her granddaughter’s performance on Beyoncé’s “Renaissance World Tour,” “She is 11 years old, and she had one week to prepare, and she’s just getting better and better.”
Tina’s admiration for Blue goes beyond her performances onstage. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she reflected on the star’s birth and raved about her many talents, from singing and dancing to painting and writing. She called her granddaughter “funny and beautiful and graceful, kind, and so smart,” adding, “You truly bring me joy.”
The businesswoman also celebrated Blue’s BET win in an Instagram post, praising her wide range of talents and grounded nature. She admired Blue’s self-taught piano skills, artistic abilities, and poise on stage, calling her “cool and chill as a cucumber.”
The fashion designer also revealed another side of Blue’s creativity — her love for makeup. Despite Jay-Z’s reluctance, she enjoys buying her grandchild makeup kits for playtime. Beyoncé has shared glimpses of her daughter’s skills on social media, and Tina described her as “quite the makeup artist.”
Blue’s eye for style is matched by her carefully curated wardrobe. Her parents enlisted Manuel Mendez, formerly Beyoncé’s personal assistant, as her stylist and personal shopper.
Since she was 20 months old, Manuel has crafted some of Blue’s most memorable looks, including her outfit in Jay-Z’s “Family Feud” music video and the custom Valery Kovalska white suit she wore to the 2018 Grammys.
Blue’s connection with her stylist goes beyond fashion. In one Instagram post, he celebrated her alongside Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland, with the trio wearing matching white outfits.
In a separate post, Manuel reflected on their bond, “I watched you grow up from a tiny little person in your mother’s womb. My heart swell with pride to see the young and beautiful brown skin girl, your growing into [sic].”
Blue Ivy Carter’s achievements and talents reflect the unwavering support and love from her family, shaping her into a multifaceted young star. With her creativity, determination, and grounded nature, she continues to inspire, proving that her journey is just beginning.
