LOS ANGELES, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Singer Beyonce Knowles says U.S. music icon Diana Ross served as a motivational force in her preparation for the film "Dreamgirls."
The "B'Day" singer, who plays Deena Jones in the Motown-based film, told "Entertainment Tonight" that Ross served not only as an inspiration for her film role, but for female singers as well.
"She was a strong woman and an inspiration to me," Knowles said. "If it wasn't for her and the Supremes, Destiny's Child and all the other girl groups, we wouldn't have opportunities. I just hope she loves the movie."
Knowles also told "Entertainment Tonight" how she managed to lose 20 pounds with a primarily water and fish diet to make her role in the film that much more believable.
"I actually suggested for Deena to lose the weight when she grows up and she becomes a woman and a diva and a model," Knowles explained. "You think about Twiggy, and you think about Diana Ross and Cher and they were leaner and thinner back then, so I wanted to lose all traces of myself so I (wouldn't) recognize myself on screen."
