Celebrity crush

4 more reasons to love Beyoncé — including that hot GQ cover (as if you neededany convincing)

Oh, did you need more proof to convince you of Beyoncé's preternatural talent, unparalleled beauty and general grace? We didn't think so. But for naysayers and unabashed fans alike, here are four more.

The POTUS likes her

It's no secret that Bey and husband Jay-Z are supporters of President Barack Obama and admirers of his family, and clearly the feeling is mutual.

Officials announced on Wednesday that Obama personally picked Beyoncé to sing the national anthem at his inauguration ceremony on Jan. 21. Other acts include James Taylor, who will perform "America the Beautiful," and Kelly Clarkson, who will sing "My Country 'Tis of Thee."

Postpartum what? Her abs look as flat as ever

Following an Instagram leak, GQ released an official sneak peek of its February issue, set to hit stands on Jan. 22. And damn. While we know there's more than a little retouching behind this cover photo, Queen B is smoking hot. Who'd ever know that she gave birth to Blue Ivy just a year ago?

GQ says to expect more images from the shoot with Beyoncé — one of the magazine's 100 Sexiest Women of the 21st Century — on Jan. 15.

She's a "true lady"

Designer Rubin Singer dressed Beyoncé for a New Years Eve concert and later divulged to Glamour that the Houston-born pop star and her sister, Solange, are "the only celebrities that always dry clean and send clothes back in a box, with a hand-written thank you note. They are true ladies."

She plays well with others

After years of hiatus, Destiny's Child announced on Thursday that the group's first original recording in nearly a decade, "Nuclear," will be released as part of a Love Songs compilation — "[c]omprised mainly of romantic gems recorded between 1997 and 2004" — on Jan. 29.

Matthew Knowles, Beyoncé's dad and the girl group's manager, hinted at a reunion tour within the next five years. We're crossing our fingers that Bey will be reunited with Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams on stage soon.

unspecified

dancing days

Massive new country western dancehall now open in Southwest Houston

The wait for Houston’s newest destination for two stepping, boot scootin’, and line dancing has come to an end. Cowboys Red River Dance Hall and Saloon has officially opened its doors.

Located at Plazamericas, the Latin-themed shopping mall and entertainment complex in Southwest Houston (7500 Bellaire Blvd.), Cowboys Red River Dance Hall and Saloon offers almost 37,000 square feet of space, including a 2,500-square-foot “race-track” dance floor that’s designed for popular country dance styles such as two stepping and line dancing. It’s the company third location, joining a Dallas outpost that opened in 1989 and a San Antonio location that opened in 2003.

"We’re fired up to bring Cowboys Red River to Houston," said Scott Murphy, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, in a statement. "For over 30 years, we’ve been the biggest, baddest honky-tonk in Texas — the kind of place where you can hold someone close on the dance floor or raise a little hell with your buddies and feel right at home either way. Now it’s Houston’s turn. With our race-track dance floor, top-tier live acts, and that Southern hospitality we’re known for, we’re bringing a whole lot of romance, energy, and Texas-sized fun to this city. Houston, grab your boots, a couple of friends, and let’s go have a damn good time.”

In order to entertain crowds that are expected to swell to as many as 2,000 people on busy nights, Cowboys Red River will feature performances by honky-tonk band Runnin’ Behind. In addition, Cowboys Red River expects to host between 12 and 15 national touring acts in its first year.

Other amenities include 1,700 parking spots, free valet for “unescorted ladies,” pool tables, and a mechanical bull. Cowboys Red River offers special packages for birthdays, bachelorette parties, and other special occasions. It will be open Wednesday-Saturday from 7 pm until 3 am.

Photo by Shane Dante

Cowboys Red River is now open at Plazamericas.

nightlife openings cowboys red river dance hall and saloon