Beyonce Knowles - Knowles' Fears Over Playing James

BEYONCE KNOWLES is convinced she took a huge risk by playing the lead role in new film CADILLAC RECORDS.

The Crazy In Love hitmaker stars as iconic singer Etta James in the movie, which documents the history of one of America's most famous record labels.

And Knowles feared she would ruin her 'good girl' image by playing James, who battled numerous drug addictions throughout her life.

But the singer is delighted with the end result, insisting the role has actually had a positive effect on her.

She tells Billboard magazine: "I realised that Etta James was so unapologetic, bold and strong that playing her was a big risk for me. It gave me the confidence and the push to challenge myself a little more with my music"