Beyonce has been getting a lot of press from the tabloids for her recent weight gain after her marriage to Jay-Z. But unlike the majority of newlyweds, the weight gain is not due to “letting herself go” it’s all part of the dedication Beyonce has to her film role in Cadillac Records where she plays blues singer Etta James. Beyonce was asked to gain twenty lbs. for the role as James and to also attend drug addict counseling sessions to understand James’ real-life past addiction to drugs.

Beyonce states “I was really afraid. I didn’t know what I would see, because I’d never seen anything like that. I didn’t want to ask questions that were inappropriate, but (the people there) were very open and I have a new understanding. I never judge, but I just didn’t understand how, if you had children and so many things to lose, you could be so deep into your addiction that you just let all of that go.”

Cadillac Records is a period piece that chronicles the rise and fall of Chess Records which included a roster of artists such as Chuck Berry, played by Mos Def, and Etta James. Movie also stars Gabrielle Union, Adrien Brody and Jeffrey Wright. It is due for a 2009 release.

• New movie posters to “Cadillac Records” & “Seven Pounds”
• First official photos of Mos Def & Beyonce in “Cadillac Records”
• Video: New trailer to Beyonce’s “Cadillac Records”
• Album cover to “Cadillac Records” movie w/ Beyonce