LOS ANGELES, CA  [Wednesday Dec.13.2006]  /WMQT.com/ -- Beyonce Knowles plays soul sensation Deena Jones in the new movie "Dreamgirls," but the singer narrowly missed landing the role.

It wasn't her acting that was the problem, but rather the star's powerful vocals that were to blame.

Beyonce told vanity Fair, "My usual performance style - the energy and the dancing and my growling - is the complete opposite of Deena. They didn't know if I could be understated, and if I could play the part, basically. Vocally, I had to completely hold back, I had to whisper things."

When she auditioned for the part the singer said, "I was terrified, which worked out great because I was supposed to be 16 and I was nervous and I'd never done a talent show, so it helped."

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