Once recognized by People as one of the most beautiful women in the world, Beyoncé has, of course, had many men vying for her affection. We have heard a lot of stories over the years of people who have tried dating the Dangerously in love singer – from legendary rappers to well-known singers. But did you know that Nelly would have tried too?
Coming up, learn more about his efforts and who he is with now.
How Nelly met Beyoncé
Nelly appeared to meet Beyoncé in the early 2000s through the music industry. At the time, she was part of Destiny’s Child, and he was on the verge of being successful with his first single “Country Grammar”. In 2001, he even joined his band on tour with other artists such as 3LW, Eve and Jessica Simpson.
Speaking to MTV News about the tour, Nelly reportedly said he was excited to be on the road with so many “bad ladies”. He also reportedly expressed interest in dating one of them, saying with a smile, “If it’s on and poppin ‘, then it’s on and poppin’.”
RELATED: Destiny’s Child: How Much Are the Original Members Worth Today?
Nelly would have laid eyes on Beyoncé
The Atlanta Black Star reports that over time, Nelly has “revealed her interest in the R&B diva several times in the media.”
Once he allegedly surprised Beyoncé on TRL with a meal of Popeyes – a restaurant she once told Oprah Winfrey that she “really likes”.
On another occasion, he flirted with the “Baby Boy” singer at an awards show. Both were on stage when Beyoncé mentioned all the ladies “saying her name”, to which he said lovingly to her, “Hope you can say it.”
But unfortunately for him, a relationship never seemed to come to fruition. Eventually, Beyoncé started dating Jay-Z as he moved to Ashanti, who he dated for almost a decade before they split in 2012.
RELATED: Ashanti Says She Hasn’t Talked To Nelly Since Their Separation; What caused their breakup?
Who is Nelly and Beyoncé dating now?
As many people know, Beyoncé is staying with Jay-Z, whom she married in 2008 after a six-year relationship. She and her collaborator “Bonnie & Clyde 03” are now parents of three children: Blue Ivy, 8, and twins Sir and Rumi, 3.
For her part, Nelly is dating model, actor and social influencer Shantel Jackson. The two have been together since 2014 and, according to Nelly, are working for the wedding.
“I wouldn’t want my life not to contain Shantel,” he explained in a video for Dancing with the stars, on which he competed in 2020. “We’ve seen each other for five or six years. Anytime you can connect with someone like that, it works for the long haul. She is sweet, beautiful and the more we got to know each other, she is just as beautiful on the inside.
