BeyoncĂ© Knowles could have nabbed an Oscar nomination as Best Supporting Actress. That’s how good she is playing it all sexy, sassy and druggy as Etta James, the R&B singer who found the soul in songs like “At Last.” Too bad for Knowles that she’s only part of Darnell Martin’s rushed mess of a movie that jams the story of Chicago-based Chess Records into one incoherent package. Adrien Brody plays Leonard Chess, who started the company in the 1950s with his brother Phil (we hardly see him) to record great blues artists and pay them with Caddys. There’s Jeffrey Wright as Muddy Waters, Eamonn Walker’s as Howlin’ Wolf, and a lively Mos Def as Chuck Berry. It’s all a blur, except for the music. That’s workin’.

Beyonce’s cover of Etta James’ “At Last” will lead the soundtrack for “Cadillac Records,” due Dec. 2 from Columbia. Beyonce stars as James in the film, which chronicles the rise and fall of iconic label Chess Records.

“I realized that Etta James was so unapologetic, bold and strong that playing her was a big risk for me,” Beyonce recently told Billboard of the experience. “It gave me the confidence and the push to challenge myself a little more with my music.”

The soundtrack, which will be available in both single- and double-disc editions, also includes tracks from Mos Def (portraying Chuck Berry), Jeffrey Wright (as Muddy Waters), Columbus Short (as Little Walter) and Eamonn Walker (as Howlin’ Wolf).

Raphael Saadiq, Beyonce’s sister Solange, Mary Mary, Nas, Buddy Guy and Elvis Presley also have songs on the album.

“Cadillac Records” opens Dec. 5 in U.S. theaters. “People will be most surprised that the glamorous Beyonce allowed herself to be seen in the desperate straits that Etta went through, including her heroin addiction,” says Sony BMG Music Entertainment chairman Andrew Lack, who produced “Cadillac Records” with Sony BMG Films executive VP Sophia Sondervan. “That’s a Beyonce I don’t think anyone’s seen yet.”

Continue reading for tracklisting.

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B was at Bloomingdale’s on Wednesday to promote Cadillac Records as well as the new line of dresses by House of Dereon inspired by the film. Check out pictures of the event in the gallery! Beyonce looks amazing as usual!

Beyoncé wants to see YOU up close and personal at Bloomingdales. This Tuesday, October 28th, in celebration of her new film, Cadillac Records, Beyoncé and Tina Knowles are both coming to Bloomingdales on 59th street at 6pm.
Be one of the first to buy a dress from their House of Deréon Dress collection and you’ll receive an exclusive autographed copy of the Cadillac Records soundtrack featuring Beyoncé 4 weeks before the release of the album!

When you arrive at Bloomingdale’s enter for your chance to experience the lights, camera & action of the red carpet at the Cadillac Records movie premiere on December 1st, 2008!

Receive star treatment as you and your guest are chauffeured to the event in high style, mingling among the celebrities, and VIP guests. The winner will also receive a complimentary dress from the House of Deréon collection to wear to the event.

So, this is your personal invitation to come and join Beyoncé and Tina Knowles this Tuesday at 6pm at Bloomingdales on 59th .

Cadillac Records Soundtrack in stores December 2.

CD’s available while supplies last. No purchase necessary to enter the sweepstakes, only one entry per person, see sales associates on floor for details.

Event is Courtesy of House of Deréon, Music World, Bloomingdales, Sony Music Film & Tri Star.

Thanks to the Beyonce Network here’s the first official trailer for Beyonce’s new movie: Cadillac Records where she portrays Etta James! Watch below.

I’ve added a few stills from Beyonce’s upcoming film: ‘Cadillac Records’ in which she plays Etta James. It’s amazing how alike they look! Check them out!