Kelly Rowland Playfully Calls Out Beyoncé’s “Algeb’a” Pronunciation — and Fans Love It

Kelly Rowland is proving that only a true friend — and fellow superstar — can lovingly tease Beyoncé and get away with it.

During a recent appearance on Scott Evans’ YouTube series House Guest, the “Motivation” singer shared a hilarious behind-the-scenes-style critique of her longtime friend and former Destiny's Child bandmate.

“It’s algeb’a!”

The playful moment happened when host Scott Evans read a prompt asking them to “sing your favorite love song.” Without hesitation, Evans launched into a dramatic rendition of 1+1, Beyoncé’s emotional 2011 ballad.

“I don’t know much about algebra,” Evans began — only to be quickly corrected by Rowland.

“It’s algeb’a,” she interrupted with a grin. “She doesn’t pronounce that ‘r.’”

Rowland was, of course, referencing the way Beyoncé famously sings the lyric, softening the “r” in “algebra” so it sounds more like “alge-buh.” The subtle pronunciation has long been a fan-favorite detail of the song.

As Evans tried to hold back laughter, Rowland doubled down on her affectionate callout.

“I love it. She don’t say that ‘r’ for nothing. I love it though. Am I right?”

When Evans repeated the lyric with Beyoncé’s signature pronunciation, the studio erupted in laughter.

“She Performs the Hell Out of That Song”

Despite the lighthearted jab, Rowland made it clear that her admiration for Beyoncé runs deep.

“That song is so beautiful,” she said warmly. “She performs the hell out of that song every time.”

And if anyone has earned the right to critique Queen Bey, it’s Rowland. The two spent their formative years together as members of Destiny’s Child, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, and have maintained a close friendship ever since.

“Iron Sharpens Iron”

Their bond extends beyond playful teasing. In a recent interview with Complex Music, Rowland confirmed that Beyoncé attended a show during her 2023 The Boy Is Mine tour — and even offered feedback afterward.

“Iron sharpens iron,” Rowland said. “And by the way, it’s Beyoncé. She’s f---ing brilliant, you know what I mean?”

But she emphasized that she welcomes constructive criticism from several trusted voices in her circle — not just her superstar bestie.

“I keep nothing but iron around me,” she explained. “If it’s someone whose opinion I respect and they see that I want the show to be great, they’re like, ‘Nah, we’ll help you get there.’”

Rowland admitted she wasn’t always open to feedback.

“I used to be really sensitive. And I didn’t give the space for that. Now I’m like, ‘No, give me all of it.’”

Her mindset today? Growth over comfort.

“If something can be better, yeah, why not? I don’t want to be stagnant. I don’t want to be mediocre.”

Between playful “algeb’a” corrections and powerhouse performance praise, Rowland’s comments offer a glimpse into a friendship built on honesty, respect, and a shared commitment to excellence — even when it comes to dropping the letter “r.”