In the Beyonce Experience, she wanted a nine-piece band but was going to likely end up with a twelve-piece band, doubling up on some instruments, because of the star quality talent of the women.
Speaking about her tour and the decision to form a band, Knowles said, "I'm all about female empowerment. I said, 'I want a band, I want something different.'" I wanted only a nine-piece band, but the girls were so amazing, I couldn't decide. I think I'm going to wind up having 12 people so I have two [people playing] certain instruments, because [some of the contenders] were just brilliant. It's a thing called star quality, it's a thing you can't put your finger on, can't describe. 
