Lucy Liu is taking a moment to look back on a lyrical shoutout that’s still standing the test of time. The actress joked she’s officially “a part of history” after Destiny’s Child name-dropped her in their 2000 anthem “Independent Women, Part 1,” which was famously part of the rollout for the blockbuster “Charlie’s Angels.”
Now, years removed from the film’s success, Liu is opening up about what it would actually take to reunite with co-stars Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz for another installment, while also teasing a mysterious new role in the upcoming “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
Liu is reflecting on the experience of being name-dropped in a chart-topping anthem.
Speaking in a recent interview with PEOPLE Magazine, the actress reflected on hearing her name in Destiny’s Child’s 2000 smash hit, which opened with Beyoncé singing, “Lucy Liu / With my girl, Drew / Cameron D. and Destiny…”
“I guess it means you’re a part of history,” Liu said of the moment, adding that the recognition still carries weight because of its connection to the film. “I think it’s incredible to have that value that was connected to ‘Charlie’s Angels.’”
The track went on to dominate the charts, spending 11 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was later included on the group’s 2001 album “Survivor.”
Liu Reflects On Boosting Asian Representation
Liu says her breakout moment in “Charlie’s Angels” helped shift how Asian actors were seen in mainstream Hollywood.
Over the years, the actress has built a wide-ranging career, with roles in “Kill Bill,” “Elementary,” and other major productions. But she points to her portrayal of Alex Munday as a defining moment, one that expanded representation in action films and beyond.
“For me, my pride is knowing that my character was able to change the visual aspect of what Americana was, and to create that image that led the way for all other people,” Liu said.
Lucy Liu Still Hears Destiny’s Child Hit In Public
Liu says the legacy of Destiny’s Child’s “Independent Women, Part 1” hasn’t faded, and she still hears it in the most unexpected places.
Reflecting on the song’s staying power, Liu shared that over the past two decades, it has continued to pop up in public settings.
“I’ve heard that song so many times in different places,” she said, though she admitted she’s never quite sure why it starts playing. “Was it already in the mix, or did someone just put that on because I happened to show up in the restaurant? I don’t know.”
Either way, the actress says the track still lands the same. “It’s such a wonderful song. And as soon as you hear the beat, you know what’s coming,” Liu added. “You get into the mode, and it kind of transports you. That’s the beauty of music.”
Liu Teases Reunion With Diaz, Barrymore
Liu says time hasn’t touched the bond she shares with her “Charlie’s Angels” co-stars Drew Barrymore and Cameron Diaz.
More than two decades after the film’s release, Liu revealed the trio is still very much in each other’s lives, recently catching up over lunch in New York. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight at the 2026 Time Women of the Year event in Los Angeles, she described the reunion as one of those rare, meaningful moments that pick up exactly where they left off.
As for whether that off-screen connection could translate into another on-screen outing, Liu isn’t shutting the door. “Let’s see,” she added. “There’s always an ellipsis.”
Lucy Liu Hints At Surprise Role In ‘Prada 2’
Liu is keeping things under wraps when it comes to her role in “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
Speaking to PEOPLE, the actress teased that her appearance in the highly anticipated sequel could best be described as a “mystery role,” noting that her absence from most trailers has only added to the intrigue.
“I think that’s what’s special about it,” Liu said. “I think everyone’s looking forward to it.”
While details remain scarce, she hinted at what audiences can expect from the film overall.
“It’s going to be highly entertaining. It’s going to give you all the things, all the eye candy, and it’s going to show that these characters have grown and changed,” she added.
