How did Beyonce keep her new Album under Wraps?

The big deal about Beyonce's supernova release is how tight it was kept. She created the ultimate standard by keeping it under wraps without gimmicks, leaks or twerking.

But how?

Well, THR has the scoop:

According to multiple executives involved with the project who spoke with Billboard under condition of anonymity, the album really started to take shape in its current form in late October, as Beyonce started narrowing down songs that fit the more minimalist approach. Previously previewed songs “Grown Woman” (featured in a Pepsi commercial) and “Standing On The Sun” (featured in an H&M spot) were soon removed from the track list, though “Grown Woman” is featured as a bonus video-only cut. Beyonce was still working on the vocals and production until the week of Thanksgiving, before producers started being notified of their final cuts. 

Then late last week, final meetings were held with Columbia, Parkwood (Beyonce’s management company) and iTunes to finalize plans for the album, which was code-named “Lily” to avoid leaks. Another final meeting announcing the album to employees and producers was held at Columbia yesterday, Dec. 12. Only the most senior executives at iTunes, the album’s exclusive distributor until a planned physical release on Dec. 21, were clued in on the plans.

Cute. I mean, she shut everything down. I hope Gaga, Britney, Miley, Madonna, and Mariah paid attention, because Beyonce just took throne.