Destiny's Child: back together again

Ebony, Dec, 2004 by Lynn Norment

SOME said it would never happen, that Destiny's Child would go the way of so many legendary girl groups. But the talented combo who has sold more than 30 million records since debuting in the mid-90s, and whose three members have released successful solo projects and pursued other dreams, is back together. Some say they are even hotter, sexier, more soulful and more independent than ever.

"I'm so happy and so excited, I'm so proud of us," Beyonce Knowles says of herself and fellow Destiny's Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. "We did it! Hopefully we can set an example for other groups, for each member to record a solo project and then get back together. As an example for other Black women, to be supportive of one another, to be friends, to cut out all the cattiness and appreciate one another."

Adds Kelly: "I missed my girls. I love Beyonce and Michelle more than anything. Even if there were no Destiny's Child, we are sisters and we love one another. We have so much fun together. For three days we didn't do anything but run our mouths, and we came up with the concept for the album. We are very happy with it."

Says Michelle: "The new project is so exciting. It shows so much growth, the triumph of friendship, love and heartbreaks--together, and eventually finding love, but love through God. We grew so much while we were apart from one another. Now we are back together stronger and more confident than ever."

Destiny's Child emerged as a teen group in the 1990s and quickly conquered record charts and the hearts of millions of fans around the world. After controversy and a personnel makeover, the quartet consolidated into a powerful trio by adding newest member Michelle Williams. The group's last recording, 2001's Survivor ("Bootylicious" and "Survivor") blew up the charts, and then the prolific and talented young women each released solo projects. The three previously told EBONY that the plan was to do individual CDs and then reunite to record again as a group. Nevertheless, many fans and music insiders declared it would be the end of Destiny's Child.

Michelle Williams, a native of Rockford, III., went on to release two chart-topping gospel albums, Heart to Yours and Do You Know, and she starred on Broadway in the hit Aida. Her next project will be released in November on Mathew Knowles' Sanctuary Records with new songs from producer Percy Bady.

Kelly Rowland, who grew up partly in the Knowles family's Houston household with Beyonce, scored a big hit with her Simply Deep CD, propelled by the No. 1 duet with hip-hop star Nelly, "Dilemma," also known as the "Nelly-Kelly song." Kelly also has appeared in several movies and will co-star in a new movie, Seat Filler (with Duane Martin), due out next spring. "I was very pleased that my own record sold 1.5 million," Kelly says. "I'm very happy with it. It was a blessing to come across a song ["Dilemma"] that hits home with everyone. I was doing a radio interview when a 90-year-old woman called in and sang the Nelly-Kelly song."

Beyonce was the last of the trio to release her solo project, 2003's Dangerously In Love and, not surprisingly, it also topped the charts--and earned five Grammy Awards. Her top singles were "Crazy in Love" and "Baby Boy." She also has inspired a dance craze, and she has starred in several movies, including her role as Foxxy Cleopatra in Austin Powers in Goldmember. In addition, the singer, who says she grew up a tomboy, has evolved into a fashion icon, thanks in part to the sassy outfits styled and designed by her mother, Tina Knowles, who started styling for Destiny's Child long before the group hit the spotlight. Tina and Beyonce will launch their own clothing line, House of Dereon, in fall 2005. While recording the Destiny's Child C D, Beyonce also filmed her lead role in the Pink Panther movie, due out in 2005.

(Beyonce also says she's excited about becoming an auntie. Sister Solange's baby was due at EBONY press time.)

While the three women have been busy recording, performing and traveling the world, they have also managed to take time for themselves. Most people know that Beyonce has won the heart of rap icon Jay-Z, though neither she nor her beau says much about the relationship. At an awards show last summer, they gave each other shout-outs, and they are often seen in public arm in arm. Jay-Z has made a tradition of hosting a big birthday bash for his beloved "B."

At the same time Kelly's life is filled with romance as well. She is engaged to Roy Williams of the Dallas Cowboys. After Williams persistently pursued Kelly, he finally scored when a mutual friend invited him to the birthday party Beyonce threw for Kelly last February 11. On February 14, they had their "first real date"; he pro posed on May 14. "He's very sweet and really romantic," Kelly says. "Something in my spirit said he was the one. He's a brilliant man, a great man. I'm learning a lot from him. Love is incredible, amazing. I've never experienced anything like this before."