Michelle Williams (singer)

Tenetria Michelle Williams (born July 24, 1980 in Rockford, Illinois) is one-third of the R&B music group Destiny's Child. She is also a gospel music singer and Broadway actress.

Biography

Raised in a Christian-based family, Williams learned to sing in her church's choir. She later sang in a musical quartet with sister Cameron. After attending Auburn High School, she pursued a degree in criminal justice at Illinois State University while singing back-up for R&B star Monica. It was then that she gained the opportunity to sing for Destiny's Child.

Related Topics:
Christian - Choir - Quartet - Auburn High School - Criminal justice - Illinois State University - R&B - Monica

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Williams officially joined the group in February 2000, after much-publicized turmoil. Afterwards, Destiny's Child shot to superstardom with the 11-week Billboard #1 hit, "Independent Women, Part 1", featured in Destiny's Child's third album, Survivor, as well as the Charlie's Angels soundtrack.

Related Topics:
February - 2000 - Billboard - Survivor - Charlie's Angels

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After three other Top 10 hits, the group separated to pursue solo endeavors. It was then that Williams released her first Gospel album, Heart to Yours, which shot up to #1 on the Billboard Gospel charts and became the best-selling gospel album of 2002; she then broke into acting with her starring role in the Broadway hit, Aida, replacing R&B singer Toni Braxton.

Related Topics:
Gospel - 2002 - Broadway - Aida - Toni Braxton

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With three years of solo endeavors pocketed, Williams rejoined Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland for Destiny's Child's fourth (and final) studio album, Destiny Fulfilled, released November 2004. The album hit #2 on the Billboard 200. Williams and the other two-thirds of Destiny's Child embarked on a European and American tour sponsored by McDonald's titled, Destiny Fulfilled and Lovin' It, in 2005. Shortly before the end of the tour, the members of Destiny's Child announced their breakup.

Related Topics:
Kelly Rowland - Destiny Fulfilled - November - 2004 - Billboard 200 - Europe - American - McDonald's - 2005

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Williams recently signed a deal to endorse and appear in commercials for The Gap. In addition, her manager Mathew Knowles confirmed that she is due to start working on her 3rd studio album which may see Michelle venture away from her previous Gospel material and head along a more commercial R&B route,a direction which she has experienced successfully throughout her time as a 3rd of Destiny's Child.

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