Kelly Rowland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kelly Rowland
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Rowland at the Moonfall film premiere in 2022
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| Born |
Kelendria Trene Rowland
February 11, 1981 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
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| Education | Alief Elsik High School Lamar High School Westfield High School |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1992–present |
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Works
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| Television |
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| Spouse(s) |
Tim Weatherspoon
(m. 2014) |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | Full list |
| Musical career | |
| Origin | Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Labels | |
| Signature | |
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Kelendria Trene Rowland (born February 11, 1981) is an American singer, actress, and TV star. She became famous in the late 1990s as a member of Destiny's Child. This group was one of the world's top-selling girl groups.
During a break from the group, Kelly released her first solo album, Simply Deep (2002). It reached number one in the UK and sold over 3 million copies. The album featured the hit song "Dilemma" with Nelly, which was number one in the US. She also started acting in movies like Freddy vs. Jason (2003).
After Destiny's Child broke up in 2006, Kelly released her second album, Ms. Kelly (2007). This album included popular songs like "Like This" and "Work". She also hosted The Fashion Show and sang on David Guetta's worldwide hit "When Love Takes Over". This song inspired her to explore dance music on her third album, Here I Am (2011). This album had hits like "Commander" and "Motivation".
Kelly has also been a judge on TV shows like The X Factor UK (2011) and The X Factor USA (2013). She later became a coach on The Voice Australia (2017–2020). She helped form successful girl groups like Little Mix and June's Diary.
Kelly Rowland has sold over 40 million records as a solo artist. With Destiny's Child, she sold an estimated 60 million more. She has won many awards, including five Grammy Awards. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with Destiny's Child.
Contents
- Early Life and Music Beginnings
- Rise to Fame with Destiny's Child
- Solo Career and Acting
- Ms. Kelly and New Beginnings
- Here I Am and TV Judging
- Talk a Good Game and More TV
- The Voice Australia and Recent Work
- Personal Life
- Musical Style and Influences
- Other Ventures
- Philanthropy and Charity Work
- Awards and Achievements
- Discography
- Filmography
- Model and Testimonial Work
- Books
- Tours
- Images for kids
- See also
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Kelly Rowland was born on February 11, 1981, in Atlanta, Georgia. Her parents are Doris Rowland-Garrison and Christopher Lovett. She has an older brother named Orlando. When Kelly was six, her mother left her father. Kelly moved with her mother.
When Kelly was about seven or eight, her family moved to Houston, Texas. She later lived with her friend Beyoncé and her family. Kelly called Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles, "Mama T."
In the early 1990s, Kelly joined Beyoncé, Tamar Davis, and LaTavia Roberson in a girl group called Girl's Tyme. They appeared on a TV talent show called Star Search but did not win. Beyoncé's father, Mathew Knowles, became their manager. He made the group smaller and added LeToya Luckett.
In 1995, they signed with Elektra Records, but the deal ended quickly. The group changed names several times, including the Dolls and Cliché. Finally, they chose the name Destiny's Child. They signed with Columbia Records and performed as opening acts for other R&B groups.
Rise to Fame with Destiny's Child
The group officially became Destiny's Child in 1997. Their name came from a passage in the Bible. That same year, they recorded their first major song, "Killing Time." It was for the movie soundtrack of Men in Black.
Later in 1997, they released their first single, "No, No, No." Their first album, Destiny's Child, came out in 1998. It helped them become known in the music world. They won three Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards.
Breakthrough Success
Destiny's Child became very famous with their second album, The Writing's on the Wall, in 1999. This album sold many copies and featured some of their most well-known songs. These included "Bills, Bills, Bills", "Jumpin' Jumpin'", and "Say My Name". "Say My Name" became their biggest hit at the time. It won two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song. The Writing's on the Wall sold over 15 million copies worldwide.
The group faced some challenges with lawsuits from former members. However, the new lineup, including Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin, continued. Franklin later left the group. The remaining trio released "Independent Women Part I" for the Charlie's Angels movie soundtrack in 2000. This song was a massive hit, staying at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for eleven weeks. This success made the new lineup even more popular.
Survivor and Group Hiatus
While working on their third album, Survivor, Kelly Rowland sang on a remix of Avant's song "Separated." The album Survivor was released in May 2001. It debuted at number one in the US, selling 663,000 copies in its first week. Survivor has sold over twelve million copies worldwide.
Before releasing their remix album This Is the Remix in 2002, the group announced a temporary break. This break allowed each member to work on solo projects.
Solo Career and Acting
In 2002, Kelly Rowland was featured on Nelly's song "Dilemma." This song became a huge hit, topping charts around the world. It was Kelly's first number-one song as a solo artist. It sold over 7.6 million copies worldwide. This success showed that Kelly was a strong artist on her own.
Kelly's first solo album, Simply Deep, came out on October 22, 2002. It mixed different music styles, including a bit of rock. The album reached number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart in the US. It sold 602,000 copies in the US, making it her best-selling album there. Internationally, Simply Deep was even more successful. It topped the UK Albums Chart and sold 2.5 million copies worldwide. The album included the popular songs "Stole" and "Can't Nobody".
Kelly also started acting in 2002. She had a role in the TV show The Hughleys. The next year, she appeared in Eve and American Dreams. In August 2003, Kelly made her big movie debut in the horror film Freddy vs. Jason. She played Kia Waterson, and the movie earned $114.5 million worldwide.
In July 2005, Kelly starred in the romantic comedy The Seat Filler. She played Jhnelle, a pop star who falls for a man she thinks is a lawyer. The movie earned $17.9 million worldwide.
Destiny's Child Reunion and Farewell
After a three-year break, Kelly rejoined Beyoncé and Michelle Williams for Destiny's Child's final album, Destiny Fulfilled. It was released on November 15, 2004. The album reached number two on the Billboard 200. It had hit singles like "Lose My Breath" and "Soldier".
In 2005, Destiny's Child went on a worldwide concert tour called Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It. During their last show in Barcelona, Spain, Kelly announced that the group would break up after the tour. Destiny's Child released their greatest hits album, Number 1's, in October 2005. It reached number one on the Billboard 200. On March 28, 2006, Destiny's Child received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Kelly and Beyoncé started the Survivor Foundation. This charity helped victims of the storm in Houston, Texas, by providing temporary housing. Kelly also returned to TV in 2006, playing Tammy Hamilton in the show Girlfriends.
Ms. Kelly and New Beginnings
In June 2007, Kelly Rowland went on the Ms. Kelly Tour to promote her second solo album, Ms. Kelly. The album was released on July 3, 2007. It debuted at number six on the Billboard 200 and number two on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Ms. Kelly included the UK top-five hit "Like This" and the international hit "Work".
In 2007, Kelly supported Breast Cancer Awareness and AIDS Awareness. She signed brushes for auction and helped design a Nike sneaker. In October 2007, she auditioned for a role in the Sex and the City film but didn't get the part. Later that year, she appeared as a choirmaster on the TV show Clash of the Choirs.
MTV Ambassador and Management Change
In 2008, Kelly became an ambassador for MTV's Staying Alive Foundation. This foundation works to reduce the stigma against people with HIV and AIDS. She visited projects in Africa to promote the charity. In 2009, she worked with MTV to encourage young people to volunteer. She also led a bone marrow drive and designed T-shirts for charity.
In January 2009, Kelly ended her professional relationship with Mathew Knowles, who had managed her since Destiny's Child. Two months later, she left Columbia Records. She later signed with Universal Motown Records.
In April 2009, Kelly was featured on David Guetta's song "When Love Takes Over." This song was a huge success, topping charts in many European countries. It sold over 5.5 million copies worldwide and was nominated for a Grammy Award. Billboard magazine called it the number one dance-pop collaboration ever. In May 2009, Kelly hosted the first season of The Fashion Show on Bravo.
Here I Am and TV Judging
In 2010, Kelly Rowland started I Heart My Girlfriends. This charity focuses on self-esteem, community service, and education for girls. In April 2010, she toured Australia for the Supafest festival. Her song "Everywhere You Go" was released as the theme song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. In October 2010, she was honored by ASCAP for her contributions to music.
In January 2011, Kelly reunited with Nelly on "Gone," a follow-up to "Dilemma." In April 2011, she appeared on Italian DJ Alex Gaudino's song "What a Feeling," which was another UK top-ten hit. Around this time, her boyfriend (and future husband), Tim Weatherspoon, became her manager.
Here I Am Album
Kelly's third album, Here I Am, was released on July 26, 2011. It sold 77,000 copies in its first week and debuted at the top of the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album's lead single, "Commander," was a top-ten hit in Europe. It also included the successful song "Motivation" with Lil Wayne. "Motivation" was number one on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for seven weeks and won Song of the Year at the Soul Train Music Awards.
Kelly was also the face of Diddy's Empress perfume and an ambassador for TW Steel watches. Her second compilation album, Playlist: the Very Best of Kelly Rowland, was released in October 2011.
The X Factor UK
Later in 2011, Kelly was confirmed as a judge for the eighth season of The X Factor UK. She joined Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow, and Tulisa Contostavlos. Kelly's team of "Girls" finalists, including Amelia Lily, finished in third place. She is also credited with forming the girl group Little Mix. Kelly did not return for the next season due to scheduling conflicts.
In February 2012, Essence magazine honored Kelly for her contributions to music. In April 2012, she toured Australia again for Supafest. That same month, she appeared in the romantic comedy movie Think Like a Man, which earned $91.5 million.
In June 2012, Kelly became the face of the rum brand Bacardi. In August 2012, she was a dance master on the Australian TV show Everybody Dance Now with Jason Derulo. The show was canceled after four episodes.
Talk a Good Game and More TV
In January 2013, Destiny's Child released a new song called "Nuclear" on their compilation album Love Songs. In February 2013, Kelly co-hosted the pre-show for the 85th Academy Awards.
In May 2013, it was announced that Kelly would be a judge on The X Factor USA for its third and final season. She joined Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, and Paulina Rubio. Kelly's contestants from the "Over 25s" category, including Jeff Gutt, finished as the runner-up.
Kelly went on the Lights Out Tour to promote her fourth album, Talk a Good Game. The album was released on June 18, 2013. It debuted at number four on the Billboard 200, becoming her third top-ten album in the US. The album's lead single, "Kisses Down Low," sold over 500,000 copies. The second single was "Dirty Laundry." In December 2013, Kelly appeared in Beyoncé's music videos for "Grown Woman" and "Superpower."
New Music and Collaborations
In March 2014, Kelly became a spokesperson for the cosmetic company Caress. She also announced that she had started recording her fifth album. She said the new music was influenced by singers like Diana Ross. Kelly also left Republic Records for a "fresh, new start."
In June 2014, Kelly and Beyoncé were featured on Michelle Williams' song "Say Yes." Kelly's song "The Game" was included on Pepsi's album for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. She also sang on songs by Adrian Marcel, Beau Vallis, and Tank.
The Voice Australia and Recent Work
In August 2015, Kelly was featured on Jacob Whitesides' song "I Know What You Did Last Summer." She also had a recurring role as Leah Walker, Lucious Lyon's mother, in the TV series Empire. She recorded a song for the show called "Mona Lisa." In October 2015, Kelly released a new song called "Dumb."
Kelly was part of a charity single called "This Is For My Girls," released on March 15, 2016. It was put together by US First Lady Michelle Obama to support the Let Girls Learn initiative. This initiative helps girls around the world get an education. The next month, Kelly hosted BET's documentary series Chasing Destiny. In this show, she searched for members for a new all-female group, which became June's Diary.
On December 24, 2016, it was announced that Kelly would be a coach on the sixth season of The Voice Australia. She played Margot Scotts in the TV movie Love By the 10th Date, which aired in January 2017. On April 11, 2017, Kelly released her first book, Whoa, Baby!: A Guide for New Moms.
In August 2017, Kelly joined Jennifer Hudson as an advisor on the thirteenth season of The Voice US. In April 2018, Kelly reunited with Beyoncé and Michelle Williams during Beyoncé's performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. In the seventh season of The Voice Australia, Kelly became the winning coach with her act Sam Perry.
Acting and New Music
In September 2018, BET announced that Kelly would play Gladys Knight in the series American Soul. She released a new single, "Kelly," on November 22, 2018. In February 2019, American Soul received positive reviews. On February 6, Kelly released a second single called "Crown" with a music video in partnership with Dove.
In May 2019, she was featured on Ciara's song "Girl Gang." On May 18, Kelly released an EP called The Kelly Rowland Edition. She continued her work on The Voice Australia and appeared in TV shows like L.A.'s Finest and A Black Lady Sketch Show. She also starred in and produced the Christmas movie Merry Liddle Christmas in December 2019. For the movie, she released the song "Love You More at Christmas Time."
On April 17, 2020, Kelly released a single called "Coffee." On May 6, 2020, she announced that she signed a management deal with Roc Nation. This meant her husband would no longer be her manager. In the ninth season of The Voice Australia, she won for the second time with her act Chris Sebastian.
Recent Projects
Kelly made a cameo in Beyoncé's Disney+ musical film Black Is King, released on July 31, 2020. She also appeared in the movie Bad Hair in October 2020. She recorded three songs for the movie's soundtrack. That same month, she released her second single of the year, "Crazy."
As part of the NFL's Songs of the Season campaign, Kelly released another single called "Hitman" in November 2020. She continued acting, starring in Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding, a sequel to her previous Christmas movie. She also recorded a cover of "We Need a Little Christmas" to promote the film.
To celebrate her fortieth birthday, Kelly released the song "Black Magic" on February 12, 2021. Her sons, Titan and Noah, appeared in the music video. On February 19, Kelly's EP, K, was released. In November 2021, she released a cover of "Wonderful Time" for her third holiday movie, Merry Liddle Christmas Baby.
In November 2022, Kelly starred in the Paramount+ film Fantasy Football. On February 26, 2023, she performed at the Domain Dance Party for WorldPride Sydney 2023. On June 3, 2023, she headlined the English Mighty Hoopla music festival in London. Kelly also starred in Tyler Perry's Netflix legal drama, Mea Culpa, released on February 23, 2024.
Personal Life
In December 2013, Kelly Rowland announced her engagement to Tim Weatherspoon. They started dating around 2009. They first met in the early 2000s through Kelly's Destiny's Child bandmate Michelle Williams.
They got married in Costa Rica on May 9, 2014. They have two sons, born in 2014 and 2021. In June 2020, Kelly shared that she had reconnected with her father, Christopher Lovett, after being apart for some time.
Musical Style and Influences
Kelly Rowland has a three-octave lyric mezzo-soprano voice. Her music includes various styles like R&B, pop, hip hop, soul, rock, and dance. Her first solo album, Simply Deep (2002), had an alternative rock sound. Her second album, Ms. Kelly (2007), focused more on R&B and hip hop. Kelly has said that she struggled to find her own sound with her first two albums.
Her third album, Here I Am (2011), mixed pop and R&B with some dance influences. Kelly stated that meeting David Guetta inspired her to make dance music. She wanted to try something different and not be afraid of new directions.
The songs on Simply Deep (2002) often talk about love and life experiences. For example, "Dilemma" is about endless love. "Stole" tells an emotional story about school shootings. On Ms. Kelly (2007), Kelly sang about personal relationship issues.
Inspirations
Kelly Rowland has said that Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson are her biggest musical influences. She credits Houston for inspiring her to sing. Kelly is also inspired by Sade Adu, admiring her unique style. Other inspirations include Martin Luther King Jr., Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Naomi Campbell, and Oprah Winfrey. She describes Oprah as "the female version of God."
For her second album, Ms. Kelly, Kelly was inspired by the vocals of Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, and Brandy. Her third album, Here I Am, was inspired by Donna Summer and Diana Ross, as well as producer will.i.am. Kelly's fourth album, Talk a Good Game, was also inspired by Houston, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder.
Other Ventures
Film and Television Career
Kelly Rowland started acting with a guest role on the sitcom The Hughleys in 2002. She also appeared in other TV shows like Eve (2003) and Girlfriends (2006). In Girlfriends, she played Tammy Hamilton, an ambitious apprentice.
In 2002, Kelly was cast in her first major movie, the horror film Freddy vs. Jason. She played Kia Waterson, the best friend of the main character. The movie was released on August 15, 2003. It was a financial success, earning $114.3 million worldwide.
The next year, Kelly had a lead role in the romantic comedy The Seat Filler. She starred alongside Duane Martin and Shemar Moore. The film was produced by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. It was released in 2005 and earned $10.2 million. Kelly played a pop star who falls for a man she thinks is a lawyer.
In 2007, Kelly auditioned for a role in the Sex and the City film but didn't get it. In the fall of 2007, she appeared as a choirmaster on the NBC reality show Clash of the Choirs. In 2009, she hosted The Fashion Show on Bravo.
On May 30, 2011, Kelly was confirmed as a judge for the eighth season of The X Factor in the UK. She also had a supporting role in the movie Think Like a Man (2012). On April 30, 2012, Kelly announced she was leaving The X Factor UK due to scheduling conflicts. She won awards for her TV personality role on the show. In August 2012, Kelly became a dance master on the Australian show Everybody Dance Now, but the show was canceled.
Philanthropy and Charity Work
Kelly Rowland and the Knowles family created the Survivor Foundation. This charity helped victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 by providing temporary housing in Houston, Texas. The foundation expanded the work of the Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth, a community center in Houston. In 2005, Kelly also contributed to The Katrina CD album, with proceeds going to a charity called Recording Artists for Hope.
In 2006, Kelly joined other artists like Pink and Avril Lavigne in ads for the ALDO Fights AIDS campaign. This campaign supported the YouthAIDS initiative. In 2007, Kelly signed pink brushes for an eBay auction to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness. She also teamed up with Kanye West, Nelly Furtado, and Snoop Dogg to design a Nike sneaker for another eBay auction, with all proceeds going to AIDS Awareness.
In 2008, Kelly became an ambassador for MTV's Staying Alive Foundation. This foundation works to reduce discrimination against people with HIV and AIDS. She visited projects in Africa to promote the charity. In March 2009, she led a bone marrow drive. Kelly also planned a new charity called I Heart My Girlfriends, which would support teenage girls.
In 2009, Kelly worked with Serve.MTV.com to connect young people with volunteer opportunities. She encouraged young people to get involved in community service. Also in 2009, Kelly, Alesha Dixon, and Pixie Lott created T-shirts for River Island to help The Prince's Trust. In March 2010, Kelly officially launched her I Heart My Girlfriends charity. It focuses on self-esteem, community service, and education.
Awards and Achievements
As a solo artist, Kelly Rowland has sold over 40 million records worldwide. She has had number-one songs on several charts in the United States. These include one on the Billboard Hot 100, two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and three on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart. In the UK, she has had nine top-ten songs.
Kelly has won 19 awards from 54 nominations. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as a member of Destiny's Child. She has won four Grammy Awards from 17 nominations. She has been honored by ASCAP and Essence magazine for her music.
In 2003, Kelly received eight nominations and won five awards for her song "Dilemma" with Nelly. With "Dilemma," Kelly became the first Destiny's Child member to have a number-one song on the Billboard Hot 100 and worldwide. She also won a Grammy Award as a solo artist. "Dilemma" was the 22nd best-selling single of the 2000s in the UK.
Kelly's second worldwide hit, "When Love Takes Over" with David Guetta, received ten nominations and won two awards. The song's Electro Extended Mix won a Grammy Award for Best Remixed Recording. Other songs by Kelly that have been nominated or won awards include "Commander" and "Motivation."
Entertainment Weekly named "Commander" the number-one summer song of 2010. Fitness Magazine also listed it as one of the top 100 workout songs of 2010.
Kelly Rowland was named Ultimate TV Personality at the 2011 Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women of the Year Awards. She also won TV Personality of the Year at the 2012 Glamour Women of the Year Awards. In 2012, Glamour named her one of the Best Dressed Women in entertainment. In 2020, Kelly won an NAACP Image Award for her role as Gladys Knight in the TV series American Soul.
Discography
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Studio albums
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with Destiny's Child
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Filmography
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Model and Testimonial Work
- Testimonial for McDonald's (with Destiny's Child, 2004)
- Testimonial for Walmart (with Destiny's Child, 2005)
- Testimonial for Empress (2011)
- Creator of a line of wristwatches with "TW Steel" (2012)
- Model for Jaguar Cars (2013)
- Testimonial for Mercedes-Benz (2014, 2019)
- Model for Caress (2014)
- Testimonial and creator of a glasses line for Smoke + Mirrors (2018)
- Testimonial and designer of a gym dress line for Fabletics (2019-2020)
- Campaign #MyHairMyCrown with the music video of "Crown" for Dove (2019)
- Testimonial and model for a JustFab capsule collection (2020–present)
- Campaign for Oral-B (2020)
- Testimonial #BlackMaternalHealth for BabyDove (2022)
- Testimonial for Black Beauty is Beauty campaign for Sephora (2022)
- Testimonial #EmbraceYOU campaign for Vaseline (2022)
- Testimonial #Silk (2022)
- Testimonial #Airborne (2022–23)
- Testimonial #FamilyGuard (2023)
Books
- Whoa, Baby!: A Guide for New Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed and Freaked Out (and Wonder What the #*$& Just Happened) (2017)
- Always With You, Always With Me (2022)
Tours
- Headlining
- 2003: Simply Deeper Tour
- 2007: Ms. Kelly Tour
- 2013: Lights Out Tour
- Supporting
- 2010: Supafest (Australia)
- 2011: F.A.M.E. Tour (North America)
- 2012: Supafest (Australia)
- 2017: RNB Fridays Live (Australia)
- 2023: Fridays Live (Australia)
Images for kids
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Kelly Rowland on the red carpet at MTV Asia Awards 2006 in Bangkok, Thailand.
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David Guetta and Rowland performing at the Orange Rockcorps in London in 2009.
See also
In Spanish: Kelly Rowland para niños
- List of best-selling singles
- List of artists who reached number one in the United States
