Michelle Williams (singer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Michelle Williams
Williams in 2015
Born	Tenitra Michelle Williams (1979-07-23) July 23, 1979 (age 46) Rockford, Illinois, U.S.
Education	Auburn High School Illinois State University
Occupation	Singer actress podcaster
Years active	1999–present
Notable work	Solo discography Works with Destiny's Child
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Genres	R&B soul pop gospel
Instruments	Vocals
Labels	Columbia Music World Entertainment E1 Light

Tenitra Michelle Williams (born July 23, 1979) is a famous American singer and actress. She became well-known in the early 2000s as part of the R&B girl group Destiny's Child. This group is one of the best-selling female groups ever, selling over 100 million records worldwide. While with Destiny's Child, she won a Grammy Award and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

During a break from the group (2001-2003), Michelle released her first solo album, Heart to Yours (2002). This album became number one on the US gospel album chart. In 2002, Billboard magazine named her one of the top gospel artists. She also won a MOBO Award for "Best Gospel Act."

After this, she released her second solo album, Do You Know (2004). After Destiny's Child broke up in 2006, Michelle released her first pop album, Unexpected (2008). This album included the popular songs "We Break the Dawn" and "The Greatest," which hit number one on the US Dance charts.

Her fourth album, Journey to Freedom (2014), was very successful. It included the songs "If We Had Your Eyes" and "Say Yes." "Say Yes" was number one on the US Hot Gospel Songs chart for seven weeks. It also won a Stellar Award for Music Video of the Year.

Michelle Williams is also an actress. She has appeared in TV shows and on Broadway and West End theatre stages. She made her Broadway debut in Aida (2003). She has also starred in the TV show Half & Half (2006) and musicals like The Color Purple (2007) and Chicago (2009–10). In 2024, she joined the Broadway show Death Becomes Her.

She was a judge on MTV's Top Pop Group and competed on Strictly Come Dancing in the UK. Michelle has also appeared on the American, British, and Australian versions of The Masked Singer.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Tenitra Michelle Williams was born in Rockford, Illinois, on July 23, 1979. Her parents are Anita and Dennis Williams III. She has three siblings: Erron, Cameron, and Danielle. Michelle started singing at age seven, performing a hymn called "Blessed Assurance" at her church. She later sang in gospel groups named United Harmony and Chosen Expression.

Michelle graduated from Rockford Auburn High School in 1997. After high school, she studied criminal justice at Illinois State University. She wasn't sure if she could make a living as a singer. After two years of college, she left to follow her dream of a music career. She started as a backing singer for other artists, like Monica.

Career Highlights

Joining Destiny's Child and Solo Debut

In late 1999, Michelle Williams met Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child. A choreographer who knew Michelle connected her with the group. In early 2000, Michelle and Farrah Franklin officially joined Destiny's Child. They replaced previous members LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson.

Michelle and Farrah appeared in the music video for "Say My Name." Farrah left the group after five months. With the new lineup of Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michelle, the group released "Independent Women Part I." This song was on the soundtrack for the 2000 movie Charlie's Angels. It became their biggest hit, staying at number one on the US charts for eleven weeks. This success made the new trio very famous.

In May 2001, Destiny's Child released their third album, Survivor. It debuted at number one in the US and sold over twelve million copies worldwide. The album had other number-one hits like "Bootylicious" and "Survivor." "Survivor" won the group a Grammy Award. In October 2001, they released a holiday album, 8 Days of Christmas. The group then announced a temporary break to work on solo projects.

While still with Destiny's Child, Michelle worked on her first solo album, Heart to Yours. This album featured collaborations with gospel artists like Shirley Caesar and Mary Mary. Michelle explained that she wanted to do gospel music because it was in her heart, not just because it was popular. The album was released on April 16, 2002. Michelle was the first Destiny's Child member to release solo music.

Heart to Yours sold 20,000 copies in its first week. It reached number one on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. It became one of the best-selling gospel albums of 2002. Michelle won a MOBO Award for "Best Gospel Act" for this album. Billboard also named her the fifth Top Gospel Artist of 2002.

In August 2002, Michelle went on her first solo tour to promote Heart to Yours. In 2003, she made her acting debut on Broadway. She played the main role of Aida in the musical Aida, which had music by Elton John. She was the first Destiny's Child member to act on Broadway.

Destiny's Child Reunion and More Acting

While her bandmates released their solo albums, Michelle recorded her second album, Do You Know. It was released in January 2004 and reached number two on the Top Gospel Albums chart. Critics praised Michelle's songwriting on this album.

After a three-year break, Destiny's Child reunited for their album Destiny Fulfilled, released in November 2004. It reached number two on the Billboard 200. The album included hit singles like "Lose My Breath" and "Soldier." The group went on a world tour in 2005 called Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It. During this tour, they announced they would break up after their final shows.

Destiny's Child performing during their farewell concert tour, Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It, 2005

In October 2005, the group released a greatest hits album, #1's. It included their most successful songs and three new tracks, like their final single "Stand Up for Love." In March 2006, Destiny's Child received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They were recognized as the world's best-selling female group of all time.

After Destiny's Child broke up in early 2006, Michelle made her TV acting debut in the comedy Half & Half. She played Naomi, a record company executive. Later that year, she appeared on the TV show Celebrity Duets. In April 2007, Michelle joined Oprah Winfrey's cast of the musical The Color Purple for its national tour. She played the role of Shug Avery and received good reviews.

Pop Music and Broadway Success

Michelle at the Rye Playland, 2008

In March 2008, Michelle announced her third album, Unexpected. This album was a change from gospel music to pop/R&B. In June 2008, she released the first song from the album, "We Break the Dawn." Critics loved it, calling it a "terrific fusion of European disco and American R&B." The song became very successful, reaching number four on the US Hot Dance Club Play chart.

In September 2008, "The Greatest" was released as the second single. It became Michelle's second number-one hit on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart. Unexpected was released in October 2008. It debuted at number 42 on the US Billboard 200 albums chart.

In July 2009, Michelle began performing in the musical Chicago in London's West End theatre. She was the first African-American woman to play the role of Roxie Hart in that production. Her performances were so popular that her run was extended. In January 2010, Michelle started a new run in Chicago on Broadway in New York City.

In August 2010, Michelle joined Strictly Come Dancing, a popular British TV dance competition. She competed for seven weeks. In December 2010, Michelle co-hosted a radio show in London. She also released a free song called "Stay for a Minute" for her fans.

New Music and Reality TV

Williams at the 2012 Drama League Benefit Gala in February 2012

In February 2011, Michelle toured in the stage play What My Husband Doesn't Know. In July 2011, she released a song called "Love Gun" from her upcoming fourth solo album. She also collaborated on songs like "On the Run" and "Waiting on You," which reached number eleven on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart.

In June 2012, it was announced that Michelle signed with Light Records. Her fourth album was planned for 2013. In January 2013, Michelle joined the national tour of the musical Fela!. Destiny's Child also released a new song called "Nuclear" on their compilation album Love Songs.

On February 3, 2013, Michelle and Kelly Rowland joined Beyoncé on stage during the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show. The trio performed parts of "Bootylicious" and "Independent Women." In February 2013, it was announced that Michelle would star in her own reality television show, My Sister's Keeper.

In December 2013, Michelle appeared with Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland on the song "Superpower" from Beyoncé's album Beyoncé. In 2014, Michelle became a spokesperson for a Playtex campaign. She was also set to star as Mary Magdalene in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar but the tour was cancelled. Michelle also became a mentor on the TV show Fix My Choir.

In June 2013, Michelle released "If We Had Your Eyes," the first song from her album Journey to Freedom. This song appeared on the US Billboard Adult R&B Songs and Hot Gospel Songs charts. Michelle reunited with Destiny's Child for the song "Say Yes," released a year later. "Say Yes" became Michelle's first number-one hit on the US Hot Gospel Songs chart. It stayed at number one for seven weeks.

In September 2014, Journey to Freedom debuted at number twenty-nine on the US Billboard 200. It was also a top 10 success on the UK Christian & Gospel Albums chart. Journey to Freedom was nominated for an award at the 46th NAACP Image Awards. "Say Yes" won Music Video of the Year at the 30th Stellar Awards. Michelle reunited with Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland to perform "Say Yes" live at the Stellar Awards.

Recent Projects and The Masked Singer

Williams at Super Bowl XLVII halftime show

On April 14, 2015, Michelle sang for President Barack Obama at the White House. In August 2015, she played the role of Aida again in St. Louis. In 2016, Michelle sang for Obama at the White House again with other gospel singers.

In April 2018, Michelle reunited with Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland during Beyoncé's performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. In late 2018, Michelle starred with her then-fiancé, Chad Johnson, in the reality show Chad Loves Michelle on the OWN network. Michelle also returned to Broadway in Once On This Island in November 2018. She released a pop song called "Fearless" in December 2018.

In February 2019, Michelle guest-starred as Diana Ross in an episode of the TV series American Soul. In April 2019, she was part of Beyoncé's documentary Homecoming. Later that year, Michelle competed as "Butterfly" on the American version of The Masked Singer. In December 2019, she played the Evil Queen in A Snow White Christmas.

In November 2020, Michelle announced her memoir, Checking In: How Getting Real About Depression Saved My Life–and Can Save Yours. The book was released in May 2021. Her podcast, Checking In with Michelle Williams, started in December 2020. In October 2021, Michelle starred in the Hallmark TV movie Christmas in Harmony.

In 2022, Michelle competed as "Rockhopper" on the British version of The Masked Singer. She then competed as "Microphone" on the Australian version of The Masked Singer Australia. This made her the first celebrity to compete in three versions of the show. She also starred in the Lifetime movie Wrath: A Seven Deadly Sins Story.

In January 2024, Michelle appeared on Fox's We Are Family. In March 2024, she was cast in the musical Death Becomes Her. She performed in Chicago and then on Broadway, starting in October 2024. In June 2025, she was the main performer at the Gospel Fest Miami.

Michelle Williams' Singing Style

Michelle Williams on stage at the J&R's Musicfest, 2008

Michelle Williams is known as a soprano singer. Critics have described her voice as "warm" and able to change from "kitten to tiger," meaning she can sing softly or powerfully. GospelMusicCity.com praised her "delicate vocals" and unique "sopralto stylings." They noted her ability to show versatility, like Ella Fitzgerald.

Slant Magazine compared her voice to other singers, saying it "recalls both the playful wisps of her R&B contemporaries (Jill Scott, Erykah Badu) and the breathy timbre of Diana Ross." PopMatters wrote that Michelle's singing style is "pleasingly slow paced" and similar to pop artists like Ashanti and Janet Jackson. Cross Rhythms called her voice "soulful," and The Guardian described it as a "shimmery jazz lilt."

Awards and Recognitions

Michelle Williams has received many awards and honors. These include her work as a solo artist and as a member of Destiny's Child. She has won one Grammy Award and one MOBO Award.

Billboard magazine ranked Michelle as the fifth Top Gospel Artist of 2002. This was because of the success of her first album, Heart to Yours, which was one of the best-selling gospel albums that year. In 2013, Michelle was honored in her hometown of Rockford, Illinois. This event celebrated her contributions to gospel music.

Personal Life and Mental Health Journey

Michelle Williams reportedly started dating pastor and sports chaplain Chad Johnson in July 2017. They announced their engagement in April 2018. In September 2018, they shared plans for a TV show about their relationship, called Chad Loves Michelle. The show began airing in November 2018 on the Oprah Winfrey Network. In December 2018, Michelle announced that she and Chad had ended their engagement.

Understanding Mental Health

Michelle Williams has openly shared her experiences with depression. She said she had been struggling with it since she was a teenager, around ages 13 to 15. When she was with Destiny's Child, she told their manager about her feelings. At the time, he didn't fully understand, pointing out their success.

Michelle explained that she didn't truly understand what she was going through until she was in her 30s. She thought her feelings were just part of growing up. She believes her manager meant well and wanted her to be grateful, which she was, but she was still sad.

After her engagement ended in late 2018, Michelle felt very upset. She said she felt "shattered" and had thoughts about ending her life. She felt "so angry" and questioned everything. Michelle experienced a nervous breakdown after starting a Broadway show, Once on This Island. Her doctor advised her to leave the show to focus on her health.

By April 2020, Michelle was feeling much better. She shared that she is in a better place now and that things do get better with time.

Her Memoir: Checking In

In November 2020, Michelle announced she would release a memoir. She wanted to share her full story, including where her anxiety and depression came from. She said she was ready to share the good, bad, and difficult parts of her journey.

Michelle hoped her story would help others heal. She wanted people to know what she does daily to stay healthy. The book, titled Checking In: How Getting Real about Depression Saved My Life—and Can Save Yours, was published on May 25, 2021.

Helping Others: Philanthropy

In 2001, Michelle Williams made a large donation of $148,900 to her church, St. Paul Church of God in Christ in Rockford, Illinois. This money helped finish building the church's school, St. Paul Academy. Her uncle, Bishop James E. Washington, is the pastor of the church.

In 2005, music producer David Foster and his daughter Amy Foster-Gillies, along with Beyoncé Knowles, wrote "Stand Up for Love." This song became the anthem for World Children's Day. This event happens every year on November 20 to raise money and awareness for children's causes worldwide. Destiny's Child supported this event as global ambassadors. During their Destiny Fulfilled... and Lovin' It World Tour, Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michelle visited Ronald McDonald Houses. They also donated part of their ticket sales to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

In September 2006, Michelle helped launch the Chicago PepsiCo S.M.A.R.T. program. This program encourages healthy lifestyles and good food choices. She helped build a new "Smart Spot" playground in Chicago. Michelle also sang for and greeted kids at Camp Heartland, a camp that helps children with HIV/AIDS enjoy life. In 2006, Michelle Williams became a minority owner of the Chicago Sky, a team in the Women's National Basketball Association.

In 2012, she became an ambassador for the American Heart Association's Power to End Stroke campaign. She shared that her father had a stroke in 2005 and her grandmother had one in 2006. Michelle wanted to help people learn how to prevent strokes by taking care of their health.

In 2014, Michelle partnered with Hyundai's non-profit organization, Hope on Wheels. This group works to find a cure for childhood cancer. Since 1998, they have raised over $74,000,000 for this cause.

Music Albums

Film and Television Appearances

Stage Performances

Other Works

Podcasts

See also

In Spanish: Michelle Williams (cantante) para niños