Tenitra Michelle Williams (born July 23, 1979)[1] is an American singer and actress. She rose to fame in the early 2000s as a member of R&B girl groupDestiny's Child, one of thebest-selling female groups of all time[2] with over 60 million records,[3] of which more than 40 million copies sold with the trio lineup that included Williams.[4][5] During her time in the group she earned several accolades including aGrammy Award and a star on theHollywood Walk of Fame.
During the group's two-year hiatus, 2001–2003, Williams released her debut solo albumHeart to Yours (2002) which topped the USgospel album chart. That same year,Billboard named Williams the fifth top-charting gospel artist of the year and she received aMOBO Award for "Best Gospel Act".[6] Following this, she released her second solo albumDo You Know (2004). After Destiny's Child's disbandment in 2006, Williams released her first pop album,Unexpected (2008),[7] which spawned the singles "We Break the Dawn" and theUS Dance number-one "The Greatest". Her fourth studio album,Journey to Freedom (2014), received positive reviews and became her highest-charting album in the US; it includes the singles "If We Had Your Eyes", and "Say Yes" which topped the USHot Gospel Songs chart for seven weeks, and won theStellar Award for Music Video of the Year.[8][9][10]
Tenitra Michelle Williams was born inRockford, Illinois, on July 23, 1979,[12] to Anita Williams (née Washington) and Dennis Williams III (1952–2020).[13][14] She has three siblings: elder brother Erron, who is a musician, elder sister Cameron, and younger sister Danielle.[14] Williams made her musical debut at the age of seven, performing a rendition of thehymn "Blessed Assurance" at the St. PaulChurch of God in Christ.[15] She later sang in the gospel groups United Harmony and Chosen Expression.
Williams graduated fromRockford Auburn High School in 1997.[16] Shortly after graduating, she pursued a degree incriminal justice atIllinois State University, doubtful of her ability to make a career as a professional singer. After two years of college, she left to pursue a music career, as a backing vocalist for other artists such asMonica.[17]
In late 1999, 20-year-old Williams met Destiny's Child band membersBeyoncé Knowles andKelly Rowland in the lobby of anAtlanta hotel.[18] Several months later, a choreographer acquaintance of Williams who knew the group, connected Williams to the Knowles family and Rowland, as they were vetting potential new group members.[19] After the much-publicized turmoil, Williams, alongsideFarrah Franklin, officially joined the group in early 2000, replacingLeToya Luckett andLaTavia Roberson without notice. Buoyed by the group's breakout success, Luckett and Roberson had both attempted to split with the group's managerMathew Knowles in late 1999, claiming that he kept a disproportionate share of the band's profits and unfairly favored Knowles and Rowland.[20]
The issue was heightened after Williams and Franklin appeared in the video of "Say My Name", implying that the original band members were already replaced.[20] Franklin, however, faded from the group after five months, as evidenced by her absences during promotional appearances and concerts. Franklin attributed her departure to negative vibes in the group resulting from the strife.[20] After settling on this final lineup, the trio released "Independent Women Part I", which appeared on the soundtrack to the 2000 filmCharlie's Angels. It became their best-charting single yet, topping theofficial US singles chart for eleven consecutive weeks.[20] The success cemented the new lineup and skyrocketed them to fame.
In May 2001, Destiny's Child released the group's third studio albumSurvivor. It debuted at number one on the USBillboard 200 with sales of 663,000 copies.[21]Survivor has sold over twelve million copies worldwide,[22] 4.1 million of which were sold in the US alone.[23] The album's other number-one hits are "Bootylicious" and the title track "Survivor", the latter earning the group aGrammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. In October 2001, Destiny's Child released their holiday album,8 Days of Christmas. Before releasing the 2002 compilation album,This Is the Remix,[24] the group announced their temporary break-up to pursue solo projects.[20]
While Williams was still with Destiny's Child, she intensified work on her debut solo albumHeart to Yours. The album material included collaborations with singersCarl Thomas,Shirley Caesar and theMary Mary duo, taking the singer's work further intourban contemporary gospel andChristian music.[25] "Some people will do gospel when their career fails, but I chose to do it at the height of the popularity of Destiny's Child", Williams explained during the album's release. "And I didn't want to do it because it was a fad. I wanted to do it because it's in me. It's in my heart."[26] Released on April 16, 2002, in North America to much critical acclaim, Williams became the first member of Destiny's Child to release solo material withHeart to Yours.[27][28][29] The album sold 20,000 copies in its first week, placing it at number 57 on theBillboard 200 and number two on theBillboard Gospel Albums chart, where it later rose to number one.[30][31]
It became one of the year's best-selling gospel album, selling more than 220,000 units in the US, as of 2008.[32] Amusic video for the album's single, "Heard a Word", was produced byfilm directorSylvain White.Heart to Yours won Williams aMOBO Award for "Best Gospel Act"[33][34][35] along with a raft of nominations including aStellar Award nomination for "New Artist of the Year", a GMWA Excellence Award nomination for "Female Vocalist of the Year Urban Contemporary"[36][37] and aGMA Dove Award nomination for "Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year" for her collaboration with Shirley Caesar on "Steal Away To Jesus" which was first featured on Caesar'sHymns album.[38][39]Billboard listed Williams as the fifth Top Gospel Artist of 2002.[6]
During the release of her fellow Destiny's Child members' debut albums, Williams spent time in the studio, recording her second album. The album saw her generally re-teaming with the majority of the producers and songwriters from her previous effort, includingSolange Knowles, Dawkins & Dawkins, and brother Erron Williams.[43] Released in January 2004 in the United States,Do You Know reached number 120 on theBillboard 200 chart, despite a warm reception from critics who lent praise to Williams' songwriting ability.[44][45] Once again, Williams scored more success on the component charts, where the album debuted at number two on the Top Gospel Albums chart and number three on the top Christian Albums tally.[46] The album was later re-released, including previously unreleased songs and has sold 78,000 copies in the US, as of March 2008.[47]
After a three-year hiatus, Destiny's Child reunited forDestiny Fulfilled, released in November 2004.[20] The album hit number two on theBillboard 200, and spawned the singles "Lose My Breath", "Soldier", "Girl" and "Cater 2 U".[48] In support of the album, Destiny's Child embarked on a 2005Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It world tour, which started in April to September of the same year. On theBarcelona, Spain visit, the group announced their disbandment after their final North American leg would end.[20][49] In October 2005, the group released agreatest hitscompilation album, titled#1's, including their most successful singles alongside three new tracks, including the band's final single "Stand Up for Love", penned byDavid Foster. Destiny's Child was honored with a star on theHollywood Walk of Fame in March 2006. They were recognized as the world's best-selling female group of all time.[50]
In March 2008, Williams announced the release of her third studio albumUnexpected in October 2008.[47] A breakaway from the gospel music on her first two solo albums to secular pop/R&B,[57] the album, her first release since the disbanding of Destiny's Child, involves production byStargate,Rico Love,Wayne Wilkins, andSoulshock and Karlin, among others. In June 2008, Williams released lead single "We Break the Dawn" to universal acclaim from critics who hailed it as "a terrific fusion of European disco and American R&B".[58] The song became her most successful single yet, peaking at number four on the USHot Dance Club Play[30] chart, topping the USHot Dance Airplay chart[30] and reaching the top 50 in the UK[59] and top 40 in Hungary[60] — where it also placed on the 2009 year-end chart.[61]
In September 2008,[62] "The Greatest" was issued as the second single release to mainstream radio, while "Hello Heartbreak" was catered to dance clubs. "The Greatest" became Williams' second hit on theBillboard dance charts when it peaked at number-one the US Hot Dance Club Songs.[30] Gaining favorable reviews from critics, in October 2008Unexpected debuted on theUSBillboard 200 albums chart at number 42 and number 11 on theUSBillboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart,[30] with first week sales of 14,618 units.[63] The album charted internationally, in the UK[64] and Japan.[65]
In July 2009, Williams began a limited six-week engagement at theCambridge Theatre inChicago, making her the first African-American to be cast in theWest End production of the musical.[15][66] Her run was extended and Williams continued appearing for three additional weeks for an extended engagement starting August 23 through September 12.[67] In January 2010, Michelle parted ways with her managerMathew Knowles and Music World Entertainment.[68] In February 2010, Williams made a return to Broadway by commencing a seven-week limited engagement inChicago at theAmbassador Theatre, replacingAshlee Simpson.[69][70][71] In April, it was announced that Williams would extend her limited engagement inChicago.[72]
In August 2010, it was reported that Williams would be participating onseason 8 of the British television dance competition showStrictly Come Dancing, the originator of the globalDancing with the Stars franchise.[73][74] On the launch show, it was revealed that Williams had been paired withBrendan Cole.[75] They remained in the competition for seven weeks with variable results; on October 23,Ian Waite stood in as her professional partner when Brendan was unable to do so. Williams was eliminated on November 14.[76] In December 2010, Williams joinedDJ Martin Jay to become a co-host onChoice FM'sBreakfast Show inLondon for the month, replacing Lucy Ambache who was onmaternity leave.[77][78] On December 15, Williams released the song "Stay for a Minute", a leftover fromUnexpected for freedigital download viaTwitter to celebrate gaining over 100,000 followers.[79]
2011–2014: Acting, label change andJourney to Freedom
Williams at the 2012 Drama League Benefit Gala in February 2012
In January 2011, Williams appeared onBBC's popular comedypanel game showNever Mind the Buzzcocks.[80] In February 2011, Williams began a 28-city tour starring in theDavid E. Talbert stage-playWhat My Husband Doesn't Know along withBrian J. White,Ann Nesby andClifton Davis, playing the lead role of Lena Summer.[81][82][83] In July 2011, Williams released a buzz single titled "Love Gun", to precede the release of her upcoming fourth solo album,[84][85][86][87][88][89] on which she had begun work in 2010.[90][91] In August, Electronic Giant Beatz released a press release, cover art and a music video teaser for a song featuring Williams titled "On the Run".[92] The song was released in the United Kingdom in November 2011.[93] In December,Ultra Naté released a joint collaboration with Williams titled "Waiting on You" which rose to number eleven on theBillboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart.[94]
On June 7, 2012, it was announced that Williams had been signed toLight Records and was due to release her fourth studio album in 2013.[95][96] On January 3, 2013, it was announced that Williams would play Sandra in the national tour of the Tony-nominated musicalFela!, beginning January 29 in Washington, D.C., and playing in a total of 16 cities.[97]Destiny's Child released a compilation album titledLove Songs on January 29, which featured the newly recorded song "Nuclear", co-written by Williams.[98][99]
In December 2013, Beyoncé released herself-titled fifth studio album in which Williams appeared alongside Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland on the song and music video "Superpower".[102] In 2014, Williams became the spokesperson for aPlaytex campaign titledPlay On Playbook.[103][104] In April, it was announced that Williams would join the 50-city North American arena tour ofAndrew Lloyd Webber'srock operaJesus Christ Superstar asMary Magdalene alongsideSuperstar winnerBen Forster and other recording artists such asBrandon Boyd andJC Chasez.[105] In May 2014, the tour was cancelled before its launch in New Orleans due to poor ticket sales.[106] It was announced that Williams would star as a mentor in anOxygen reality television competition titledFix My Choir, alongside fellow contemporary gospel recording artistsDeitrick Haddon andTye Tribbett.[107]
In June 2013, Williams released the lead single from her inspirational fourth albumJourney to Freedom, titled "If We Had Your Eyes". The single became her first release to appear on the USBillboard Adult R&B Songs and Hot Gospel Songs charts, peaking at nineteen and twenty-two respectively. Williams reunited with her former Destiny's Child bandmates for the single "Say Yes", which was released a year later and became Williams' first number-one on the US Hot Gospel Songs; additionally charting internationally in theUK,France andBelgium.[108][109] "Say Yes" spent seven weeks at number one on the Hot Gospel Songs chart and received a nomination for Best Gospel/Inspirational Song at the2014 Soul Train Music Awards.[110][111][112][113][114][115][116][117]
In September 2014,Journey to Freedom debuted at number twenty-nine on the USBillboard 200, reaching number seven on theIndependent Albums. It became aa top 10 success on the UK Christian & Gospel Albums chart where it debuted at number 6.[118][119]Journey to Freedom was nominated for Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary) at the 46thNAACP Image Awards,[8] while "Say Yes" won Music Video of the Year at the 30thStellar Awards, where Williams received a total of four nominations and reunited with Knowles and Rowland for a live performance of the song.[10]
2015–2020: Continued acting, Coachella, andThe Masked Singer
On April 14, 2015, Williams sang for presidentBarack Obama at theWhite House. The program titled,The Gospel Tradition: In Performance at the White House was broadcast on June 26, 2015, onPBS stations and simulcast onTV One.[120] In August 2015, Williams reprised the title role inAida, presented at theSt. Louis venue.[121] The following month, she premiered herBelieve at Home bedding collection on theEVINE network.[122] In 2016, Williams sang again for Obama at the White House; alongsideYolanda Adams andKierra Sheard in the program titledBET Presents: Love and Happiness: An Obama Celebration.[123]
In April 2018, Williams reunited with Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland during Beyoncé'sheadlining set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.[124] In late 2018, Williams starred alongside her then-fiancé, Chad Johnson in theOWN reality show,Chad Loves Michelle.[125] Williams also returned to Broadway as Erzulie in theTony Award-winning revival ofOnce On This Island on November 30, 2018, leaving in December on doctor's orders.[126][127] On December 7, Williams released the pop single "Fearless" on Radiance Music Group.[128][129]
In November 2020,[137] Williams announced her memoir,Checking In: How Getting Real About Depression Saved My Life–and Can Save Yours, which was released in May 2021.[138] The accompanying podcast,Checking In with Michelle Williams, premiered on streaming services in December 2020, and was nominated at the53rd NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Lifestyle/Self-Help Podcast.[139][140] On October 29, 2021, Williams costarred inHallmark's holiday themed TV movie,Christmas in Harmony.[141] In 2022, Williams competed as "Rockhopper" in thethird series ofthe British version ofThe Masked Singer.[142] She later competed as "Microphone" in thefourth season ofThe Masked Singer Australia, making her the first celebrity to compete in three versions of the show.[143][144][145][146] She also starred in theLifetime movieWrath: A Seven Deadly Sins Story, which aired on April 16, 2022.[147]
In January 2024, Williams appeared alongside her cousin onFox'sWe Are Family.[148] In March 2024, Williams was cast in the musical adaptation ofDeath Becomes Her, playing Viola Van Horn (Lisle von Rhuman in the film version), at theCadillac Palace Theatre inChicago from April 30 to June 2. She continued the role in theBroadway production which started on October 23.[149][150] In June 2025, she headlined the first edition of the gospel music festival Gospel Fest Miami[151] atAdrienne Arscht Center.
Williams can be identified as asoprano.[152][153][154] William Ruhlmann ofAllMusic commented that she has a "warm, kittenish voice" with the ability to "transform" from "kitten to tiger", belting "with absolute conviction".[155]GospelMusicCity.com praised her "delicate vocals" and described her "sopralto stylings" as "inimitable", writing that on "Heard a Word" she "demonstrates further versatility inElla-like fashion".[44]
Sal Cinquemani ofSlant Magazine compared her to other singers, writing "Williams's warm vocal recalls both the playful wisps of her R&B contemporaries (Jill Scott,Erykah Badu) and the breathy timbre ofDiana Ross".[156] Emily Sogn ofPopMatters wrote "Williams singing style is pleasingly slow paced...that owes a lot to her pop contemporaries likeAshanti andJanet Jackson."[45] Mike Rimmer ofCross Rhythms described her voice as "soulful".[157] Caroline Sullivan ofThe Guardian wrote that "Williams's strength is a shimmery jazz lilt".[158]
Williams has earned an array of awards and honors as a solo artist and a member of Destiny's Child. These include: oneGrammy Award[159] and oneMOBO Award.Billboard ranked Williams as the fifth Top Gospel Artist of 2002 due to the success of her debut releaseHeart to Yours which was one of the best-selling gospel releases of the year.[6] In 2013, Williams was honored in her hometown ofRockford, Illinois at the 2013I Love Gospel Music honors luncheon, which featured musical tributes, including one bySunday Best winner Amber Bullock.[160]
Williams reportedly began dating pastor and professional sports chaplain Chad Johnson in July 2017. Williams and Johnson announced their engagement viaPeople on April 19, 2018.[161] In September 2018, the couple revealed plans to film a television series, showcasing their relationship as they navigate the road from engagement to marriage. On November 3, 2018, the reality showChad Loves Michelle began airing on theOprah Winfrey Network.[162] In December 2018, Williams announced that she and Johnson had both called off their engagement.[163]
Williams has a history of depression, saying that she has "been suffering since the ages of 13 and 15".[164] During her time with Destiny's Child, she says that she told their then manager Mathew Knowles about her feelings, but that he did not really understand. He replied to her concerns by trying to point out the good side of their new-found fame, "You all just signed a multi-millionaire dollar deal, you're about to go on tour, what have you got to be depressed about?"[164]
She said that she had difficulty understanding her own feelings until later in life, around her thirties, stating that "I didn't know until I was in my 30s what was going on, I just thought it was growing pains, I just thought I'm turning into a woman." She also felt that Knowles intended no malice, and only had her best interests at heart, "Bless his heart... I think he wanted me to be grateful, which I was, but I was still sad."[164]
Williams again felt helpless after she and her fiancé, Chad Johnson, split up in late 2018. She said the breakup left her "shattered and ... fighting suicidal thoughts."[165] She said that she felt "so angry. The rage built up in me. I did not attempt suicide, but I was questioning [life]".[165] Williams suffered a nervous breakdown just after opening day for a Broadway production ofOnce on This Island and was advised to leave the show by her doctor. By April 2020 she had returned to better health, saying that "I am in a better place now. I am not perfect. I'm not preaching ... When people say it gets better, it does. It just takes time. The days do get brighter".[165]
In November 2020, Williams announced plans to release a memoir "revealing her entire truth including a deeper dive into where her anxiety and depression came from." She stated, "I'm ready to share, I've been a very transparent person and now I'm ready to share the good, bad, and ugly parts of my journey—the concerning part of my journey. ... I really go into the specifics, I really go into the first time I was diagnosed, I go into assessing the first time I had anxiety in a romantic relationship and what it did to that relationship and then subsequently what it did to the next one." Williams said she hoped to "really help heal through my story" and "let people know what I do on a daily, what I do on a monthly–whatever it takes to get people whole and get people where they can maybe start seeing some better results in their own life."[166]
The book titledChecking In: How Getting Real about Depression Saved My Life—and Can Save Yours was published on May 25, 2021.[167]
In 2001, Williams made a "bountiful" donation of $148,900 to her church, St. Paul Church of God in Christ in Rockford, Illinois – of which she has been a member since birth – to finish construction of the church's school, St. Paul Academy. The church is pastored by her uncle, Bishop James E. Washington.[52][168]
In 2005, music producerDavid Foster, his daughterAmy Foster-Gillies, and Knowles wrote "Stand Up for Love", which would serve as the anthem of WorldChildren's Day, an event which takes place annually around the world on November 20 to raise awareness and funds for children's causes worldwide. Destiny's Child lent their voices and support as global ambassadors for the 2005 World Children's Day program.[169] In this role, Knowles, Rowland and Williams visited Ronald McDonald Houses around the world during theirDestiny Fulfilled... and Lovin' It World Tour and donated a portion of their North American ticket sales to Ronald McDonald House Charities.[170]
In September 2006, Williams jump-started the Chicago PepsiCo S.M.A.R.T. – which stands for five simple steps that encourage active living and better food choices – program to promote active, healthy lifestyles by building a new "Smart Spot" playground in Chicago.[171][172] Williams, along with friendLance Bass, was on hand to sing to and greet kids at the opening of Camp Heartland, a camp dedicated to helping kids suffering from HIV/AIDS enjoy life and take their mind off their illness.[52] In 2006, theChicago Sky, a team in theWomen's National Basketball Association, announced that Williams, along with Mathew Knowles, is part of a group of minority shareholder owners in the team.[52][173]
In 2012, she became an ambassador for theAmerican Heart Association'sPower to End Stroke campaign. In speaking of her role she said "I am honored to partner with the campaign ... my father had a stroke in 2005 due to smoking, diabetes and an unhealthy diet, and my grandmother was diagnosed with having a stroke in 2006 when she went to her doctor for a simple outpatient procedure. I am bringing awareness to people so that strokes can be prevented. Let's take care of ourselves...the first step is knowledge about your health."[174]
In 2014, Williams partnered withHyundai's non-profit organization, Hope on Wheels, "committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer"; which has raised over $74,000,000 for the cause since its inception in 1998.[175][176][177]
^"The New Destiny Girls".Ebony. Johnson Publishing Company. September 5, 2000. p. 194.Archived from the original on December 13, 2023. RetrievedDecember 5, 2019 – via Google Books.
^Dunn, Jancee (June 10, 2001)."Date with destiny".The Observer. London.Archived from the original on October 23, 2013. RetrievedFebruary 27, 2009.
^Cohen, Jonathan (February 5, 2002)."Destiny's Child Groove On 'Remix'".Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc.Archived from the original on September 19, 2014. RetrievedDecember 22, 2008.
^Music World Entertainment (2002)Michelle Williams – Heart to Yours (Liner Notes)Columbia Records.
^Bell, Foladé (August 29, 2008)."A New Destiny"(PDF).Radio & Records.Archived(PDF) from the original on October 2, 2021. RetrievedOctober 2, 2021 – via worldradiohistory.com.
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