Kelly Rowland is a celebrated singer and actress. From childhood, nothing suggested she would become globally famous. Today, everyone knows her as a fit, perpetually smiling, successful woman. Yet, the path to the peak of Parnassus was scattered with thorns. We invite you to explore the most interesting milestones in the success story of this incredible woman. More ahead on houstonski.
Childhood Trauma and Houston as a Second Home
Kelendria Trene Rowland was born in Atlanta on February 11, 1981. Her parents, Doris and Christopher, were already raising an older son, Orlando. Everything would have been fine if not for her father’s problems. Christopher Lovett was a Vietnam War veteran. After his military service, the man struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and began seeking solace in the bottle. Alcohol is a terrible companion to family happiness, so Kelly’s mother could not tolerate her husband’s drinking. She decided to divorce him. By court order, Kelly stayed with her mother, while Orlando stayed with his father. At the time, Kelly was only 7 years old. She and her mother left Atlanta and moved to Houston.
Kelly quickly adapted to her new surroundings. She made new friends, and among the most loyal and best was Beyoncé. They became so close that Kelly called Beyoncé’s mother “Mama T.” Along with two other girls, the young singers started performing together. Their first group was named Girl’s Tyme. They even participated in the national television talent show Star Search, though they didn’t achieve major success.
Since the girls had talent, Beyoncé’s father, Mathew Knowles, began producing Girl’s Tyme. In 1995, the girl group signed a contract with Elektra Records. However, their collaboration did not last long. Following this, the group went through several twists and turns. The girls changed their name, lineup, style, and producers. Yet, the desired popularity remained elusive. Finally, they came under the production guidance of Columbia Records. It was here that the quartet was given the name Destiny’s Child. And this name proved lucky. The group quickly began to gain fame and success. Thanks to hits like “Bills, Bills, Bills,” “Say My Name,” “Independent Women, Part 1,” and “Bootylicious,” the girls reached the top of all major music charts. Their popularity spread worldwide.
Success, Fame, and Recognition
In the early 2000s, one of the members left, and the group became a trio. But this didn’t affect their soaring success. From then on, it was a dizzying ascent: a 15-million-copy circulation for their second album, a Grammy Award, and recognition as the best girl group of all time. Throughout their existence, Destiny’s Child was nominated for this top award 17 times. The girls took home the gramophone statuette twice: once for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and once for Best R&B Song.
The group officially ceased to exist in 2006. Yet, here too, the girls continued to surprise the public. While most groups break up with significant and public scandals, Destiny’s Child simply began pursuing solo careers. They do occasionally reunite. For example, in 2013, the trio performed together during the Super Bowl halftime show. In 2015, they reunited for the Stellar Awards ceremony. The women support each other and maintain their connection.
Solo Career
Kelly Rowland began her solo career even before officially leaving the group. In 2002, the singer collaborated with rapper Nelly to release the single “Dilemma.” The launch wasn’t just successful; it was groundbreaking. The track won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and held the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for a full 10 weeks.
Having tasted solo success, Rowland set off on her own. In 2002, she released her debut album, Simply Deep. This was an experimental project, featuring tracks that included elements of rap, pop, and rock music. But despite the album’s experimental nature, the public received it with great enthusiasm.
Kelly continued to perform with Destiny’s Child, so her next album was released after the group officially disbanded. This happened in 2007. It was titled Ms. Kelly. Although it wasn’t as big a success as the first, it can still be called successful.
Kelly Rowland’s next endeavor appeared in 2011. Here I Am, with its lead single “Motivation,” brought the singer back into the spotlight, reaching the top of the R&B charts. That fall, the singer and rapper Big Sean released a revealing music video for the track “Lay It On Me.”
In June 2013, the talented singer released her fourth album. This time, producers placed their bets on collaborations. The album features songs performed jointly with various artists, including her childhood friend and former bandmate, Beyoncé. After this, Kelly pivoted to other projects.
Kelly Rowland’s Films and TV Shows
Kelly is a very versatile personality. So, in addition to her solo career, she actively participated in other projects. After the release of her fourth album, Kelly Rowland temporarily changed professions, becoming actively involved in television projects. This began with her serving as a judge on The X Factor. The British version of the show featuring Kelly aired in 2011. Then, in 2013, the singer judged the same project in the U.S. From 2017 to 2020, Rowland served as a coach for three seasons of the Australian version of the vocal competition.
In addition to this reality show, Kelly Rowland participated in other programs, including The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, The Early Show, The View, and others, showcasing her versatility and talent across various segments of the entertainment industry.
Beyond her striking appearance and vocal skills, Kelly also possesses a considerable cinematic talent. Many people don’t realize that Rowland has accumulated as many as 17 film roles. Granted, not all of them are famous or award-winning. Sometimes they are episodic roles, but roles nonetheless. Kelly the actress’s resume includes four television series.
Rowland has played full acting roles in six films. Kelly debuted in the film The Seat Filler, a romantic comedy about a young singer, released in 2004. By chance, Janelle (Kelly Rowland’s character) meets a young lawyer. The problem is she mistakes him for a trendy music producer. The events unfold around this amusing situation.
Her next serious work was the film trilogy about Jackie Liddell. Kelly played a successful businesswoman striving for perfection in everything. The genre is also a comedy. The Curse of Bridge Hollow, despite its spooky title, is also a family comedy with elements of the mystical.
But her most serious work was the Netflix film starring Kelly Rowland, Mea Culpa. In the film, the actress plays an experienced defense attorney whose task is to defend a young artist accused of murdering his girlfriend.
Public Service
Kelly Rowland is actively involved in social projects. She strongly supports initiatives concerning women’s rights and gender equality. She participates in various charitable campaigns. In 2010, the singer and actress, along with Kim Kardashian and Serena Williams, launched the online charity campaign “I Heart My Girlfriends.” The campaign aims to combat violence, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, smoking, and obesity.
Kelly Rowland is also involved in campaigns focused on fighting HIV/AIDS. The singer officially became an ambassador for the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, whose goal is to reduce the stigma associated with people living with the disease.
In addition to all these time-consuming projects, Kelly has time for herself. She is married to Tim Weatherspoon. They have known each other since the early 2000s but officially announced their relationship in 2013. The couple has two sons. Furthermore, the singer announced in 2020 that she had reconciled with her father. So, this is the versatile personality that is Kelly Rowland.
