"Michelle Williams" (born "Tenetria Michelle Williams" July 24, 1980 in Rockford, Illinois) was one-third of the multi-platinum award-winning R&B super-group Destiny's Child and also a gospel music singer and Broadway actress.
 Raised in a Christian-based family, Williams learned to sing in her church's choir. She later sung in a musical quartet with sister Cameron. Afterwards, she pursued in a degree in criminal justice at Illinois State University while singing back-up for R&B star Monica (who coincidentally went to school with Beyoncé Knowles). It was then that she gained the opportunity to sing for Destiny's Child.
Williams officially joined the group in February 2000, after their much-publicized turmoil with former members. 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 (movie)|Charlie's Angels'' soundtrack.
After three other Top 10 hits, the group separated briefly 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.
The disc featured collaborations with some of the industry's finest acts, including Mary Mary on So Glad, Shirley Ceaser on Steal Away to Jesus, Men of Standard on You Care For Me, and R&B's Carl Thomas on the BeBe Winans classic Heaven.
Production duties were shared by amongst other Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell, Buster & Shavoni, HR Crump and Beyonce.
In 2004 she returned with her second solo album, the first member of the R&B supergroup to do so. "Do You Know" made an instant impact in the gospel scene, this time allowing her and her stellar cast of producers and collaborators to up the ante and craft a richer sound.
Here she worked with the likes of Tommy Simms, Dawkins & Dawkins, PAJAM, Solange Knowles and Destiny's Child. She then broke into acting with her starring role in the Broadway hit, ''Aida'', replacing R&B singer Toni Braxton.
With three years of solo endeavors pocketed, Williams rejoined Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland for Destiny's Child's fifth and final studio album, ''Destiny Fulfilled''.
The gospel scene now awaits with bated breath for the next release from this promising artist.
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