Michelle Williams

A talented singer often regarded as an underdog, Michelle Williams went from backup singer for Monica to the newest member of the already established Destiny's Child, who reached their greatest heights as a Grammy-winning trio with such hits as "Independent Women, Part 1," "Bootylicious" and "Survivor." Often confused in print with actress Michelle Williams, the singer earned modest solo success as a gospel star with albums like 2002's Heart to Yours and 2004's Do You Know and achieved a minor mainstream breakthrough with the acclaimed 2008 album Unexpected, which included the dance smashes "We Break the Dawn" and "The Greatest." Impressing critics and fans with her musical theater chops in Broadway's "Aida," the West End's "Chicago" and the national touring companies of "Fela!" and "The Color Purple," Williams dazzled fans when she rejoined Destiny's Child for a reunion during Beyoncé Knowles's Super Bowl halftime concert and co-wrote their 2013 single, "Nuclear." Although she would always be remembered for Destiny's Child, Michelle Williams proved she had considerable artistic gifts all her own, while building a fascinating career following her unique muse.