When Destiny’s Child’s then-manager (and Beyonce’s dad) Mathew Knowles allegedly fired LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson from the group, they were quickly replaced by Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin. The latter only stuck around for a couple of months before deciding that being part of the girl band just wasn’t for her, leaving DC to continue as a trio.
When Franklin left the girl band, their dynamic was much better, and it wasn’t long before Beyonce, Williams, and Kelly Rowland became the best of friends. Despite her late addition to the group, they all shared great chemistry - so much that they have continued to remain friends to this day. They even reunited during Bey's highly-anticipated Coachella set in 2018.
But what most people don’t know is that Beyonce has known Rowland before they even started singing together in the same group; they are lifelong friends, but it certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed that she also shares close ties with Williams, who she also supported in her music video for Say Yes.
Michelle’s Friendship with Beyonce
Though they haven’t known each other as long as Kelly has known Beyonce, Williams is considered a family friend.
Since the group’s split, Williams is never far away from something that involves Beyonce; whether that’s starring in one of her music videos, endorsing her Adidas x Ivy Park collection, joining her for the Super Bowl halftime performance in 2013, or even babysitting Blue Ivy, she’s still very close to Bey.
In 2015, during her promotional campaign for her gospel song Say Yes, she was joined by Rowland and Beyonce, who all grace the stage at the 2015 Stellar Awards - it was an incredible moment for the fact that fans see the trio reunite on-stage so rarely these days.
It was an amazing moment, but don’t let the lack of public appearances fool you to think that Williams and Beyonce aren’t close pals behind the scenes.
In October 2017 Williams had revealed that despite having the time of her life being part of one of the biggest girl groups in the world, she battled depression at the height of her success and even contemplated taking her life.
"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 told CBS’ The Talk. “I've been suffering since the ages of 13 and 15.”
Then, in mid-2018, the We Break The Dawn songstress had checked herself in a rehab facility, according to TMZ, who also reported that when her Destiny's Child group-mates heard about the news, they were quick to reach out and offer their support in any way possible.
In a conversation between the trio, Rowland and Beyonce “offered many words of encouragement' while expressing their love for her and let Michelle know if she needed anything 'they were here to help,” the publication revealed.
Kelly And Beyonce’s Friendship
Kelly Rowland and Beyonce are often considered to be sisters given that they’ve known each other since they were kids.
In her adolescent years, the mother-of-one spent a lot of time at Beyonce’s home, with the latter’s mother, Tina Knowles, admitting that she practically helped raise Rowland.
The girls would soon join the girl group Girl’s Tyme, which brought them even closer since they were now rehearsing for performances and recording music together.
By 1995, Beyonce’s dad had formed the group Destiny’s Child, with his daughter included, of course. Kelly was considered the “second lead vocalist” while its former members Roberson and Luckett were also on-board for the success that came with the release of their self-titled debut album in 1998.
Rowland was part of all five studio albums recorded by the DC, with their last record being 2004’s Destiny Fulfilled, which sold over 5 million copies worldwide.
Speaking about her longtime friendship with Beyonce, the Motivation hitmaker told Marie Claire: “We grew up in this industry together; we’ve shared ups and downs and we are closer than ever. I can tell her anything and she’ll never judge me. She’s a real friend: genuine, loyal, and trustworthy. She’s also one of the sweetest people you ever did meet.”
In a separate interview with Australian Vogue, she admitted that she’s still close with both Williams and Beyonce, who talk to each other constantly - even if it’s just for some much-needed advice about something.
“Like all the time. Every week. We talk, literally. We are truly sisters. They are my sisters,” she gushed.
“I talk to them, I seek advice from them, I call them when I need them, when I don’t need them I call them when I want a girl’s night. I call them for everything.”