Destiny's Child gave the world classic girl-group harmonies, lots of sequins and the term "bootylicious" (added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2004). Houston native Beyoncé is a worldwide pop powerhouse. Kelly Rowland has carved a successful niche as an R&B vamp.
Williams, who joined Destiny's Child in 2000 and spent time living in Houston, made her first appearance in the "Say My Name" video. As a solo musician, she's veered from contemporary gospel to high-energy dance anthems - and sometimes a mash-up of both. She starred in "Aida" and "Chicago" on Broadway and earned acclaim for national tours of "The Color Purple" and "Fela!" Williams popped up as judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race" and as a high-kicking contestant on "Strictly Come Dancing" (the original, British version of "Dancing With the Stars").
"They're always wondering, 'What's she going to do? How's she going do it? Is she going to jump out of a toaster?' I've done everything. Now I'm doing what I want to do," Williams says. "I want to go back to school one day. I've worn every sequined gown and designer I can imagine. I just want to wear some Nikes sometimes.
"But the association of Destiny's Child, what it has taught me, what it has given me, that will never be replaced. I will be Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child probably for the rest of my life."
Williams' fourth solo album, "Journey to Freedom," encapsulates her penchant for diverse music. It's grounded in gospel, with lyrics that assert and question her faith, inner strength and life choices. But producer Harmony Samuels, known for his work with Ariana Grande, Maroon 5 and Jennifer Hudson, surrounds Williams' airy soprano in a swirl of R&B, hip-hop, pop, dance and African-influenced rhythms.
Recent single "Fire" has an elastic bounce. A bit of the Houston chopped and screwed sound is on standout track "Everything." It's an adventurous spin on a type of music often stifled by self-seriousness. The album, online and in storesTuesday, has already hit No. 1 on the iTunes Christian & Gospel chart.
"I'm approaching this album the same way I would approach doing a pop album - so that no one feels alienated, so that people who probably wouldn't buy an inspirational record can feel like, 'There's got to be something for me as well on this album,' " Williams says.
"I'm starting to understand myself and my niche. I worked with a producer who's never touched this genre. He gave me music that he would have given to Ariana Grande or Jasmine Villegas or Zendaya. My message is hope, fun, inspiration, redemption with music that's relevant to the ear today."
"American Idol" winner Fantasia lends fierce vocals to simmering soul jam "If We Had Your Eyes." Also contributing are Grammy-winning Christian rapper Lecrae, who hails from Houston; gospel singer Tye Tribbett and hip-hop artist Chief Wakil. But the album's big draw is "Say Yes," a Destiny's Child reunion of sorts featuring Beyoncé and Rowland. The uplifting track is getting airplay from gay bars to gospel brunches. The accompanying video features all three women serving some classic Destiny's Child sass amid a crowd of African dancers.
"Say Yes" is Williams' first No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart. It's also made a considerable dent on the U.K. charts.
"People have been sending me Instagram videos of all kinds of things. That's what I want my music to do," Williams says. "I don't care what race, what religion, no matter walk of life - music is supposed to be for that. Music is supposed to be for everybody. I'm so happy that I finally have a song that resonates with so many people."
Destiny's Child, which originated in Houston and went through several lineup changes, disbanded in 2006 as one of the most successful girl groups of all time. Since embarking on solo careers, Beyoncé, Rowland and Williams have reunited for live shows and recordings, memorably during the Super Bowl XLVII halftime, but a full-fledged reunion doesn't seem to be happening anytime soon.
"At this point, I don't know if there's a need to, in a way. We always said that no matter what, we would support each other's solo efforts. And we have - albums, videos, tours. We have stayed true to that, and I don't know any other group that has done that," Williams says. "But who knows? Never say never."