:Michelle Williams (singer)

Tenitra Michelle Williams was born in Rockford, Illinois, on July 23, 1979,{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B0ZBYXvgicJ/|title=Michelle Williams on Instagram: "My birthday celebration was a perfect evening of friends and family. One person that was there has known me since I was 7 years old. Many…"|website=Instagram}} to Anita Williams (née Washington) and Dennis Williams III (1952–2020).{{cite news|url=https://www.essence.com/celebrity/michelle-williams-father-dead/|title=Singer Michelle Williams Reveals Her Father Has Passed Away|date=December 21, 2020|website=essence.com|access-date=January 18, 2021|archive-date=February 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220182720/https://www.essence.com/celebrity/michelle-williams-father-dead/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/rrstar/obituary.aspx?n=dennis-myles-williams&pid=197384918|title=Dennis Myles Williams III|website=legacy.com|access-date=January 18, 2021|archive-date=January 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127191737/https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/rrstar/obituary.aspx?n=dennis-myles-williams&pid=197384918|url-status=live}} She has three siblings: elder brother Erron, who is a musician, elder sister Cameron, and younger sister Danielle. Williams made her musical debut at the age of seven, performing a rendition of the hymn "Blessed Assurance" at the St. Paul Church of God in Christ. She later sang in the gospel groups United Harmony and Chosen Expression.

Williams graduated from Rockford Auburn High School in 1997.{{cite book|author1=Beyonce Knowles|author2=Kelendria Rowland|author3=Michelle Williams|title=Soul Survivors: The Official Autobiography of Destiny's Child|year=2002|publisher=HarperCollins|pages=42–43}} Shortly after graduating, she pursued a degree in criminal justice at Illinois State University, doubtful of her ability to make a career as a professional singer. After two years of college, she left to pursue a music career, as a backing vocalist for other artists such as Monica.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rrstar.com/article/20140720/Special/140719488|title=Michelle Williams: Back to her gospel roots, with Destiny's Child mates in tow|author=Corina Curry|website=Rockford Register Star|access-date=September 4, 2019|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213212419/https://www.rrstar.com/story/special/special-sections/2014/07/20/back-to-her-gospel-roots/33915024007/|url-status=live}}

{{main|Destiny's Child|Heart to Yours}}

In late 1999, 20-year-old Williams met Destiny's Child band members Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland in the lobby of an Atlanta hotel.{{Cite magazine |date=September 5, 2000 |title=The New Destiny Girls |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d9oDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA194 |magazine=Ebony |publisher=Johnson Publishing Company |page=194 |via=Google Books |access-date=December 5, 2019 |archive-date=December 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213212419/https://books.google.com/books?id=d9oDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA194#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }} Several months later, a choreographer acquaintance of Williams who knew the group, connected Williams to the Knowles family and Rowland, as they were vetting potential new group members.{{cite news |last=Dunn |first=Jancee |date=June 10, 2001 |title=Date with destiny |work=The Observer |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2001/jun/10/life1.lifemagazine5 |url-status=live |access-date=February 27, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023132651/http://www.theguardian.com/theobserver/2001/jun/10/life1.lifemagazine5 |archive-date=October 23, 2013}} After the much-publicized turmoil, Williams, alongside Farrah Franklin, officially joined the group in early 2000, replacing LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson without notice. Buoyed by the group's breakout success, Luckett and Roberson had both attempted to split with the group's manager Mathew Knowles in late 1999, claiming that he kept a disproportionate share of the band's profits and unfairly favored Knowles and Rowland.{{Cite news |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |title=Destiny's Child's Long Road To Fame (The Song Isn't Called 'Survivor' For Nothing) |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1504044/20050613/destinys_child.jhtml |work=MTV News |date=June 13, 2005 |access-date=April 13, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624084104/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1504044/destinys-childs-long-road-fame.jhtml |archive-date=June 24, 2011 |url-status=dead }}

The issue was heightened after Williams and Franklin appeared in the video of "Say My Name", implying that the original band members were already replaced. Franklin, however, faded from the group after five months, as evidenced by her absences during promotional appearances and concerts. Franklin attributed her departure to negative vibes in the group resulting from the strife. After settling on this final lineup, the trio released "Independent Women Part I", which appeared on the soundtrack to the 2000 film Charlie's Angels. It became their best-charting single yet, topping the official US singles chart for eleven consecutive weeks. The success cemented the new lineup and skyrocketed them to fame.

In May 2001, Destiny's Child released the group's third studio album Survivor. It debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 with sales of 663,000 copies.{{Cite magazine |last=Todd |first=Martens |title=Beyoncé, Branch Albums Storm The Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/70145/beyonce-branch-albums-storm-the-chart |magazine=Billboard |date=July 2, 2003 |access-date=April 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630052932/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/70145/beyonce-branch-albums-storm-the-chart |archive-date=June 30, 2013 |url-status=live }} Survivor has sold over twelve million copies worldwide,{{Cite book|author=Daryl Easlea|title=Crazy in Love: The Beyoncé Knowles Biography|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FeiaAwAAQBAJ&dq=destiny%27s+child+survivor+12+million&pg=PT65|isbn=9780857127235|publisher=Omnibus Press|year=2011|access-date=June 26, 2022|archive-date=July 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708094215/https://books.google.com/books?id=FeiaAwAAQBAJ&dq=destiny%27s+child+survivor+12+million&pg=PT65|url-status=live}} 4.1 million of which were sold in the US alone.{{Cite magazine |last=Carpenter |first=Troy |title=Destiny's Child Slapped With Infringement Suit |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/68539/destinys-child-slapped-with-infringement-suit |magazine=Billboard |date=October 22, 2003 |access-date=April 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630110052/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/68539/destinys-child-slapped-with-infringement-suit |archive-date=June 30, 2013 |url-status=live }} The album's other number-one hits are "Bootylicious" and the title track "Survivor", the latter earning the group a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. In October 2001, Destiny's Child released their holiday album, 8 Days of Christmas. Before releasing the 2002 compilation album, This Is the Remix,{{Cite news |last= Cohen |first= Jonathan |title= Destiny's Child Groove On 'Remix' |url= http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/76898/destinys-child-groove-on-remix |magazine= Billboard |publisher= Nielsen Business Media, Inc |date= 2002-02-05 |access-date= 2008-12-22 |archive-date= September 19, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140919140900/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/76898/destinys-child-groove-on-remix |url-status= live }} the group announced their temporary break-up to pursue solo projects.

While Williams was still with Destiny's Child, she intensified work on her debut solo album Heart to Yours. The album material included collaborations with singers Carl Thomas, Shirley Caesar and the Mary Mary duo, taking the singer's work further into urban contemporary gospel and Christian music.Music World Entertainment (2002) Michelle Williams – Heart to Yours (Liner Notes) Columbia Records. "Some people will do gospel when their career fails, but I chose to do it at the height of the popularity of Destiny's Child", Williams explained during the album's release. "And I didn't want to do it because it was a fad. I wanted to do it because it's in me. It's in my heart."{{cite magazine|title=Heart to Heart|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/76111/hot-product|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707044758/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/76111/hot-product|archive-date=July 7, 2014|url-status=live}} Released on April 16, 2002, in North America to much critical acclaim, Williams became the first member of Destiny's Child to release solo material with Heart to Yours.{{cite web |last=Ruhlmann |first=William |title=Album Review: Michelle Williams – Heart to Yours |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r586772 |work=Allmusic |publisher=Macrovision Company |access-date=April 17, 2008 |archive-date=December 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213212419/https://www.allmusic.com/album/heart-to-yours-mw0000659387 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|title=Michelle Williams – Heart To Yours |url=http://www.gospelcity.com/music/reviews/91/Page2 |work=GospelCity.com |year=2002 |access-date=January 15, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928084935/http://www.gospelcity.com/music/reviews/91/Page2 |archive-date=September 28, 2011 }}{{Cite news|last=Cinquemani|first=Sal|title=Michelle Williams: Heart to Yours|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/michelle-williams-heart-to-yours/202|work=Slant Magazine|date=October 11, 2001|access-date=January 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011015645/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/michelle-williams-heart-to-yours/202|archive-date=October 11, 2012|url-status=live}} The album sold 20,000 copies in its first week, placing it at number 57 on the Billboard 200 and number two on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart, where it later rose to number one.{{cite magazine|title=Ask Billboard: Another Child of Destiny|url=https://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=2093469|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102175300/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=2093469|archive-date=November 2, 2012|url-status=dead}}

It became the year's best-selling gospel album, selling more than 220,000 units in the US, as of 2008.{{cite magazine | url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Archive-RandR-IDX/IDX/00s/08/RR-2008-08-29-IDX-20.pdf#search=%22michelle%20williams%20unexpected%22 | title=A New Destiny | first=Foladé | last=Bell | magazine=Radio & Records | via=worldradiohistory.com | date=August 29, 2008 | accessdate=October 2, 2021 | archive-date=October 2, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002000926/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Archive-RandR-IDX/IDX/00s/08/RR-2008-08-29-IDX-20.pdf#search=%22michelle%20williams%20unexpected%22 | url-status=live }} A music video for the album's single, "Heard a Word", was produced by film director Sylvain White. Heart to Yours won Williams a MOBO Award for "Best Gospel Act"{{cite web|title=MOBO Awards 2002 Winners List|url=http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=3727|work=Top40-Charts.com|date=October 3, 2002|access-date=April 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113182653/http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=3727|archive-date=November 13, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=MOBO Awards 2004 |url=http://www.mobo.com/2004%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall |work=MOBO Awards |publisher=mobo.com |date=October 3, 2002 |access-date=April 26, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724150749/http://www.mobo.com/2004%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall |archive-date=July 24, 2011 }}{{Cite news|title=Mobo Awards 2004: The nominees|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/3595280.stm|work=BBC.co.uk|date=August 24, 2004|access-date=April 26, 2011|archive-date=April 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403210609/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/3595280.stm|url-status=live}} along with a raft of nominations including a Stellar Award nomination for "New Artist of the Year", a GMWA Excellence Award nomination for "Female Vocalist of the Year Urban Contemporary"{{cite web|title=Finalists of the 22nd Annual Gospel Music Excellence Awards |url=http://www.gospelcity.com/news/events/75/Page3 |work=GospelCity.com |access-date=April 26, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308170104/http://www.gospelcity.com/news/events/75/Page3 |archive-date=March 8, 2012 }}{{cite web|title=22nd Annual Gospel Music Excellence Award Winners|url=http://www.gospelflava.com/articles/gmwawinners-2003.html|work=GospelFlava.com|year=2003|access-date=April 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315070427/http://www.gospelflava.com/articles/gmwawinners-2003.html|archive-date=March 15, 2012|url-status=live}} and a GMA Dove Award nomination for "Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year" for her collaboration with Shirley Caesar on "Steal Away To Jesus" which was first featured on Caesar's Hymns album.{{cite web|title="18th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards" Nominee List |url=http://www.gospelcity.com/industry/industry/186 |work=GospelCity.com |access-date=April 26, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308170114/http://www.gospelcity.com/industry/industry/186 |archive-date=March 8, 2012 }}{{cite web|title=18th Annual Stellar Award Results|url=http://www.gospelflava.com/stellar/stellarresults-2003.html|work=GospelFlava.com|year=2003|access-date=April 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711114242/http://www.gospelflava.com/stellar/stellarresults-2003.html|archive-date=July 11, 2011|url-status=live}} Billboard listed Williams as the fifth Top Gospel Artist of 2002.{{cite magazine|title=The Year in Music 2001|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RA0EAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+2002+year-end&pg=RA1-PA7|magazine=Billboard|date=December 28, 2002|access-date=February 10, 2013|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213212419/https://books.google.com/books?id=RA0EAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+2002+year-end&pg=RA1-PA7#v=snippet&q=billboard%202002%20year-end&f=false|url-status=live}}

In August 2002, Williams embarked on her first tour as a solo artist in promotion of her debut album. Sponsored by Burger King, the 19-date BK Got Music Summer Soul Tour also featured Luther Vandross, Angie Stone and Gerald Levert.{{cite magazine|title=Vandross, Levert Lead 'Summer Soul' Charge|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/74592/vandross-levert-lead-summer-soul-charge|magazine=Billboard|via=Billboard.com|date=August 13, 2002|access-date=May 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418000210/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/74592/vandross-levert-lead-summer-soul-charge|archive-date=April 18, 2019|url-status=live}} Following the release and promotion of Heart to Yours, Williams made her on-stage acting debut in 2003, replacing fellow singer Toni Braxton in the title role of Aida, the hit Broadway musical with music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice.{{Cite news|title=DC's Michelle Williams Preps For 'Aida,' Plans To 'Keep It Real' On Next Solo LP|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1480202/michelle-williams-drop-new-solo-lp.jhtml|first=Shaheem|last=Reid|work=MTV|date=November 5, 2003|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107032332/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1480202/michelle-williams-drop-new-solo-lp.jhtml|archive-date=November 7, 2012|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|title=PHOTO CALL: It's Destiny: Michelle Williams Joins Broadways' Aida |url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/83008-PHOTO-CALL-Its-Destiny-Michelle-Williams-Joins-Broadways-Aida |first=Morgan |last=Allen |work=Playbill |date=November 27, 2003 |access-date=April 25, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021010812/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/83008-PHOTO-CALL-Its-Destiny-Michelle-Williams-Joins-Broadways-Aida |archive-date=October 21, 2012 }} She was the first and remains the only Destiny's Child member to have acted on Broadway.

{{main|Do You Know (Michelle Williams album)}}

File:Destiny's Child Tour.jpg, 2005]]

During the release of her fellow Destiny's Child members' debut albums, Williams spent time in the studio, recording her second album. The album saw her generally re-teaming with the majority of the producers and songwriters from her previous effort, including Solange Knowles, Dawkins & Dawkins, and brother Erron Williams.Music World Entertainment (2004) Michelle Williams – Do You Know (Liner Notes) Columbia Records. Released in January 2004 in the United States, Do You Know reached number 120 on the Billboard 200 chart, despite a warm reception from critics who lent praise to Williams' songwriting ability.{{cite web|title=Gospel Music – Michelle Williams – Do You Know – Entertain Your Belief |url=http://gospelcity.com/music/reviews/150 |work=GospelCity.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711113353/http://gospelcity.com/music/reviews/150 |archive-date=July 11, 2011 }} Once again, Williams scored more success on the component charts, where the album debuted at number two on the Top Gospel Albums chart and number three on the top Christian Albums tally.{{cite web|title=Studio Album From Grammy-Winning Musical Artist Michelle Williams |url=http://www.d210.tv/studio-album-from-grammy-winning-musical-artist-michelle-williams/ |work=d210 |access-date=April 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409000302/http://www.d210.tv/studio-album-from-grammy-winning-musical-artist-michelle-williams/ |archive-date=April 9, 2008 |url-status=dead }} The album was later re-released, including previously unreleased songs and has sold 78,000 copies in the US, as of March 2008.{{cite magazine|title=Williams in a Dance Mood on Third Solo Disc|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1046100/williams-in-a-dance-mood-on-third-solo-disc|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626053139/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1046100/williams-in-a-dance-mood-on-third-solo-disc|archive-date=June 26, 2014|url-status=live}}

After a three-year hiatus, Destiny's Child reunited for Destiny Fulfilled, released in November 2004. The album hit number two on the Billboard 200, and spawned the singles "Lose My Breath", "Soldier", "Girl" and "Cater 2 U".{{Cite magazine |last=Whitmire |first=Margo |title=Eminem Thankful To Remain No. 1 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/65514/eminem-thankful-to-remain-no-1 |magazine=Billboard |date=November 24, 2004 |access-date=April 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630085323/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/65514/eminem-thankful-to-remain-no-1 |archive-date=June 30, 2013 |url-status=live }} In support of the album, Destiny's Child embarked on a 2005 Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It world tour, which started in April to September of the same year. On the Barcelona, Spain visit, the group announced their disbandment after their final North American leg would end.{{Cite magazine |last=Cohen |first=Jonathan |title=Destiny's Child To Split After Fall Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/62619/destinys-child-to-split-after-fall-tour |magazine=Billboard |date=June 12, 2005 |access-date=April 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719011815/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/62619/destinys-child-to-split-after-fall-tour |archive-date=July 19, 2013 |url-status=live }} In October 2005, the group released a greatest hits compilation album, titled #1's, including their most successful singles alongside three new tracks, including the band's final single "Stand Up for Love", penned by David Foster. Destiny's Child was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in March 2006. They were recognized as the world's best-selling female group of all time.{{cite magazine |title=Beyoncé Knowles |url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100walkup/article/0,28804,1611030_1610841_1609748,00.html |magazine=TIME |access-date=April 12, 2008 |date=April 20, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226075921/http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100walkup/article/0,28804,1611030_1610841_1609748,00.html |archive-date=February 26, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

Following Destiny's Child's disbandment in early 2006, Williams made her television debut in the UPN comedy Half & Half, where she played the role of Naomi, a record company executive who is HIV positive.{{Cite news|title=Michelle Williams Takes HIV-Positive Role For TV-Acting Debut|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1524281/michelle-williams-takes-on-hivpositive-role.jhtml|first=Angela|last=Lu|work=MTV|date=February 14, 2006|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025144240/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1524281/michelle-williams-takes-on-hivpositive-role.jhtml|archive-date=October 25, 2011|url-status=dead}} Later that year, she appeared as one of the celebrity singers on the FOX reality television show Celebrity Duets, duetting with actors Alfonso Ribeiro and Jai Rodriguez.{{Cite news|title=BBC – Strictly Come Dancing 2010 – Celebrities – Michelle Williams|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing/2010/dancers/celebrity/michelle_williams.shtml|work=Strictly Come Dancing|publisher=BBC|year=2010|access-date=April 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121170207/http://www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing/2010/dancers/celebrity/michelle_williams.shtml|archive-date=November 21, 2010|url-status=live}} In April 2006, Williams performed "America the Beautiful" at World Wrestling Entertainment's event WrestleMania 22, which was in her hometown of Chicago.{{Cite news|title=MICHELLE WILLIAMS OF DESTINY'S CHILD RETURNS HOME TO CHICAGO TO PERFORM "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" AT WRESTLEMANIA 22 |url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2006/2006_03_27_02.jsp |work=WWE |date=March 27, 2006 |access-date=April 25, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308002429/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2006/2006_03_27_02.jsp |archive-date=March 8, 2012 }} Beginning in April 2007, Williams joined Oprah Winfrey's Chicago-based cast of the hit Broadway musical The Color Purple for its national tour, starting with an extended run at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Williams described the opportunity as "a dream come true",{{Cite news|title=DESTINY'S MICHELLE WILLIAMS TO STAR IN COLOUR PURPLE|url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/news_item/21/destinys_michelle_williams_to_star_in_colour_purple/|first=Joanna|last=Chaundy|work=Blues & Soul|year=2007|access-date=April 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926215706/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/news_item/21/destinys_michelle_williams_to_star_in_colour_purple/|archive-date=September 26, 2012|url-status=live}} playing the part of blues singer Shug Avery, which earned her positive reception.{{Cite news|title=Jeanette Bayardelle, LaToya London & Michelle Williams to Star in Color Purple Tour|url=http://www.broadway.com/shows/the-color-purple/buzz/96318/jeanette-bayardelle-latoya-london-michelle-williams-to-star-in-color-purple-tour/|work=Broadway.com|date=February 27, 2007|access-date=April 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613023927/http://www.broadway.com/shows/the-color-purple/buzz/96318/jeanette-bayardelle-latoya-london-michelle-williams-to-star-in-color-purple-tour/|archive-date=June 13, 2011|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=Michelle Williams The Cast Of "The Color Purple" |url=http://hiphop.popcrunch.com/michelle-williams-the-cast-of-the-color-purple/ |work=Hip Hop Crunch |date=February 28, 2007 |access-date=April 25, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003220237/http://hiphop.popcrunch.com/michelle-williams-the-cast-of-the-color-purple/ |archive-date=October 3, 2011 }}

File:Michelle Williams 2008 (cropped).jpg, 2008]]

In March 2008, Williams announced the release of her third studio album Unexpected in October 2008. A breakaway from the gospel music on her first two solo albums to secular pop/R&B,{{cite magazine|url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/334/michelle_williams_fulfills_her_destiny/|title=MICHELLE WILLIAMS: Destiny's offspring|first=Pete|last=Lewis|magazine=Blues & Soul|access-date=April 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124223921/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/334/michelle_williams_fulfills_her_destiny/|archive-date=November 24, 2015|url-status=dead}} the album, her first release since the disbanding of Destiny's Child, involves production by Stargate, Rico Love, Wayne Wilkins, and Soulshock and Karlin, among others. In June 2008, Williams released lead single "We Break the Dawn" to universal acclaim from critics who hailed it as "a terrific fusion of European disco and American R&B".{{cite magazine|title=Music – Singles Review – Michelle Williams: 'We Break The Dawn'|magazine=Billboard|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a129759/michelle-williams-we-break-the-dawn.html|last=Levine|first=Nick|date=September 22, 2008|access-date=January 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028175643/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a129759/michelle-williams-we-break-the-dawn.html|archive-date=October 28, 2008|url-status=live}} The song became her most successful single yet, peaking at number four on the US Hot Dance Club Play chart, topping the US Hot Dance Airplay chart and reaching the top 50 in the UK{{Cite web|title=Artist Chart History – Michelle Williams|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/5207/michelle-williams/|work=UK Singles Chart|publisher=Official Charts Company|accessdate=February 28, 2011|archive-date=April 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404085215/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/5207/MICHELLE-WILLIAMS/|url-status=live}} and top 40 in Hungary{{cite web|url=http://www.mahasz.hu/?menu=slagerlistak&menu2=archivum&lista=radios&ev=2009&het=3&submit_=Keres%E9s|title=Éves összesített listák – Rádiós Top 40 játszási listá|work=Mahasz|publisher=Mahasz|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-date=March 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318074040/http://www.mahasz.hu/?menu=slagerlistak&menu2=archivum&lista=radios&ev=2009&het=3&submit_=Keres%E9s|url-status=live}} — where it also placed on the 2009 year-end chart.{{cite web|url=https://slagerlistak.hu/archivum/eves-osszesitett-listak/radios/2009|title=Rádiós Top 100 - hallgatottsági adatok alapján - 2009|work=Association of Hungarian Record Companies|access-date=26 December 2020|archive-date=February 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213040643/https://slagerlistak.hu/archivum/eves-osszesitett-listak/radios/2009|url-status=live}}

In September 2008,{{cite web|url=http://thatgrapejuice.net/2008/07/michelle-williams-unexpected-pushed-back/|title=Michelle Williams 'Unexpected' Pushed Back|date=July 23, 2008|work=That Grape Juice|access-date=April 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328175401/http://thatgrapejuice.net/2008/07/michelle-williams-unexpected-pushed-back/|archive-date=March 28, 2012|url-status=live}} "The Greatest" was issued as the second single release to mainstream radio, while "Hello Heartbreak" was catered to dance clubs. "The Greatest" became Williams' second hit on the Billboard dance charts when it peaked at number-one the US Hot Dance Club Songs. Gaining favorable reviews from critics, in October 2008 Unexpected debuted on the US Billboard 200 albums chart at number 42 and number 11 on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart,{{Cite magazine|title=Michelle Williams: Chart History|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/michelle-williams/chart-history/|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 8, 2011|archive-date=November 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121091815/https://www.billboard.com/artist/michelle-williams/chart-history/|url-status=live}} with first week sales of 14,618 units.{{Cite web|title=Hits Daily Double: Previous Album Sales Chart|url=http://www.hitsdailydouble.com/sales/archcht.cgi?cht315|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125093434/http://www.hitsdailydouble.com/sales/archcht.cgi?cht315|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 25, 2013|work=HITS Daily Double|access-date=September 6, 2012}} The album charted internationally, in the UK{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/official-hip-hop-and-r-and-b-albums-chart/20081005/115/|title=Official Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart Top 40|date=5 October 2008|accessdate=26 December 2020|work=Official Charts Company|archive-date=June 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626165814/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/official-hip-hop-and-r-and-b-albums-chart/20081005/115/|url-status=live}} and Japan.{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/166168/products/771873/1/|title=アンエクスペクテッド {{!}} ミッシェル・ウィリアムス {{!}} ORICON NEWS|language=Japanese|publisher=Oricon|access-date=February 12, 2022|archive-date=February 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212021215/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/166168/products/771873/1/|url-status=live}}

In July 2009, Williams began a limited six-week engagement at the Cambridge Theatre in Chicago, making her the first African-American to be cast in the West End production of the musical.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/428/michelle_williams_heart_to_hart/|title=Michelle Williams: Heart to Hart|first=Pete|last=Lewis|magazine=Blues & Soul|year=2009|access-date=September 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113182812/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/428/michelle_williams_heart_to_hart/|archive-date=November 13, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bvbuzz.com/2009/08/04/michelle-williams-first-black-roxie-hart/|title=Razzle Dazzle: Michelle Williams Is London's First Black Roxie Hart|first=Jawn|last=Murray|publisher=BV Buzz|date=August 4, 2009|access-date=September 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123143411/http://www.bvbuzz.com/2009/08/04/michelle-williams-first-black-roxie-hart/|archive-date=November 23, 2011|url-status=live}} Her run was extended and Williams continued appearing for three additional weeks for an extended engagement starting August 23 through September 12.{{cite web|url=http://www.michellewilliamsonline.com/news/michelle-williams-run-as-roxie-hart-chicago-the-musical-extended|title=Michelle Williams' Run As 'Roxie Hart' in "Chicago: The Musical" Extended|date=August 21, 2009|publisher=michellewilliamsonline.com|access-date=December 11, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228002017/http://www.michellewilliamsonline.com/news/michelle-williams-run-as-roxie-hart-chicago-the-musical-extended|archive-date=December 28, 2010}} In January 2010, Michelle parted ways with her manager Mathew Knowles and Music World Entertainment.{{cite web|url=http://thatgrapejuice.net/2010/01/exclusive-michelle-williams-parts-ways-music-world/|title=Exclusive: Michelle Williams Parts Ways With Music World|author=Sam|date=January 12, 2010|publisher=That Grape Juice|access-date=April 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009131154/http://thatgrapejuice.net/2010/01/exclusive-michelle-williams-parts-ways-music-world/|archive-date=October 9, 2011|url-status=live}} In February 2010, Williams made a return to Broadway by commencing a seven-week limited engagement in Chicago at the Ambassador Theatre, replacing Ashlee Simpson.{{cite web|url=http://www.michellewilliamsonline.com/news/michelle-williams-reprise-role-in-chicago-broadway|title=Michelle Williams to Reprise Role as Roxie in Broadway's Chicago|date=January 6, 2010|publisher=michellewilliamsonline.com|access-date=April 25, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227221356/http://www.michellewilliamsonline.com/news/michelle-williams-reprise-role-in-chicago-broadway|archive-date=December 27, 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/singer-michelle-williams-to-take-over-ashlee-simpson-wentzs-chicago-role_article_27371|title=Singer Michelle Williams To Take Over Ashlee Simpson-Wentz's 'Chicago' Role|date=January 6, 2010|work=NBC Universal|publisher=Access Hollywood|access-date=April 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100813075235/http://www.accesshollywood.com/singer-michelle-williams-to-take-over-ashlee-simpson-wentzs-chicago-role_article_27371|archive-date=August 13, 2010|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/music/Singer_Michelle_Williams_To_Take_Over_Ashlee_Simpson-Wentz_s__Chicago__Role-80859532.html|title=Singer Michelle Williams to Take Over Ashlee Simpson-Wentz's "Chicago" Role|date=January 6, 2010|publisher=NBC New York|access-date=April 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330235235/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/entertainment/music/Singer_Michelle_Williams_To_Take_Over_Ashlee_Simpson-Wentz_s__Chicago__Role-80859532.html|archive-date=March 30, 2012|url-status=live}} In April, it was announced that Williams would extend her limited engagement in Chicago.{{cite web|url=http://michelleweb.net/news/projectupdates/joins-tour-in-la|title=Joins Tour in LA|date=April 4, 2010|publisher=Michelle Williams Web|access-date=April 25, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414041517/http://michelleweb.net/news/projectupdates/joins-tour-in-la|archive-date=April 14, 2011}}

In August 2010, it was reported that Williams would be participating on season 8 of the British television dance competition show Strictly Come Dancing, the originator of the global Dancing with the Stars franchise.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s104/strictly-come-dancing/news/a265126/michelle-williams-tipped-for-strictly.html|title=Michelle Williams tipped for 'Strictly'|last=Daniels|first=Colin|date=August 21, 2010|website=Digital Spy|access-date=August 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823163903/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/s104/strictly-come-dancing/news/a265126/michelle-williams-tipped-for-strictly.html|archive-date=August 23, 2010|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2010/08/21/strictly-come-dancing-bosses-sign-up-destiny-s-child-singer-michelle-williams-115875-22502312/|title=Strictly Come Dancing bosses sign up Destiny's Child singer Michelle Williams|last=Jefferies|first=Mark|date=August 21, 2010|newspaper=Daily Mirror|access-date=August 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100822064124/http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2010/08/21/strictly-come-dancing-bosses-sign-up-destiny-s-child-singer-michelle-williams-115875-22502312/|archive-date=August 22, 2010|url-status=live}} On the launch show, it was revealed that Williams had been paired with Brendan Cole.{{cite web|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/tv/840646-strictly-brendan-cole-eyes-victory-with-michelle-williams|title=Strictly Come Dancing 2010: Brendan Cole eyes victory with Michelle Williams|date=September 11, 2010|publisher=Twitter|access-date=September 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101018015113/http://www.metro.co.uk/tv/840646-strictly-brendan-cole-eyes-victory-with-michelle-williams|archive-date=October 18, 2010|url-status=live}} They remained in the competition for seven weeks with variable results; on October 23, Ian Waite stood in as her professional partner when Brendan was unable to do so. Williams was eliminated on November 14.{{Cite web |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a287729/michelle-williams-eliminated-from-strictly/ |title=Michelle Williams eliminated from 'Strictly' |website=Digital Spy |date=November 14, 2010 |access-date=June 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607025523/https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a287729/michelle-williams-eliminated-from-strictly/ |archive-date=June 7, 2020 |url-status=live }} In December 2010, Williams joined DJ Martin Jay to become a co-host on Choice FM's Breakfast Show in London for the month, replacing Lucy Ambache who was on maternity leave.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news/williams-turns-dj-for-london-radio-show_1186878|title=Michelle Williams – Williams Turns Dj For London Radio Show|date=November 30, 2010|magazine=Contactmusic.com|access-date=September 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113181307/http://www.contactmusic.com/news/williams-turns-dj-for-london-radio-show_1186878|archive-date=November 13, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://radiotoday.co.uk/2010/11/strictly-star-joins-choice-fm/|title=Strictly star joins Choice FM: Radio Today|date=November 30, 2010|publisher=Radio Today|access-date=September 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111218013955/http://radiotoday.co.uk/2010/11/strictly-star-joins-choice-fm/|archive-date=December 18, 2011|url-status=live}} On December 15, Williams released the song "Stay for a Minute", a leftover from Unexpected for free digital download via Twitter to celebrate gaining over 100,000 followers.{{cite web|url=http://www.twitlonger.com/show/7gs0gs|title=I gave u guys a song as promised! Stay for a Minute written by @Iamkelinicole produced by @TheeJazzNixon. My album UNEXPECTED was originally a solid R and B album then the sound changed! This song is a few years old....but it's quite cute! More to come!|first=Michelle|last=Williams|date=December 15, 2010|publisher=Twitter|access-date=June 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721215711/http://www.twitlonger.com/show/7gs0gs|archive-date=July 21, 2011|url-status=live}}

File:Michelle Williams - The Drama League (PNG).png

In January 2011, Williams appeared on BBC's popular comedy panel game show Never Mind the Buzzcocks.{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2011/01/05/comedian-frankie-boyle-sparks-more-outrage-on-bbc2-s-never-mind-the-buzzcocks-115875-22826899/|title=Comedian Frankie Boyle sparks more outrage on BBC2's Never Mind The Buzzcocks|first=Simon|last=Boyle|date=January 5, 2011|newspaper=Daily Mirror|access-date=April 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208005627/http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2011/01/05/comedian-frankie-boyle-sparks-more-outrage-on-bbc2-s-never-mind-the-buzzcocks-115875-22826899/|archive-date=February 8, 2011|url-status=live}} In February 2011, Williams began a 28-city tour starring in the David E. Talbert stage-play What My Husband Doesn't Know along with Brian J. White, Ann Nesby and Clifton Davis, playing the lead role of Lena Summer.{{Cite news|url=https://singersroom.com/content/2011-01-05/michelle-williams-tapped-for-new-stage-play/|title=Michelle Williams Tapped For New Stage Play|date=January 5, 2011|work=Singersroom.com|access-date=April 11, 2013|language=en-US|archive-date=March 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302064628/http://singersroom.com/content/2011-01-05/Michelle-Williams-Tapped-For-New-Stage-Play/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.urblife.com/the-life/michelle-williams-talks-cheating-love-and-career|title=Michelle Williams Talks Cheating, Love and Career! Stage Play Touring Now! Exclusive Interview!|work=UrbLife.com|date=February 8, 2011|access-date=February 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211111121/http://www.urblife.com/the-life/michelle-williams-talks-cheating-love-and-career/|archive-date=February 11, 2011|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bvnewswire.com/2011/01/03/michelle-williams-brian-white-david-e-talbert-new-play/|title=Michelle Williams, Brian White to Headline David E. Talbert's New Play, 'What My Husband Doesn't Know'|last=Morales|first=Wilson|date=January 5, 2011|publisher=BV Buzz|access-date=January 9, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107094332/http://www.bvnewswire.com/2011/01/03/michelle-williams-brian-white-david-e-talbert-new-play|archive-date=January 7, 2011|url-status=live}} In July 2011, Williams released a buzz single titled "Love Gun", to precede the release of her upcoming fourth solo album,{{cite web|url=http://thatgrapejuice.net/2011/07/song-michelle-williams-love-gun/|title=New Song: Michelle Williams – 'Love Gun'|author=Sam|publisher=That Grape Juice|date=July 6, 2011|access-date=July 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710132905/http://thatgrapejuice.net/2011/07/song-michelle-williams-love-gun/|archive-date=July 10, 2011|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://thelavalizard.com/michelle-williams/new-song-michelle-williams-love-gun//|title=New Song: Michelle Williams – 'Love Gun'|first=Trent|last=The Lava Lizard|date=July 6, 2011|publisher=thelavalizard.com|access-date=July 6, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710015736/http://thelavalizard.com/michelle-williams/new-song-michelle-williams-love-gun|archive-date=July 10, 2011}}{{cite magazine|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/07/06/michelle-williams-love-gun-single/|title=Former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams releases new single 'Love Gun': Listen here|first=Tanner|last=Stransky|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=July 6, 2011|access-date=July 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709021702/http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/07/06/michelle-williams-love-gun-single/|archive-date=July 9, 2011|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://blog.music.aol.com/2011/07/07/michelle-williams-love-gun/?a_dgi=aolshare_twitter|title=Michelle Williams Fires Away With New Buzz Single 'Love Gun'|first=Contessa|last=Gayles|publisher=AOL|date=July 7, 2011|access-date=July 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321212352/http://blog.music.aol.com/2011/07/07/michelle-williams-love-gun/?a_dgi=aolshare_twitter|archive-date=March 21, 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://concreteloop.com/2011/07/cl-music-exclusive-michelle-williams-love-gun/|title=CL MUSIC EXCLUSIVE: MICHELLE WILLIAMS – "LOVE GUN"|first=Brian|last=Concrete Loop|date=July 6, 2011|publisher=ConcreteLoop.com|access-date=July 6, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709201519/http://concreteloop.com/2011/07/cl-music-exclusive-michelle-williams-love-gun|archive-date=July 9, 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rttnews.com/Content/EntertainmentNews.aspx?Section=2&Id=1661186&SM=1|title=Michelle Williams Debuts New Song 'Love Gun'|first=RTT|last=Staff Writer|date=July 7, 2011|publisher=RTTNews|access-date=July 7, 2011|archive-date=December 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213212923/https://www.rttnews.com/list/entertainment-news.aspx?Section=2&Id=1661186&SM=1|url-status=live}} on which she had begun work in 2010.{{cite web|url=http://gossiponthis.com/2009/06/30/michelle-williams-working-on-fourth-solo-album/|title=Michelle Williams Working on Fourth Solo Album|date=June 30, 2009|publisher=gossiponthis|access-date=December 12, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901163813/http://gossiponthis.com/2009/06/30/michelle-williams-working-on-fourth-solo-album/|archive-date=September 1, 2009|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://vodpod.com/watch/2244609-michelle-williams-talks-living-in-london-new-album|title=Michelle Williams Talks Living in London & New Album Video|date=September 26, 2009|publisher=Vodpod|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403103918/http://vodpod.com/watch/2244609-michelle-williams-talks-living-in-london-new-album|archive-date=April 3, 2012}} In August, Electronic Giant Beatz released a press release, cover art and a music video teaser for a song featuring Williams titled "On the Run".{{cite web|url=http://www.electricgiantbeatz.com/PressRelease.html|title=EGB featuring Michelle Williams – On the Run|publisher=electricgiantbeatz.com|access-date=September 13, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326023914/http://www.electricgiantbeatz.com/PressRelease.html|archive-date=March 26, 2012}} The song was released in the United Kingdom in November 2011.{{cite web|title=iTunes – Music – On the Run (Remixes) [feat. Michelle Williams] by Electric Giant Beatz|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/on-run-remixes-feat.-michelle/id477336733|publisher=iTunes|access-date=November 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114154501/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/on-run-remixes-feat.-michelle/id477336733|archive-date=November 14, 2012|url-status=dead}} In December, Ultra Naté released a joint collaboration with Williams titled "Waiting on You" which rose to number eleven on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart.{{cite web |title=Ultra Naté Album & Song Chart History|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=ultra naté|chart=Dance/Club Play Songs}}|work=Billboard.com|access-date=January 8, 2012}}

On June 7, 2012, it was announced that Williams had been signed to Light Records and was due to release her fourth studio album in 2013.{{cite web|title=BRAVE: Buzz! Michelle Williams plots return on all-new label (Details)|url=http://finallybrave.com/2012/06/07/brave-buzz-michelle-williams-plots-return-on-all-new-label-details/#|first=Ryan|last=Latrell|date=June 7, 2012|work=BRAVE Magazine|access-date=June 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614191743/http://finallybrave.com/2012/06/07/brave-buzz-michelle-williams-plots-return-on-all-new-label-details/|archive-date=June 14, 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=MICHELLE WILLIAMS ANNOUNCES NEW LABEL DEAL WITH LIGHT RECORDS/eONE ALL-NEW GOSPEL ALBUM TO BE RELEASED IN 2013|url=http://myemail.constantcontact.com/MICHELLE-WILLIAMS-SIGNS-TO-LIGHT-RECORDS-NEW-GOSPEL-ALBUM-PLANNED-FOR-2013.html?soid=1102037583915&aid=p9BfKZXcCEg|first=Ryan|last=Latrell|date=June 7, 2012|work=Constant Contact|access-date=June 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113183907/http://myemail.constantcontact.com/MICHELLE-WILLIAMS-SIGNS-TO-LIGHT-RECORDS-NEW-GOSPEL-ALBUM-PLANNED-FOR-2013.html?soid=1102037583915&aid=p9BfKZXcCEg|archive-date=November 13, 2013|url-status=live}} On January 3, 2013, it was announced that Williams would play Sandra in the national tour of the Tony-nominated musical Fela!, beginning January 29 in Washington, D.C., and playing in a total of 16 cities.{{cite web|title=Destiny's Child Singer Michelle Williams to Join National Tour of Fela!|url=http://www.broadway.com/buzz/166387/destinys-child-singer-michelle-williams-to-join-national-tour-of-fela/|first=Jesse|last=North|date=January 13, 2013|access-date=January 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123185355/http://www.broadway.com/buzz/166387/destinys-child-singer-michelle-williams-to-join-national-tour-of-fela/|archive-date=January 23, 2013|url-status=live}} Destiny's Child released a compilation album titled Love Songs on January 29, which featured the newly recorded song "Nuclear", co-written by Williams.{{cite web|last=Garibaldi|first=Christina|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1700073/destinys-child-nuclear-single.jhtml|title=Destiny's Child Drop New Single 'Nuclear'|publisher=MTV News. Viacom|date=January 11, 2013|access-date=January 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114031230/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1700073/destinys-child-nuclear-single.jhtml|archive-date=January 14, 2013|url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine|title=Destiny's Child To Release New Song On 'Love Songs' Compilation Album|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/the-juice/1484239/destinys-child-to-release-new-song-on-love-songs-compilation-album|first=Erika|last=Ramirez|magazine=Billboard |date=January 10, 2013|access-date=January 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130130002412/http://www.billboard.com/articles/the-juice/1484239/destinys-child-to-release-new-song-on-love-songs-compilation-album|archive-date=January 30, 2013|url-status=live}}

On February 3, 2013, during Beyoncé's performance at the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show, held at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Rowland and Williams joined Knowles on the stage, where the trio performed excerpts from "Bootylicious", "Independent Women", and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)". Rowland and Williams then exited the stage and Knowles ended her performance.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/10/16/report-beyonce-to-perform-at-super-bowl-halftime-show/|title=Beyoncé to Perform at Super Bowl Halftime Show|work=Rap-Up|date=October 16, 2012|access-date=October 17, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140913103904/http://www.rap-up.com/2012/10/16/report-beyonce-to-perform-at-super-bowl-halftime-show/|archive-date=September 13, 2014|url-status=live}} On February 21, it was announced that Williams would be starring in her own reality television show, titled My Sister's Keeper produced by E1 Television, to coincide with the release of her fourth studio album.{{cite magazine|title=Michelle Williams To Star in Reality Show|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/1549387/michelle-williams-to-star-in-reality-show#disqus_thread|first=Etan|last=Vlessing|magazine=Billboard |date=February 21, 2013|access-date=February 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224070030/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/1549387/michelle-williams-to-star-in-reality-show#disqus_thread|archive-date=February 24, 2013|url-status=live}}

In December 2013, Beyoncé released her self-titled fifth studio album in which Williams appeared alongside Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland on the song and music video "Superpower".{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beyonce-available-worldwide-now-235687181.html |title=BEYONCÉ Available Worldwide Now |work=Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records |publisher=PR Newswire |access-date=December 13, 2013 |date=December 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141125101800/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beyonce-available-worldwide-now-235687181.html |archive-date=November 25, 2014 |url-status=live }} In 2014, Williams became the spokesperson for a Playtex campaign titled Play On Playbook.{{cite press release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/playtex-gentle-glide-teams-up-with-musician-michelle-williams-to-lead-the-play-on-movement-252894581.html|title=Playtex® Gentle Glide® Teams Up with Musician Michelle Williams to Lead the Play On® Movement|publisher=PR Newswire|access-date=April 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418032932/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/playtex-gentle-glide-teams-up-with-musician-michelle-williams-to-lead-the-play-on-movement-252894581.html|archive-date=April 18, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://okmagazine.com/meet-the-stars/exclusives-meet-the-stars/michelle-williams-interview/|title=Michelle Williams Reveals Her Most Embarrassing Moment (And Which Musical Legend It Was In Front Of!)|work=OK!|first=Haley|last=Longmandate= April 2014|date=April 9, 2014|access-date=April 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418234247/http://okmagazine.com/meet-the-stars/exclusives-meet-the-stars/michelle-williams-interview/|archive-date=April 18, 2014|url-status=live}} In April, it was announced that Williams would join the 50-city North American arena tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar as Mary Magdalene alongside Superstar winner Ben Forster and other recording artists such as Brandon Boyd and JC Chasez.{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/528699/jc-chasez-michelle-williams-and-more-team-up-for-jesus-christ-superstar-north-american-tour|title=JC Chasez, Michelle Williams and More Team Up for Jesus Christ Superstar North American Tour|publisher=E! Online|first=Bruna|last=Nessif|date=April 4, 2014|access-date=April 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408020030/http://www.eonline.com/news/528699/jc-chasez-michelle-williams-and-more-team-up-for-jesus-christ-superstar-north-american-tour|archive-date=April 8, 2014|url-status=live}} In May 2014, the tour was cancelled before its launch in New Orleans due to poor ticket sales.{{cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Mark |url=https://ca.celebrity.yahoo.com/news/rock-musical-jesus-christ-superstar-michelle-williams-abruptly-151550778.html |title=Rock musical 'Jesus Christ Superstar' with Michelle Williams abruptly cancels American tour – Yahoo Celebrity CA |publisher=Ca.celebrity.yahoo.com |date=May 31, 2014 |access-date=August 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602201357/https://ca.celebrity.yahoo.com/news/rock-musical-jesus-christ-superstar-michelle-williams-abruptly-151550778.html |archive-date=June 2, 2014 |url-status=dead }} It was announced that Williams would star as a mentor in an Oxygen reality television competition titled Fix My Choir, alongside fellow contemporary gospel recording artists Deitrick Haddon and Tye Tribbett.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/oxygen-orders-seven-new-series-694415|title=Oxygen Orders Seven New Series, Sets Network Rebranding|work=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Lesley|last=Goldberg|date=April 4, 2014|access-date=April 9, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410180002/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/oxygen-orders-seven-new-series-694415|archive-date=April 10, 2014|url-status=live}}

In June 2013, Williams released the lead single from her inspirational fourth album Journey to Freedom, titled "If We Had Your Eyes". The single became her first release to appear on the US Billboard Adult R&B Songs and Hot Gospel Songs charts, peaking at nineteen and twenty-two respectively. Williams reunited with her former Destiny's Child bandmates for the single "Say Yes", which was released a year later and became Williams' first number-one on the US Hot Gospel Songs; additionally charting internationally in the UK, France and Belgium.{{cite web |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/say-yes-feat-beyonc%C3%A9-kelly-rowland-single/881924386 |title=iTunes – Music – Say Yes (feat. Beyoncé & Kelly Rowland) – Single by Michelle Williams |publisher=iTunes |date=June 17, 2014 |access-date=August 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027034812/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/say-yes-single/id881924386 |archive-date=October 27, 2014 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts? |title=Artist Search Billboard, Please insert: Michelle Williams under Artist |work=Billboard.biz |access-date=June 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190312133709/https://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?f%5B0%5D=ts_chart_artistname:Tomorrow%20X%20Together&f%5B1%5D=itm_field_chart_id:-&f%5B2%5D=ss_bb_type:chart_item&type=2&artist=Tomorrow%20X%20Together |archive-date=March 12, 2019 |url-status=live }} "Say Yes" spent seven weeks at number one on the Hot Gospel Songs chart and received a nomination for Best Gospel/Inspirational Song at the 2014 Soul Train Music Awards.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/2014-07-05/gospel-songs|title=Hot Gospel Songs|magazine=Billboard|date=July 5, 2014|access-date=August 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921053724/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2014-07-05/gospel-songs|archive-date=September 21, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/2014-07-12/gospel-songs|title=Hot Gospel Songs|magazine=Billboard|date=July 12, 2014|access-date=October 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140927043833/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2014-07-12/gospel-songs|archive-date=September 27, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/2014-11-22/gospel-songs|title=Hot Gospel Songs|magazine=Billboard|date=November 22, 2014|access-date=December 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141124224559/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2014-11-22/gospel-songs|archive-date=November 24, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/2014-11-29/gospel-songs|title=Hot Gospel Songs|magazine=Billboard|date=November 29, 2014|access-date=December 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227234753/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2014-11-29/gospel-songs|archive-date=December 27, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/2014-12-06/gospel-songs|title=Hot Gospel Songs|magazine=Billboard|date=December 6, 2014|access-date=December 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227235347/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2014-12-06/gospel-songs|archive-date=December 27, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/2014-12-13/gospel-songs|title=Hot Gospel Songs|magazine=Billboard|date=December 13, 2014|access-date=December 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228001810/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2014-12-13/gospel-songs|archive-date=December 28, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/gospel-songs|title=Hot Gospel Songs|magazine=Billboard|date=December 20, 2014|access-date=December 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215234041/http://www.billboard.com/charts/gospel-songs|archive-date=December 15, 2014|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/6281631/soul-train-award-nominations-chris-brown-beyonce|title=Chris Brown & Beyonce Lead Soul Train Award Nominations|magazine=Billboard|first=Erin|last=Strecker|date=October 13, 2014|access-date=October 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015151245/http://www.billboard.com/articles/6281631/soul-train-award-nominations-chris-brown-beyonce|archive-date=October 15, 2014|url-status=live}}

In September 2014, Journey to Freedom debuted at number twenty-nine on the US Billboard 200, reaching number seven on the Independent Albums. It became aa top 10 success on the UK Christian & Gospel Albums chart where it debuted at number 6.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/journey-to-freedom-mw0002598517/awards|title=Journey To Freedom – Michelle Williams – Awards – Allmusic|work=Allmusic|access-date=October 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112045733/http://www.allmusic.com/album/journey-to-freedom-mw0002598517/awards|archive-date=January 12, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/christian-and-gospel-albums-chart/20141228/christ/|title=2014 Top 40 Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart Archive|work=Official Charts Company|date=September 20, 2014|access-date=September 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031001342/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/christian-and-gospel-albums-chart/20141228/christ/|archive-date=October 31, 2015|url-status=live}} Journey to Freedom was nominated for Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary) at the 46th NAACP Image Awards, while "Say Yes" won Music Video of the Year at the 30th Stellar Awards, where Williams received a total of four nominations and reunited with Knowles and Rowland for a live performance of the song.{{Cite news|title=Destiny's Child, Tamela Mann, Deitrick Haddon and more on the 30th annual Stellar Awards|url=http://rollingout.com/music/beyonce-kelly-rowland-michelle-williams-tamala-mann-stellar-awards/#1|work=Rolling Out|first=Yvette|last=Caslin|date=April 5, 2015|access-date=April 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410042950/http://rollingout.com/music/beyonce-kelly-rowland-michelle-williams-tamala-mann-stellar-awards#1|archive-date=April 10, 2015|url-status=live}}

File:Michelle Williams at Super Bowl XLVII halftime show.jpg

On April 14, 2015, Williams sang for president Barack Obama at the White House. The program titled, The Gospel Tradition: In Performance at the White House was broadcast on June 26, 2015, on PBS stations and simulcast on TV One.{{cite web|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/04/10/upcoming-guidance-gospel-tradition-performance-white-house|title=Upcoming Guidance on "The Gospel Tradition: In Performance at the White House"|date=April 10, 2015|via=National Archives|work=whitehouse.gov|access-date=April 15, 2015|archive-date=September 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903122058/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/04/10/upcoming-guidance-gospel-tradition-performance-white-house|url-status=live}} In August 2015, Williams reprised the title role in Aida, presented at the St. Louis venue.{{cite web|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Exclusive-Breaking-News-Destinys-Childs-Michelle-Williams-Will-Lead-AIDA-at-the-MUNY-20160303|title=Exclusive Breaking News: Destiny's Child's Michelle Williams Will Lead AIDA at the MUNY|author=|access-date=March 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306220237/http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Exclusive-Breaking-News-Destinys-Childs-Michelle-Williams-Will-Lead-AIDA-at-the-MUNY-20160303|archive-date=March 6, 2016|url-status=live}} The following month, she premiered her Believe at Home bedding collection on the EVINE network.Christine Thomasos, [http://www.christianpost.com/news/michelle-williams-says-she-wrote-believe-collection-into-existence-9-years-ago-in-journal-entry-146580/#8w1S0ex588BYHRlP.99 "Michelle Williams Says She Wrote 'Believe' Collection Into Existence 9 Years Ago in Journal Entry"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403124542/http://www.christianpost.com/news/michelle-williams-says-she-wrote-believe-collection-into-existence-9-years-ago-in-journal-entry-146580/#8w1S0ex588BYHRlP.99 |date=April 3, 2016 }}, The Christian Post, September 30, 2015. In 2016, Williams sang again for Obama at the White House; alongside Yolanda Adams and Kierra Sheard in the program titled BET Presents: Love and Happiness: An Obama Celebration.{{cite web|url=https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/news/a40824/bet-love-happiness-obamas-white-house-party/|title=Everything That Happened at BET's White House Party for the Obamas|date=November 16, 2016|access-date=April 15, 2018|first=KRISTINA|last=RODULFO|work=ELLE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415193021/https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/news/a40824/bet-love-happiness-obamas-white-house-party/|archive-date=April 15, 2018|url-status=live}}

In April 2018, Williams reunited with Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland during Beyoncé's headlining set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/music/news/destinys-child-beyonce-coachella-reunion-video-1202753551/|title=Destiny's Child Reunites with Beyonce at Coachella|date=April 15, 2018|access-date=April 15, 2018|work=Variety|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415191145/http://variety.com/2018/music/news/destinys-child-beyonce-coachella-reunion-video-1202753551/|archive-date=April 15, 2018|url-status=live}} In late 2018, Williams starred alongside her then-fiancé, Chad Johnson in the OWN reality show, Chad Loves Michelle.{{cite web|url=http://www.oprah.com/app/chad-loves-michelle.html|title=Chad Loves Michelle|work=OWN|access-date=January 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124205559/http://www.oprah.com/app/chad-loves-michelle.html|archive-date=January 24, 2019|url-status=live}} Williams also returned to Broadway as Erzulie in the Tony Award-winning revival of Once On This Island on November 30, 2018, leaving in December on doctor's orders.{{cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Destinys-Childs-Michelle-Williams-Will-Join-the-Cast-of-ONCE-ON-THIS-ISLAND-20181025|title=Destiny's Child's Michelle Williams Will Join the Cast of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND|work=Broadway World|date=October 25, 2018|access-date=October 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121022002/https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Destinys-Childs-Michelle-Williams-Will-Join-the-Cast-of-ONCE-ON-THIS-ISLAND-20181025|archive-date=November 21, 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://people.com/health/michelle-williams-quits-broadway-musical-doctor-orders/|title=Michelle Williams Forced to Quit Broadway Musical After Doctors Order Her to Stop Performing|website=PEOPLE.com|language=en|access-date=December 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215121657/https://people.com/health/michelle-williams-quits-broadway-musical-doctor-orders/|archive-date=December 15, 2018|url-status=live}} On December 7, Williams released the pop single "Fearless" on Radiance Music Group.{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/4NToMbykrZ6bfK9b69Ssm5|title=Fearless · Michelle Williams|website=Spotify|date=December 7, 2018|access-date=December 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207045651/https://open.spotify.com/album/4NToMbykrZ6bfK9b69Ssm5|archive-date=December 7, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/fearless-single/1445028044|title=Fearless - Single by Michelle Williams on Apple Music|website=Apple Music|date=December 7, 2018|access-date=December 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207051057/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/fearless-single/1445028044|archive-date=December 7, 2018|url-status=live}}

On December 21, it was announced by Deadline Hollywood that Williams would guest star as Diana Ross in an episode of the BET period drama series American Soul, which aired in February 2019. In April 2019, the singer was involved in Beyoncé's documentary Homecoming and homonymous album.{{Cite web|url=https://www.beyonce.com/album/homecoming/credits/|title=Beyoncé: Homecoming: Credits: Homecoming|website=Beyoncé|language=en-US|access-date=December 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418080332/https://www.beyonce.com/album/homecoming/credits/|archive-date=April 18, 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/04/08/711044829/a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-beyonc-s-historic-coachella-set-is-coming-to-netflix|title=A Behind-The-Scenes Look At Beyoncé's Historic Coachella Set Is Coming To Netflix|newspaper=NPR|date=April 8, 2019|language=en|access-date=December 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214181622/https://www.npr.org/2019/04/08/711044829/a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-beyonc-s-historic-coachella-set-is-coming-to-netflix|archive-date=December 14, 2019|url-status=live|last1=Bote|first1=Joshua}} Later that year, Williams competed as "Butterfly" in the second season of The Masked Singer. In December 2019, she came back to the stage starring as the Evil Queen for the 10th anniversary of A Snow White Christmas at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, alongside Neil Patrick Harris and Jared Gertner.{{cite web|url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/12/8969389/masked-singer-michelle-williams-butterfly-revealed|title=The Butterfly On The Masked Singer Was Revealed — & It Was The Show's Most Touching Moment|first=Ineye|last=Komonibo|work=Refinery29|date=December 5, 2019|access-date=December 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205205546/https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/12/8969389/masked-singer-michelle-williams-butterfly-revealed|archive-date=December 5, 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/a-snow-white-christmas-featuring-michelle-williams-neil-patrick-harris-jared-gertner-more-begins-december-13|title=A Snow White Christmas, Featuring Michelle Williams, Neil Patrick Harris, Jared Gertner, More, Begins December 13|last=Gans|first=Andrew|date=December 13, 2019|website=Playbill|language=en|access-date=December 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215205855/http://www.playbill.com/article/a-snow-white-christmas-featuring-michelle-williams-neil-patrick-harris-jared-gertner-more-begins-december-13|archive-date=December 15, 2019|url-status=live}}

In November 2020,{{Cite web|date=November 17, 2020|title=Michelle Williams Announces New Memoir 'Checking In'|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2020/11/michelle-williams-announces-new-memoir/|access-date=May 28, 2021|website=ratedrnb.com|language=en|archive-date=May 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521025500/https://ratedrnb.com/2020/11/michelle-williams-announces-new-memoir/|url-status=live}} Williams announced her memoir, Checking In: How Getting Real About Depression Saved My Life–and Can Save Yours, which was released in May 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/michelle-williams-on-depression-mental-health-new-book-checking-in//|title=Everything is not perfect": Michelle Williams on mental health and her new book, "Checking In|website=CBS News|date=May 25, 2021|access-date=May 31, 2021|archive-date=May 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531101803/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/michelle-williams-on-depression-mental-health-new-book-checking-in/|url-status=live}} The accompanying podcast, Checking In with Michelle Williams, premiered on streaming services in December 2020, and was nomintated at the 53rd NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Lifestyle/Self-Help Podcast.{{cite instagram |user=michellewilliams |postid=CI05mfigyLd |date=December 15, 2020 |title=Exciting things are taking place! My podcast titled Checking In launches December 22... |access-date=July 20, 2021}}{{Cite web|last=Spivey|first=Kemberlie|date=2022-01-19|title=2022 NAACP Image Awards Nominations: The Full List|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kemberliespivey/2022/01/18/2022-naacp-image-awards-nominations-the-full-list/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119025807/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kemberliespivey/2022/01/18/2022-naacp-image-awards-nominations-the-full-list/|archive-date=2022-01-19|access-date=2022-01-20|website=Forbes|language=en}} On October 29, 2021, Williams costarred in Hallmark's holiday themed TV movie, Christmas in Harmony.{{cite web|url=https://www.playbill.com/article/6-opportunities-to-see-broadway-stars-on-hallmarks-countdown-to-christmas|title=6 Opportunities to See Broadway Stars on Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas|website=playbill.com|date=October 29, 2021|access-date=October 31, 2021|archive-date=October 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031041305/https://www.playbill.com/article/6-opportunities-to-see-broadway-stars-on-hallmarks-countdown-to-christmas|url-status=live}} In 2022, Williams competed as "Rockhopper" in the third series of the British version of The Masked Singer.{{Cite web|date=2022-02-06|title=Rockhopper unveiled on The Masked Singer – but who are they?|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/michelle-williams-masked-singer-uk-rockhopper-b2008633.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220514/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/michelle-williams-masked-singer-uk-rockhopper-b2008633.html |archive-date=May 14, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=2022-02-15|website=The Independent|language=en}} She later competed as "Microphone" in the fourth season of The Masked Singer Australia, making her the first celebrity to compete in three versions of the show.{{cite web|url=https://etcanada.com/news/922775/michelle-williams-of-destinys-child-unmasked-on-australias-the-masked-singer/|title=Michelle Williams Of Destiny's Child Unmasked On Australia's 'The Masked Singer'|website=etcanada.com|date=August 23, 2022|access-date=August 23, 2022|archive-date=August 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823225540/https://etcanada.com/news/922775/michelle-williams-of-destinys-child-unmasked-on-australias-the-masked-singer/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |last=Laidlaw |first=Kyle |date=2022-08-23 |title=VIDEO {{!}} Destiny's Child star MICHELLE WILLIAMS revealed as Microphone on THE MASKED SINGER AUSTRALIA |url=https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2022/08/23/recap-michelle-williams-revealed-as-microphone-on-the-masked-singer-australia-maskedsingerau/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=TV Blackbox |language=en-AU |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009093810/https://tvblackbox.com.au/page/2022/08/23/recap-michelle-williams-revealed-as-microphone-on-the-masked-singer-australia-maskedsingerau/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=International Superstar revealed on The Masked Singer |url=https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyle/entertainment/international-superstar-revealed-on-the-masked-singer-2022/news-story/23fb32f0339bdddf289af61386693170?nk=c7b5735bf1e50837a6f4579e75fb2a22-1665308188 |website=Kidspot}}{{Cite web |title=Michelle Williams Revealed In Week 9 Of 'The Masked Singer Australia' |url=https://etcanada.com/video/8aa38e24-230d-11ed-b742-0242ac110006/michelle-williams-revealed-in-week-9-of-the-masked-singer-australia/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=ET Canada |language=en-US |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009093810/https://etcanada.com/video/8aa38e24-230d-11ed-b742-0242ac110006/michelle-williams-revealed-in-week-9-of-the-masked-singer-australia/ |url-status=dead }} She also starred in the Lifetime movie Wrath: A Seven Deadly Sins Story, which aired on April 16, 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/news/movies-tv/romeo-miller-michelle-williams-td-jakes-lifetime-movie-1234649352/|title=Romeo Miller And Michelle Williams To Star In T.D. Jakes Lifetime Movie|website=vibe.com|date=February 23, 2022|access-date=February 24, 2022|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224163201/https://www.vibe.com/news/movies-tv/romeo-miller-michelle-williams-td-jakes-lifetime-movie-1234649352/|url-status=live}}

In January 2024, Williams appeared alongside her cousin on Fox's We Are Family.{{cite web |title=Michelle Williams' Experience on 'We Are Family' Was 'Bigger Than Just a Cute New Show'|url=https://www.thewrap.com/we-are-family-fox-michelle-williams-evandia-penix-interview/|website=The Wrap|date=January 6, 2024 |access-date=April 24, 2024}} In March 2024, Williams was cast in the musical adaptation of Death Becomes Her, playing Viola Van Horn (Lisle von Rhuman in the film version), at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago from April 30 to June 2. She continued the role in the Broadway production which started on October 23.{{Cite web |last=Oxman |first=Steven |date=May 20, 2024 |title='Death Becomes Her' Review: Promising Pre-Broadway Musical Makes for a Campy Improvement on the Cult Film |url=https://variety.com/2024/legit/reviews/death-becomes-her-review-musical-chicago-1236010777/ |access-date=May 21, 2024 |website=Variety}}{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Greg |date=2024-07-31 |title='Death Becomes Her' Musical Announces Complete Broadway Cast |url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/death-becomes-her-broadway-cast-1236026879/ |access-date=2024-11-17 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}

File:Michelle Williams on stage at J&R's Musicfest (cropped).jpg, 2008]]

Williams can be identified as a soprano.{{Cite news|title=Michelle Williams: Creating her own destiny |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/music/article/Creating-her-own-destiny-features-headline-5742539.php |work=Houston Chronicle |date=September 9, 2014 |access-date=December 25, 2023 |first=Joey |last=Guerra}}{{Cite news|title=Michelle Williams – Unexpected (2008)|url=http://www.soultracks.com/michelle_williams_unexpected_review|date=October 2008|access-date=March 18, 2013|work=Soul Tracks|first=Melody|last=Charles|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026090922/http://www.soultracks.com/michelle_williams_unexpected_review|archive-date=October 26, 2012|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|title=TGJ Replay: Michelle Williams – 'Heart To Yours'|url=http://thatgrapejuice.net/2013/03/tgj-replay-michelle-williams-heart-yours/#more-105539|date=March 17, 2013|access-date=March 18, 2013|work=That Grape Juice|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130320045212/http://thatgrapejuice.net/2013/03/tgj-replay-michelle-williams-heart-yours/#more-105539|archive-date=March 20, 2013|url-status=live}} William Ruhlmann of AllMusic commented that she has a "warm, kittenish voice" with the ability to "transform" from "kitten to tiger", belting "with absolute conviction".{{Cite web |last=Ruhlmann |first=William |title=Album Review: Michelle Williams – Heart to Yours |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r586772 |work=Allmusic |publisher=Macrovision Company |access-date=April 17, 2008 |archive-date=December 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231213212419/https://www.allmusic.com/album/heart-to-yours-mw0000659387 |url-status=live }} GospelMusicCity.com praised her "delicate vocals" and described her "sopralto stylings" as "inimitable", writing that on "Heard a Word" she "demonstrates further versatility in Ella-like fashion".

Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine compared her to other singers, writing "Williams's warm vocal recalls both the playful wisps of her R&B contemporaries (Jill Scott, Erykah Badu) and the breathy timbre of Diana Ross".{{cite web|last=Cinquemani|first=Sal|title=Michelle Williams: Heart to Yours|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/michelle-williams-heart-to-yours/202|work=Slant Magazine|date=October 11, 2001|access-date=January 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011015645/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/michelle-williams-heart-to-yours/202|archive-date=October 11, 2012|url-status=live}} Emily Sogn of PopMatters wrote "Williams singing style is pleasingly slow paced...that owes a lot to her pop contemporaries like Ashanti and Janet Jackson."{{Cite web|last=Sogn|first=Emily|title=CD: Michelle Williams, Do You Know?|url=https://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/williamsmichelle-doyouknow/|date=June 7, 2004|access-date=February 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022044203/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/williamsmichelle-doyouknow/|archive-date=October 22, 2012|url-status=live}} Mike Rimmer of Cross Rhythms described her voice as "soulful".{{cite web|last=Rimmer|first=Mike|title=Michelle Williams – Heart to Yours|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Michelle_Williams/Heart_To_Yours/5121/|work=Cross Rhythms|date=May 13, 2002|access-date=January 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613220444/http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Michelle_Williams/Heart_To_Yours/5121/|archive-date=June 13, 2011|url-status=live}} Caroline Sullivan of The Guardian wrote that "Williams's strength is a shimmery jazz lilt".{{Cite news|last=Sullivan|first=Caroline|title=CD: Michelle Williams, Do You Know?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/jan/23/popandrock.shopping5|date=January 23, 2004|location=London|work=The Guardian|access-date=December 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920183153/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/jan/23/popandrock.shopping5|archive-date=September 20, 2016|url-status=live}}

{{See also|List of awards and nominations received by Michelle Williams (singer)}}

Williams has earned an array of awards and honors as a solo artist and a member of Destiny's Child. These include: one Grammy Award{{cite web|url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist="michelle+williams"&title=&year=All&genre=All|title=Past Winners Search – Michelle Williams|publisher=Grammy.com|access-date=September 25, 2014}} and one MOBO Award. Billboard ranked Williams as the fifth Top Gospel Artist of 2002 due to the success of her debut release Heart to Yours which was one of the best-selling gospel releases of the year. In 2013, Williams was honored in her hometown of Rockford, Illinois at the 2013 I Love Gospel Music honors luncheon, which featured musical tributes, including one by Sunday Best winner Amber Bullock.{{cite web|url=http://thatgrapejuice.net/2013/10/overflow-gospel-news-roundup-faith-evans-lecrae-micah-stampley-michelle-williams-marvin-sapp/|title=The Overflow (Gospel News RoundUp): Faith Evans, Lecrae, Micah Stampley, Michelle Williams, Marvin Sapp|date=October 27, 2013|access-date=December 17, 2013|work=That Grape Juice|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217040326/http://thatgrapejuice.net/2013/10/overflow-gospel-news-roundup-faith-evans-lecrae-micah-stampley-michelle-williams-marvin-sapp/|archive-date=December 17, 2013|url-status=live}}

Williams reportedly began dating pastor and professional sports chaplain Chad Johnson in July 2017. Williams and Johnson announced their engagement via People on April 19, 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://people.com/music/michelle-williams-destinys-child-engaged-pastor-chad-johnson/|title=Michelle Williams Is Engaged! How the Destiny's Child Star Found Love with Pastor Chad Johnson|work=PEOPLE.com|access-date=June 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616203956/https://people.com/music/michelle-williams-destinys-child-engaged-pastor-chad-johnson/|archive-date=June 16, 2018|url-status=live}} In September 2018, the couple revealed plans to film a television series, showcasing their relationship as they navigate the road from engagement to marriage. On November 3, 2018, the reality show Chad Loves Michelle began airing on the Oprah Winfrey Network.{{Cite web|url=https://www.essence.com/entertainment/michelle-williams-reality-series-chad-loves-michelle/|title=Michelle Williams And Fiancé Chad Johnson To Star In New Reality Series 'Chad Loves Michelle'|website=Essence|access-date=November 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106132322/https://www.essence.com/entertainment/michelle-williams-reality-series-chad-loves-michelle/|archive-date=November 6, 2018|url-status=live}} In December 2018, Williams announced that she and Johnson had both called off their engagement.{{cite web|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/994282/destiny-s-child-s-michelle-williams-says-she-and-pastor-chad-johnson-split/|title=Destiny's Child's Michelle Williams and Pastor Chad Johnson Break Up|last=Heller|first=Corinne|work=E!|date=December 7, 2018|access-date=December 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181208161544/https://www.eonline.com/news/994282/destiny-s-child-s-michelle-williams-says-she-and-pastor-chad-johnson-split|archive-date=December 8, 2018|url-status=live}}

Williams has a history of depression, saying that she has "been suffering since the ages of 13 and 15".{{cite news |title=Michelle Williams was suicidal in Destiny's Child |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-41678187 |access-date=September 25, 2020 |publisher=BBC |date=October 19, 2017 |archive-date=November 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113201551/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-41678187 |url-status=live }} During her time with Destiny's Child, she says that she told their then manager Mathew Knowles about her feelings, but that he did not really understand. He replied to her concerns by trying to point out the good side of their new-found fame, "You all just signed a multi-millionaire dollar deal, you're about to go on tour, what have you got to be depressed about?"

She said that she had difficulty understanding her own feelings until later in life, around her thirties, stating that "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 also felt that Knowles intended no malice, and only had her best interests at heart, "Bless his heart... I think he wanted me to be grateful, which I was, but I was still sad."

Williams again felt helpless after she and her fiancé, Chad Johnson, split up in late 2018. She said the breakup left her "shattered and ... fighting suicidal thoughts."{{cite news |last1=DeSantis |first1=Rachel |title=Michelle Williams Talks Battling Through Her Depression: 'I Didn't Think I Would Be Alive' Today |url=https://people.com/music/michelle-williams-depression-didnt-think-i-would-be-alive/ |access-date=September 25, 2020 |work=People |date=June 27, 2019 |archive-date=June 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618235651/https://people.com/music/michelle-williams-depression-didnt-think-i-would-be-alive/ |url-status=live }} She said that she felt "so angry. The rage built up in me. I did not attempt suicide, but I was questioning [life]". Williams suffered a nervous breakdown just after opening day for a Broadway production of Once on This Island and was advised to leave the show by her doctor. By April 2020 she had returned to better health, saying that "I am in a better place now. I am not perfect. I'm not preaching ... When people say it gets better, it does. It just takes time. The days do get brighter".

In November 2020, Williams announced plans to release a memoir "revealing her entire truth including a deeper dive into where her anxiety and depression came from." She stated, "I'm ready to share, I've been a very transparent person and now I'm ready to share the good, bad, and ugly parts of my journey—the concerning part of my journey. ... I really go into the specifics, I really go into the first time I was diagnosed, I go into assessing the first time I had anxiety in a romantic relationship and what it did to that relationship and then subsequently what it did to the next one." Williams said she hoped to "really help heal through my story" and "let people know what I do on a daily, what I do on a monthly–whatever it takes to get people whole and get people where they can maybe start seeing some better results in their own life."{{cite web|url=https://www.essence.com/celebrity/michelle-williams-heartfelt-new-memoir-checking-in-cover-details/|title=Michelle Williams Is 'Checking In' With You In Her Heartfelt New Memoir|website=Essence|date=November 16, 2020|access-date=November 17, 2020|archive-date=November 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117180051/https://www.essence.com/celebrity/michelle-williams-heartfelt-new-memoir-checking-in-cover-details/|url-status=live}}

The book titled Checking In: How Getting Real about Depression Saved My Life—and Can Save Yours was published on May 25, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.worth.com/michelle-williams-mental-health/|title=Singer Michelle Williams on Why Being Open About Mental Health Is Necessary|website=Worth|date=May 27, 2021|access-date=May 31, 2021|archive-date=May 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531131124/https://www.worth.com/michelle-williams-mental-health/|url-status=live}}

In 2001, Williams made a "bountiful" donation of $148,900 to her church, St. Paul Church of God in Christ in Rockford, Illinois – of which she has been a member since birth – to finish construction of the church's school, St. Paul Academy. The church is pastored by her uncle, Bishop James E. Washington.{{cite news|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ADVISORY%2FMichelle+Williams+of+Destiny%27s+Child+Makes+Sizeable...-a075826791|title=ADVISORY/Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child Makes Sizeable Contribution to Church!|year=2001|access-date=September 14, 2011|work=Business Wire|publisher=The Free Library|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113181142/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/ADVISORY%2FMichelle+Williams+of+Destiny%27s+Child+Makes+Sizeable...-a075826791|archive-date=November 13, 2013|url-status=live}}

In 2005, music producer David Foster, his daughter Amy Foster-Gillies, and Knowles wrote "Stand Up for Love", which would serve as the anthem of World Children's Day, an event which takes place annually around the world on November 20 to raise awareness and funds for children's causes worldwide. Destiny's Child lent their voices and support as global ambassadors for the 2005 World Children's Day program.{{cite news |url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,204978,00.html?sPage=fnc/entertainment/beyonce |title=Beyoncé Knowles' Biography |access-date=June 5, 2008 |date=April 15, 2008 |publisher=Fox News |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729034043/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,204978,00.html?sPage=fnc/entertainment/beyonce |archive-date=July 29, 2012 }} In this role, Knowles, Rowland and Williams visited Ronald McDonald Houses around the world during their Destiny Fulfilled... and Lovin' It World Tour and donated a portion of their North American ticket sales to Ronald McDonald House Charities.{{cite news|url=http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=18568&string=Carlos|title=Destiny's Child Debuts World Children's Day at McDonald's Anthem|access-date=September 14, 2011|date=November 15, 2005|publisher=Top40-Charts.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113182559/http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=18568&string=Carlos|archive-date=November 13, 2013|url-status=live}}

In September 2006, Williams jump-started the Chicago PepsiCo S.M.A.R.T. – which stands for five simple steps that encourage active living and better food choices – program to promote active, healthy lifestyles by building a new "Smart Spot" playground in Chicago.{{cite news|url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=78265&p=irol-newsArticle_Print&ID=910490&highlight=|title=PepsiCo – News Release|access-date=September 14, 2011|date=September 29, 2006|publisher=PepsiCo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031001521/http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=78265&p=irol-newsArticle_Print&ID=910490&highlight=|archive-date=October 31, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/interview-michelle-williams-08-01-2011|title=Interview with Michelle Williams|first=Ellen|last=Stodola|access-date=September 14, 2011|date=August 1, 2011|publisher=TheCelebrityCafe.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816045424/http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/interview-michelle-williams-08-01-2011|archive-date=August 16, 2011}} Williams, along with friend Lance Bass, was on hand to sing to and greet kids at the opening of Camp Heartland, a camp dedicated to helping kids suffering from HIV/AIDS enjoy life and take their mind off their illness. In 2006, the Chicago Sky, a team in the Women's National Basketball Association, announced that Williams, along with Mathew Knowles, is part of a group of minority shareholder owners in the team.{{cite news|url=http://www.wnba.com/sky/michelle_williams_announcement_022806.html|title=SKY: Michelle Williams Announced as Minority Owner of Chicago Sky|date=February 28, 2006|access-date=September 14, 2011|publisher=WNBA.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126092218/http://www.wnba.com/sky/michelle_williams_announcement_022806.html|archive-date=November 26, 2010|url-status=live}}

In 2012, she became an ambassador for the American Heart Association's Power to End Stroke campaign. In speaking of her role she said "I am honored to partner with the campaign ... my father had a stroke in 2005 due to smoking, diabetes and an unhealthy diet, and my grandmother was diagnosed with having a stroke in 2006 when she went to her doctor for a simple outpatient procedure. I am bringing awareness to people so that strokes can be prevented. Let's take care of ourselves...the first step is knowledge about your health."{{cite news|url=http://blackdoctor.org/7722/michelle-williams-the-power-to-end-stroke/|title=Michelle Williams: The Power To End Stroke|first=Whitney|last=Greer|date=April 6, 2012|access-date=October 8, 2012|publisher=BlackDoctor.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106023530/http://blackdoctor.org/7722/michelle-williams-the-power-to-end-stroke/|archive-date=November 6, 2012|url-status=live}}

In 2014, Williams partnered with Hyundai's non-profit organization, Hope on Wheels, "committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer"; which has raised over $74,000,000 for the cause since its inception in 1998.{{cite news|url=https://www.facebook.com/michellewilliams/photos/a.10150554324483681.379424.25139098680/10152150220518681/?type=1&theater|title=I am proud to announce I have partnered with Hyundai Hope On Wheels to show my support in the fight against pediatric cancer. Every 36 minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer in our country. That is just not right. I hope you will join us to No. EndChildhoodCancer by raising awareness for this terrible disease...|first=Michelle|last=Williams|access-date=April 18, 2014|publisher=Facebook|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031001547/https://www.facebook.com/michellewilliams/photos/a.10150554324483681.379424.25139098680/10152150220518681/?type=1&theater|archive-date=October 31, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://hyundaihopeonwheels.org/about-us/our-story/|title=Our Story – Who We Are & What We Do|access-date=July 18, 2016|publisher=Hyundai Hope on Wheels|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713093750/http://hyundaihopeonwheels.org/about-us/our-story/|archive-date=July 13, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org/|title=Hyundai Hope on Wheels|access-date=April 18, 2014|publisher=Hyundai|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419012005/http://www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org/|archive-date=April 19, 2014|url-status=live}}

{{main|Michelle Williams discography}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

Studio albums

• Heart to Yours (2002)
• Do You Know (2004)
• Unexpected (2008)
• Journey to Freedom (2014)

{{col-2}}

with Destiny's Child

{{Main|Destiny's Child discography|List of Destiny's Child songs|l2=songs}}

• Survivor (2001)
• 8 Days of Christmas (2001)
• Destiny Fulfilled (2004)

{{col-end}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Michelle Williams (singer)}}

{{Portal|R&B and Soul Music}}

• {{Discogs artist|Michelle Williams|Michelle Williams}}
• {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p350914|label=Michelle Williams}}
• {{IBDB name|id=116262|name=Michelle Williams}}
• {{IMDb name|0931332|Michelle Williams}}

{{Michelle Williams}}

{{Destiny's Child}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Williams, Michelle}}

Category:1979 births

Category:Living people

Category:20th-century Protestants

Category:20th-century African-American women singers

Category:20th-century American women singers

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Category:21st-century African-American women singers

Category:21st-century American women singers

Category:Actresses from Rockford, Illinois

Category:African-American actresses

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Category:American women singer-songwriters

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Category:Grammy Award winners

Category:Illinois State University alumni

Category:Members of the Church of God in Christ

Category:Musicians from Rockford, Illinois

Category:Participants in American reality television series

Category:Singer-songwriters from Illinois