Kelly Rowland is an American singer, songwriter, actress and television personality from Atlanta, United States. Born in 1981, she is best known for her work as a member of Destiny’s Child and for a solo career that spans contemporary R&B, dance-pop, electro house, electropop, hip hop and hip hop soul.

Destiny’s Child and early success

Rowland rises to fame in the late 1990s as part of Destiny’s Child, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. The group is among her listed acts, along with GAP Holiday 2003. She later receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as part of Destiny’s Child.

Solo recording career

During Destiny’s Child’s three-year hiatus, Rowland releases her debut solo studio album, Simply Deep (2002). The album debuts at number one on the UK Albums Chart and sells more than 3 million copies worldwide. It includes the Billboard Hot 100 number-one single “Dilemma”, recorded with Nelly, as well as the UK top-five singles “Stole” and “Can’t Nobody”.

After Destiny’s Child disbands in 2006, she releases her second studio album, Ms. Kelly (2007). Her third album, Here I Am (2011), follows the success of her work in electronic dance music. Her fourth album, Talk a Good Game (2013), becomes her third top-ten album on the US Billboard 200.

Collaborations and television work

In 2009, Rowland hosts the first season of The Fashion Show and appears on David Guetta’s “When Love Takes Over”, which reaches number one in several countries. She later serves as a television judge on the eighth season of The X Factor UK in 2011 and the third season of The X Factor USA in 2013. Her later television roles include hosting Chasing Destiny in 2016 and coaching on The Voice Australia from 2017 to 2020.

Acting

Rowland also works as an actress, with starring roles in the films Freddy vs. Jason (2003) and The Seat Filler (2005).

Awards and recognition

Her career includes five Grammy Awards, one Billboard Music Award and two Soul Train Music Awards. She also receives recognition from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and Essence for her contribution to music. In 2014, Fuse ranks her at number 20 on its list of the 100 Most Award-Winning Artists.

Recording sales

Across her solo work, Rowland sells more than 40 million records, and with Destiny’s Child she sells a further 60 million records. She is associated with Music World Music.