Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé Knowles are two of the most successful singers in the world, but they are also known for being longtime friends and former bandmates in Destiny’s Child. Many fans have wondered if they are related by blood, given their close bond and similar backgrounds. The answer is no, they are not technically related, but they might as well be — the two singers grew up together, becoming tight-knit after meeting at a Girls Tyme audition when they were nine, according to a 2019 Marie Claire interview.
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How Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé Knowles Met and Became Friends
Rowland told Marie Claire that she grew up with Beyoncé, her sister Solange, her mother Tina, and her eldest cousin Angie. She said that she and Beyoncé were particularly close since the two have been doing rehearsals together since they were so young. “We grew up in this industry together; we’ve shared ups and downs and we are closer than ever,” she said. “I can tell her anything and she’ll never judge me. She’s a real friend: genuine, loyal, and trustworthy.”
Rowland also said that Beyoncé was one of the sweetest people she ever met, and that she was always supportive of her career choices. The two singers went on to form Destiny’s Child in the late 1990s, along with Michelle Williams, and became one of the biggest girl groups in music history, giving fans hits like “Survivor,” “Soldier,” and “Say My Name.” They released their fifth and final album Destiny Fulfilled in 2004, and have reunited occasionally for special performances.
How Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé Knowles Dealt with Comparisons and Competition
Of course, being friends with one of the most famous and influential artists in the world is not always easy. Rowland admitted that she struggled with comparisons and insecurities when it came to her solo career, especially after Beyoncé’s massive success with albums like Dangerously in Love and Lemonade. She opened up about this on The Voice Australia in 2020, while speaking to a contestant who felt he was living in his brother’s shadow.
“I know this feeling. Can you imagine what it’s like being in a group with Beyoncé?” Rowland told him, according to Harper’s Bazaar. “I would just torture myself in my head like, ‘Well, I can’t wear this dress ’cause they’re gonna say it’s like B.’ Or, ‘I can’t have a song like that because it sounds too much like B.'”
She went on to say that there was a whole decade where it was like the elephant in the room, the thing that would constantly be on her shoulder. “I would be lying if I said, ‘No, it’s never bothered me.’ That’s bull,” she said.
However, Rowland also said that she learned to embrace her own identity and style, and to appreciate her achievements without comparing them to others. She said that she was proud of herself for being able to overcome her doubts and fears, and to find her own voice as an artist.
How Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé Knowles Stay Connected Today
Despite their different paths and busy schedules, Rowland and Beyoncé have remained close friends over the years. They often support each other on social media, attend each other’s events, and celebrate each other’s milestones. They also share a strong bond with Williams, who is like a sister to them as well.
In 2021, Rowland revealed that Beyoncé and Williams were actually tuned in on Zoom when she welcomed her second son, Noah. “We had our family join on Zoom,” Rowland told People. “They were able to see Noah come into the world. It was beautiful.” She also said that the two women met the baby shortly after his arrival.
“The girls were literally over here at the house just recently and when they met the baby it was like another part of my heart just… Being able to share space with Michelle and Bey is truly a gift,” Rowland gushed to Entertainment Tonight. “It’s really a gift because we’ve known each other for so long and the industry doesn’t really make friendships… It’s the nature of it, and we still have each other after all these years.”
Rowland also said that their kids are besties too, and that they love spending time together as families.
Summary
Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé Knowles are not related by blood, but they have a sisterly bond that goes beyond music. They met when they were nine years old at a Girls Tyme audition, and formed Destiny’s Child together in the late 1990s. They have been through ups and downs, successes and failures, and have supported each other throughout their careers. They are still close friends today, and share a special connection with Michelle Williams as well. They are also proud mothers who love their children and each other’s children. Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé Knowles are not related, but they are family..
