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Billed as their Farewell Tour, Destiny’s Child waved good-bye with grace and beauty to a sold-out Chicago’s Charter One Pavilion, exiting their career as a trio on a high note. Given their talent and stage presence, it makes it even harder to say good-bye to one of the music industry’s most popular female R&B groups. When the ingredients of talent, beauty, and fashion are mixed together, you get an entertainment elixir that’s tasty eye & ear candy. The trio’s sexy-strong vibe can’t be bottled but must be savored. It is at this point in their careers, Divas Beyonce’ Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams have chosen to shake up their own tantalizing tonics while keeping their relationships with each other solidly intact. (Read More)

After blockbuster commercial success in the late 90’s, the women took some time off to pursue their individual careers and they got a taste of going solo. When the women reunited, they plotted their final album, Destiny Fulfilled, as well as prepared for their final adieu. A world tour, sponsored by McDonald's, "Destiny Fulfilled and I'm Lovin' It", hit 16 countries and over 75 cities worldwide, kicking off in Hiroshima, Japan in April 2005. Stops included Australia, Europe, and the U.S. and Canada in summer 2005.
But their worldwide success didn’t happen overnight and wasn’t without controversy. Their accomplishments came in spite of several abrupt personnel changes, which were accompanied by heated, well-publicized feuds in the media and the courts. For a short period of time, Destiny's Child became known for ‘the drama’ just as much as their music. But once the group stabilized, they emerged with even more hit making power than ever before.





Their Destiny


Destiny's Child was formed in Houston, Texas, in 1990, when original members Beyoncé Knowles and LaTavia Roberson were just nine years old. Knowles' father, Matthew wanted to develop an act based on the girls’ singing and rapping under the name GirlTyme. Knowles's cousin, Kelly Rowland joined two years after. Later Tina Knowles, Beyoncé's mother took the name Destiny’s Child from a passage in the Book of Isaiah. The group landed an appearance on Star Search (as a trio), where they performed a rap song. In 1993, LaToya Luckett joined the act. The quartet's lineup was finalized (for the time being) and they spent the next few years working their way up from the Houston club scene, eventually opening for popular R&B artists like SWV, Dru Hill, and Immature. In 1997, Destiny's Child was offered a recording contract by Columbia Records.


The divas made their recording debut with "Killing Time," which appeared on the soundtrack for the 1997 blockbuster, Men In Black. Destiny's Child released their self-titled debut album to mixed reviews in 1998. The album's first single, "No, No, No" featured two completely different versions of the same song. "No, No, No Pt.1" and "No, No, No Pt.2" were both released simultaneously. “No-Pt.2”, the blockbuster single sold over 1 million copies, turning the group into an instant R&B music sensation. Destiny's Child eventually went Platinum after later success. Expectations weren't high for the group's second album because most industry critics considered them to be yet another disposable R&B girl-group with one-hit wonder status.





Destiny's Child re-entered the studio with an impressive lineup of talented producers, including Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, Rodney Jerkins, Dwayne Wiggins, Chad Elliot, Daryl Simmons, and Missy Elliott. The Writing's on the Wall entered the Billboard 200 at No.6 upon its release in July 1999. The second single, "Bug-a-Boo" hit the Top 40 pop charts, while its music video received heavy rotation on MTV and BET.


Given the group's breakout success, two of its original members, Letoya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson, attempted to split with manager Matthew Knowles, charging that he kept a disproportionate share of the band's profits, attempted to exert too much control, and unfairly favored his daughter and niece. While they never intended to leave the group, relations grew strained. When the video for "Say My Name" premiered in February 2000, many fans (not to mention Roberson and Luckett) were surprised to find two new members - Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin - joining Knowles and Rowland. Infuriated, Roberson and Luckett took legal action in March, suing both Knowles and their former band mates for breach of partnership and fiduciary duties. A war of words followed in the press; meanwhile, Destiny's Child became a pop-cultural phenomenon. "Say My Name" became the group's biggest single to date and third No.1 single. The abrupt membership changes within the group seemed to only heighten the group's visibility, finally separating them from the endless pack of teen R&B starlets.


The personnel-turnover drama still wasn't over. In July 2000, just five months after joining, Farrah Franklin split with the group. The official reason was that Franklin missed several promotional appearances and concert gigs, although in later interviews she spoke of too much negativity and too little control in the group environment. Toward the end of 2000, Roberson and Luckett dropped the portion of their lawsuit aimed at Rowland and Knowles in exchange for a settlement, though they continued to pursue action against Knowles' father; as part of the agreement, both sides were prohibited from attacking each other publicly.


Making progress in the film industry, the trio of Beyonce’, Kelly, and Michelle, the final version of Destiny's Child, were asked to record the theme song for the film version of Charlie's Angels. Released as a single in October 2000, "Independent Women, Pt. 1" raced up the charts and spent an astounding 11 consecutive weeks at No.1 (the longest running of 2000). Now indisputable superstars, they quickly began work on a new album to capitalize on their success. In the meantime, Destiny's Child won 2 Grammy awards for "Say My Name," including Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group and Best R&B Song.


Beyoncé had long since emerged as the group's focal point, and on the third Destiny's Child album, she assumed more control than ever before, taking a greater hand in writing the material and even producing some of the record herself. While recording sessions were going on, Rowland released the first Destiny's Child solo track; "Angel" appeared on the soundtrack of Chris Rock's Down to Earth. Former members Roberson and Luckett also announced the formation of a trio called, coincidentally, Angel, and Farrah Franklin set about starting a solo career.


Survivor hit stores in the spring of 2001 and entered the charts at number one. The first two singles, "Survivor" and "Bootylicious," were predictably huge hits, with the latter becoming the group's fourth number one pop single. Survivor sold well — over four million copies — but not as well as its predecessor. Toward the end of the year, the group released a holiday album, 8 Days of Christmas, and announced plans for a series of side projects, including solo albums from all three members (to be staggered over the next year and a half, so as to avoid competition). In early 2002, shortly after This Is the Remix was released to tide fans over, Roberson and Luckett sued the group again, claiming that some of the lyrics in "Survivor" made reference to them (in violation of the earlier lawsuit settlement). Meanwhile, Beyoncé won a leading role opposite Mike Myers in the third Austin Powers film, Goldmember, playing heroine Foxy Cleopatra; her first solo single, "Work It Out," appeared on the soundtrack, and her full solo album, Dangerously in Love, became a huge hit upon release in mid-2003.


Despite much critical speculation, the trio reunited and released Destiny Fulfilled in November 2004. Beyonce, Kelly and Michelle were credited as co-writers and executive producers of the appropriately named final album. "Lose My Breath," the album's first single, became the group's ninth Top 10 Hot 100 hit. The album, which saw the trio shift to a more urban sound (possibly due to the influence of Beyonce's boyfriend, the rapper Jay Z) was released in November 2004. The second single, "Soldier" featuring rappers T.I. and Lil Wayne quickly entered the Top 10, peaking at No.3 in February 2005 becoming the group’s tenth top 10 hit. "Lose My Breath" and "Soldier" have since been certified platinum by the RIAA. Despite receiving worldwide mixed reviews, Destiny Fulfilled was certified 3x Platinum in early 2005.


To add to a quite extensive list of awards and accolades, Destiny's Child are now immortalized as Barbie Dolls. As a ‘final high five’ for the girls of sorts, toymakers Mattel created the latest Barbies as part of their Famous Friends line. The Barbies went on sale during their Farewell Tour.


Given the diverse creativity of these talented young women, Destiny’s Child could easily re-invent themselves and reunite someday in the future. Smart and savvy businesswomen, they built a strong musical foundation on their talent as well as love, friendship, and respect for one another. A child no longer -their destinies are still unfolding….

The Tour

08/19/05 San Antonio, TX
08/20/05 Houston, TX
08/21/05 Dallas, TX
08/23/05 Denver, CO
08/26/05 Las Vegas, NV
08/27/05 Phoenix, AZ
08/28/05 Albuquerque, NM
09/01/05 Anaheim, CA
09/02/05 Los Angeles, CA
09/03/05 Oakland, CA
09/04/05 Reno, NV
09/07/05 Spokane, WA
09/08/05 New York, NY
09/09/05 Seattle, WA
09/10/05 Vancouver, BC

Discography
1998 Destiny's Child
1999 The Writing's on the Wall
2001 Survivor
2001 8 Days of Christmas
2004 Destiny Fulfilled
(Estimated album sales: 33+ million)

Awards
Grammy Awards
• Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals ("Say My
Name"): 2000
• Best R&B Song ("Say My Name"): 2000
• Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals ("Survivor"):
2001
• Best Rap/Sung Collaboration ("Dilemma"): 2002 (Kelly)
• Best Female R&B Vocal Performance ("Dangerously in Love 2"):
2003 (Beyoncé)
• Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals ("The Closer
I Get to You"): 2003 (Beyoncé)
• Best R&B Song ("Crazy in Love"): 2003 (Beyoncé)

• Best Contemporary R&B Album (Dangerously in Love): 2003 (Beyoncé)

• Best Rap/Sung Collaboration ("Crazy in Love"): 2003 (Beyoncé)

Brit Awards
• Best International Group: 2002
• Best International Female Solo Artist: 2004 (Beyoncé)
World Music Awards
• World's Best-Selling Artist or Group: 2002
• World's Best-Selling Pop Group: 2002
• World's Best-Selling R&B Group: 2002
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards
• Favorite Singing Group: 2002
ASCAP Pop Music Awards
• Song Writer of the Year: 2001 (Beyoncé)
Billboard Music Awards
• Top Pop Artist: 2000
• Top Pop Artist-Duo/Group: 2000
• Top Hot 100 Artist: 2000
• Top Hot 100 Artist-Duo/Group: 2000
• Top Hot Dance Maxi-Single Sales Artist: 2000
• Top Hot Dance Maxi-Single Sales Artist-Duo/Group: 2000
• Top Pop Artist: 2001
• Top Pop Artist-Duo/Group: 2001
• Top Hot 100 Artist: 2001
• Top Hot 100 Artist-Duo/Group: 2001
• Top Hot Top 40 Artist: 2001
• Top Hot Dance Maxi-Single Sales Artist: 2001
• Top Hot Dance Maxi-Single Sales ("Independent Woman Pt.1"):
2001
• Singles Artist of the Year: 2001
• Group/Duo of the Year: 2001
• New Female Artist: 2003 (Beyoncé)
• Hot 100 Female Artist: 2003 (Beyoncé)
• Hot 100 Award for Most Weeks at No.1: 2003 (Beyoncé)
• New R&B Artist: 2003 (Beyoncé)
• Artist Achievement Award: 2004
• Top Duo or Group: 2005
Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards
• Best R&B/Soul Single, Group, Band or Duo ("No, No, No"):
1998
• Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist ("No, No, No"): 1998
• Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year: (Destiny's Child): 1998
• Best R&B/Soul Single, Group, Band or Duo ("Say My Name"):
2000
• Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year: (The Writing's On The Wall): 2000

• Best R&B/Soul Single, Group, Band or Duo ("Survivor"):
2001
• Best R&B/Soul Single, Group, Band or Duo ("Emotion"):
2002
• Best R&B/Soul Album of the Year: (Survivor): 2002
MTV Video Music Awards
• Best R&B Video ("Say My Name"): 2000
• Best R&B Video ("Survivor"): 2001
• Best Female Video ("Crazy in Love"): 2003 (Beyoncé)

• Best R&B Video ("Crazy in Love"): 2003 (Beyoncé)

• Best Choreography ("Crazy in Love"): 2003 (Beyoncé)

• Best Female Video ("Naughty Girl"): 2004 (Beyoncé)

MTV Europe Music Awards
• Best R&B Award; Beyoncé: 2003
• Best Song of the Year ("Crazy in Love"): 2003 (Beyoncé)

BET Awards
• Best Group: 2001, 2005
• Best Female R&B Artist: 2004 (Beyoncé)
• Best Collaboration ("Crazy in Love"): 2004 (Beyoncé)

American Music Awards
• Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group: 2001
• Favorite Pop/Rock Album: 2002
• Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group: 2002
Soul Train Music Awards
• Sammy Davis Jr. Award for 'Entertainer of the Year': 2001
• Best Female R&B/Soul Album (Dangerously in Love): 2004 (Beyoncé)

• Best R&B/Soul Album (Destiny Fulfilled): 2005
NAACP Image Awards
• Outstanding Duo or Group: 2001
• Entertainer of the Year: 2004 (Beyoncé)
• Outstanding Duo or Group:2005
Radio Music Awards
• Artist of the Year/Hip-Hop Rhythmic Radio: 2001
• Artist of the Year-Top 40 Pop Radio: 2001
• Artist of the Year-Top 40 Radio: 2004 (Beyoncé)
People's Choice Award
• Favorite Female Performer: 2004 (Beyoncé)
BMI Pop Awards
• Most Performed Song- "Bills, Bills, Bills":2001
• Most Performed Song-"Say my Name":2001
Blockbuster Entertainment Awards
• Favorite Group: 2001
• Favorite Group-R&B: 2001
TRL Awards
• TRL's First Lady Award: 2004 (Beyoncé)
• Walk This Way Award (Best Entrance): 2005
Kids' Choice Awards
• Favorite Singing Group: 2001
Vibe Award
• Coolest Collabo ("Crazy in Love"): 2003 (Beyoncé)
Teen Choice Awards
• Choice Pop Group:2001
• R&B/Soul Album of the Year-Group, Band, or Duo:2001
Artist Direct (ADOMA) Awards
• Favorite Group: Urban/Hip-Hop:2000
TMF Awards
• Best Pop Group International:2005
Broadway
• Aida: 2003 (Michelle)
Filmography
• Carmen: A Hip Hopera: 2001 (Beyoncé as Carmen)
• Austin Powers in Goldmember: 2002 (Beyoncé as Foxxy Cleopatra)

• The Fighting Temptations: 2003 (Beyoncé as Lily)
• Freddy Vs. Jason: 2003 (Kelly as Kia)
• The Seat Filler: 2004 (Kelly as Jhnelle)
• The Pink Panther: 2006 (Beyoncé as Xania)
• Dreamgirls: 2006 (Beyoncé as Deena Jones)
Endorsements and Products
• McDonalds — Destiny's Child
• Pepsi — Beyoncé
• L'Oréal — Beyoncé
• Tommy Hilfiger — Beyoncé
• Soft Sheen-Carson — Kelly
• Barbie— Destiny's Child
• The Gap — Michelle
Fashion
• House of Dereon; Beyoncé
• About Beyond Productions, LLC
Beyond Productions, LLC was founded in May 2004 by Tina and Beyoncé Knowles,
Jason and Arthur Rabin and Cory Silverstein of Wear Me Apparel/Kids Headquarters.
This collaboration was orchestrated by Tina and Beyoncé Knowles who wanted
to bring trend-setting style and a creative take on fashion to stylish women
everywhere.
Tours
• "Christina Aguilera Tour" Opening Act: 2000
• "TRL Tour": 2001
• "World Tour" : 2002
• "First Ladies"; Beyoncé: 2004
• "Destiny Fulfilled and Lovin It" World Tour: 2005
• "Live 8: The Long Walk to Justice" US Concert: July 2, 2005

Books
• Soul Survivors: 2002
DVD's
• The Platinum's on The Wall: 2001
• Survivor: 2001
• Music World Music Presents Destiny's Child World Tour: 2003
• Beyoncé Live At Wembley; Beyoncé: 2004
• Destiny's Child; Destiny Fulfilled CD/DVD 2005 Tour Edition: 2005

By
Gwyn Tyme