Michelle Williams demurs when pressed on the possibility of a Destiny’s Child reunion tour.
“We just take it one day at a time, one opportunity at a time,” she told iHeartRadio.ca on Friday in Toronto.
The singer, actress and entrepreneur – who turns 38 next month – was back on stage with Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland at the Coachella festival in April.
“It was tons of fun,” recalled Williams. “When the three of us are doing anything together it’s a blessing once again – to be on stage working together and then to be able to take in the impact that we’ve had on people’s lives through our music.”
Destiny’s Child, one of the biggest-selling female vocal groups of all time, disbanded in 2006 but soon achieved iconic status.
“It blows my mind,” Williams admitted. “I think the three of us individually know the successes that we’ve had but, really, we’re just down-home girls.
"And that’s cool to keep a level head but to know that you do have an impact one way or another in this world.”
Williams has never stopped having an impact. In addition to releasing four solo albums and appearing on Broadway and in London’s West End, she has guest-hosted daytime talk shows, launched a home collection called Believe, and continued her philanthropy.
She is in Toronto wrapping up her run as special guest Teen Angel in Grease the Musical. “I’m having such a good time,” said Williams. “I love theatre. I love an opportunity to do theatre.”
The star said she also loves Toronto. “It’s awesome. I love it here. I do, I really love Canada and Toronto. I just love it, love it, love it!”
Given her personality and many talents it’s easy to picture Williams hosting a talk show of her own. “You know what, I don’t want to put limits on anything,” she said. “There are so many women in this industry kicking it but wearing many hats, so I know that I can do the same.”
Will there be another album? “That’s a good question,” Williams said. “I can’t promise you that an album is coming. But who knows?”
Williams is diplomatic when asked for her thoughts on the demise of Fifth Harmony, a group for which Destiny’s Child paved the way.
“I’m not sure of the ins and outs of their splitting up but I know they’re talented as a group and individually, which made their group so awesome,” she offered. “So anytime you see a group split up for any reason, I’m sure it does make you sad, and for the fans, of course, but I don’t know anything about it.”
She’s more comfortable talking about mental health. Last October, she revealed that she battled depression in her teens and throughout the Destiny’s Child years. Williams said she spoke up “so that more people can be open about it, so that more people don’t think that they have to battle this by themselves.”
Williams wants to normalize the issue. “You can fall into depression if you lost your job or lost a loved one, or it can be something that’s genetic or chemical imbalances that you will carry probably for the rest of your life,” she explained. “There are so many reasons why people are depressed but whatever the reason is, talk about it. Just know that you won’t be shamed. I guarantee the person you tell your issue to, they might say ‘Honey, I’ve been there too. Let me tell you how I’ve overcome it or how I’m still in it but I don’t let it control me.’"
Derek Blanks photo
Williams recently got engaged to Chad Johnson, a 40-year-old pastor and a chaplain for pro sports teams whom she met at a spiritual retreat in March 2017. Exactly one year later, he popped the question – with a 5-carat diamond ring – at a resort in California.
“I’m so excited. He’s an awesome, awesome man,” she said.
The couple is reportedly tying the knot this summer but Williams won’t share the date. “We’re going to keep that to ourselves,” she said, “but we’re excited to be moving forward.”
Williams said she’s having “so much fun” with the wedding planning is underway and that Johnson is doing his share. “He really is,” she insisted. “I love his input. I’m so thankful to have somebody who wants an amazing day just like I do.”
Before she walks down the aisle, Williams will have a chance to cut loose with friends and family at what promises to be an epic bachelorette party organized by Rowland. “Kelly’s just such a good sister and friend and has been supportive from day one of my relationship,” said Williams. “So we shall see what she’s got planned.”
The singer said there’s something more important to her than wedding planning, though. “I just want to have a successful, long, fruitful marriage,” said Williams.
Is a child part of her destiny? “Hilarious,” she replied. “You know what, we would love children.”