A Date With Destiny

The original Destiny's Child lineup--Knowles, Rowland, LaTavia Roberson and LeToya Luckett--came together in 1991 under the guidance of Mathew Knowles, a former salesman and marketer. Performing under a variety of names, they lost on "Star Search" in 1992, were signed and dropped by

Elektra and finally were picked up by Columbia in 1996. On their self-titled debut they collaborated with rap's Master P, Jermaine Dupri andWyclef Jean. Luckett and Roberson left as "The Writing's on the Wall" exploded in late 1999, claiming Mathew Knowles was only looking out for his daughter's interests. (The two filed lawsuits, and have since settled out of court.)

Destiny's Child then hired new members Franklin, who was booted five months later after she allegedly missed a series of shows, and Williams. "Destiny's Child was always very talented, but I think the thing we were lacking was controversy," says Beyonce Knowles. "I think in order for your group to be successful your story has to be interesting. Our story was very squeaky clean, so I thank God for the controversy. I'm happy because it helps me sell records."

But Destiny's Child attribute the greatest part of their success to a power beyond the almighty hype machine. There is a lot of praying when you are around the group, as if they have a direct line to God while other, less successful acts were put on hold or even disconnected. "I just know that God is on our side, because we conquered things we thought we weren't never gonna overcome," says Knowles. "Even when the group became us three, it happened right before [their recent massive hit for the soundtrack to] 'Charlie's Angels'." Williams chimes in, "There's three of them and three of us." Beyonce nods: "Funny how it always works that way for us. I guess we're just blessed." Amen.

© 2001