History of Kelly Rowland in Timeline
Kelly Rowland is an American singer, actress, and television personality, best known as a member of the hugely successful girl group Destiny's Child. During the group's hiatus, she launched a successful solo career with her debut album 'Simply Deep' (2002), featuring the hit single "Dilemma." Rowland also transitioned into acting, appearing in films like 'Freddy vs. Jason' and 'The Seat Filler.'
December 6, 1947: Doris Rowland-Garrison's Birth
On December 6, 1947, Doris Rowland-Garrison, Kelly Rowland's mother, was born.
February 11, 1981: Kelly Rowland's Birth
On February 11, 1981, Kelendria Trene Rowland was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to Doris Rowland-Garrison and Christopher Lovett.
1995: Signing with Elektra Records
In 1995, Girl's Tyme, which included Rowland, signed with Elektra Records, though they were dropped months later.
1997: Signing to Columbia Records and Recording "Killing Time"
In 1997, Destiny's Child signed to Columbia Records and recorded their major label debut song "Killing Time" for the Men in Black soundtrack.
1999: Release of The Writing's on the Wall
In 1999, Destiny's Child released their second album, The Writing's on the Wall, which achieved multi-platinum status and featured hit singles.
2000: Lawsuit and Release of Independent Women Part I
In 2000, Destiny's Child faced a lawsuit, and released "Independent Women Part I" for Charlie's Angels soundtrack, which topped the Billboard Hot 100.
May 2001: Release of Survivor
In May 2001, Destiny's Child released their third album, Survivor, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
June 2002: Resolution of Lawsuit
In June 2002, the lawsuit refiled by Luckett and Roberson regarding the song 'Survivor' was settled.
October 22, 2002: Release of Simply Deep in the US
On October 22, 2002, Rowland's debut solo album, Simply Deep, was released in the US, marking a further step into alternative music.
2002: Guest Stint on The Hughleys
In 2002, Kelly Rowland branched out into acting with a guest stint on the sitcom The Hughleys.
2002: Release of Simply Deep
In 2002, Kelly Rowland released her debut solo album Simply Deep, which followed an adult-alternative rock sound.
2002: Cast in Freddy vs. Jason
In 2002, Kelly Rowland was cast for her big-screen debut in the slasher film Freddy vs. Jason.
2002: Debut Solo Album Release
In 2002, Rowland released her debut solo album, Simply Deep, which reached number one in the UK and sold over 3 million copies. The album included the hit single "Dilemma" with Nelly.
2002: Collaboration on "Dilemma" with Nelly
In 2002, Rowland was featured on Nelly's single "Dilemma," which became a worldwide hit and earned them a Grammy Award. This significantly boosted Rowland's solo career.
August 15, 2003: Release of Freddy vs. Jason
On August 15, 2003, Freddy vs. Jason, starring Kelly Rowland, was released in theaters and topped the U.S. box office.
August 2003: Big Screen Debut in Freddy vs. Jason
In August 2003, Rowland made her big-screen debut in a supporting role in the film Freddy vs. Jason.
2003: Appearances on Eve and American Dreams
In 2003, Kelly Rowland appeared on UPN's Eve and as Martha Reeves in American Dreams, singing "Nowhere to Run".
2003: Awards and Recognition for "Dilemma"
In 2003, Kelly Rowland received eight nominations and won five international awards for her single "Dilemma" with Nelly. This made Rowland the first Destiny's Child member to achieve a Billboard Hot 100 and a worldwide number-one single, and to win a Grammy Award as a solo artist.
2003: Acting Debut in Freddy vs. Jason
In 2003, Rowland ventured into acting, landing a starring role in the horror film Freddy vs. Jason.
November 15, 2004: Release of Destiny Fulfilled
On November 15, 2004, Destiny's Child released their final studio album, Destiny Fulfilled, which achieved significant chart success.
July 2005: Starring in The Seat Filler
In July 2005, Rowland starred in the romantic comedy The Seat Filler.
2005: Survivor Foundation and "All That I'm Lookin for" Collaboration
In 2005, Kelly Rowland and the Knowles family founded the Survivor Foundation to provide housing for Hurricane Katrina victims. Also in 2005, Rowland and Knowles lent their voices to "All That I'm Lookin for".
2005: Lead Role in The Seat Filler
In 2005, Kelly Rowland had a lead role in the romantic comedy The Seat Filler, starring opposite Duane Martin and Shemar Moore.
2005: Founding of the Survivor Foundation
In 2005, Rowland and Beyoncé founded the Survivor Foundation to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina in the Houston area.
March 28, 2006: Destiny's Child Receives Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
On March 28, 2006, Destiny's Child received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
June 2006: Shelving of My Story Album
In June 2006, Kelly Rowland's original version of her second album, titled My Story, was shelved for rework.
2006: Appearance on Girlfriends
In 2006, Kelly Rowland appeared in Girlfriends as Tammy Hamilton.
2006: ALDO Fights AIDS Campaign
In 2006, Kelly Rowland joined other artists in ads for empowerment tags for the ALDO Fights AIDS campaign, benefiting YouthAIDS.
2006: The Seat Filler DVD Release
In 2006, The Seat Filler, starring Kelly Rowland, went straight to DVD after a limited festival release.
2006: Destiny's Child Disbands
In 2006, after the disbanding of Destiny's Child, Rowland continued her solo career.
June 2007: Ms. Kelly Tour Launch
In June 2007, Kelly Rowland embarked on the Ms. Kelly Tour to promote her second solo album.
July 3, 2007: Release of Ms. Kelly
On July 3, 2007, Ms. Kelly, Kelly Rowland's second solo album, was released in the United States.
July 2007: Release of BET Presents Kelly Rowland DVD
In July 2007, Rowland released her first DVD, BET Presents Kelly Rowland, which featured interviews and performances.
October 2007: Audition for Sex and the City
In October 2007, Kelly Rowland auditioned for the role of Louise in the 2008 film adaptation of Sex and the City.
October 2007: Breast Cancer and AIDS Awareness
In October 2007, Kelly Rowland participated in auctions to raise money for breast cancer and AIDS awareness. She autographed a pink Goody Ouchless brush for breast cancer awareness and teamed up with other artists to design a Nike sneaker for AIDS awareness. All proceeds went to the respective causes.
October 2007: Underwent Plastic Surgery
In October 2007, Kelly Rowland underwent plastic surgery to receive breast implants, increasing from an A-cup to a B-cup.
2007: Breast Cancer Awareness and AIDS Awareness
In 2007, Kelly Rowland autographed brushes for Breast Cancer Awareness and designed a Nike sneaker with other artists for AIDS Awareness.
2007: Release of Ms. Kelly
In 2007, Kelly Rowland released her second album, Ms. Kelly, which featured an R&B/Hip-Hop sound.
March 25, 2008: Release of Ms. Kelly: Diva Deluxe EP
On March 25, 2008, Ms. Kelly was re-released as an extended play (EP) titled Ms. Kelly: Diva Deluxe.
2008: MTV Staying Alive Foundation Ambassador
In 2008, Kelly Rowland became an ambassador for MTV's Staying Alive Foundation, aiming to reduce discrimination against people with HIV and AIDS.
2008: Appearance on Clash of the Choirs
In fall 2007, which is being represented as 2008, Kelly Rowland appeared as a choirmaster on the NBC reality show Clash of the Choirs.
January 2009: End of Management Deal with Mathew Knowles
In January 2009, Kelly Rowland ended her professional relationship with Mathew Knowles, who had managed her career since her time with Destiny's Child. Knowles acknowledged that Rowland would always be part of the Knowles family.
March 2009: Bone Marrow Drive and I Heart My Girlfriends Charity
In March 2009, Kelly Rowland spearheaded a bone marrow drive and readied a new charity called I Heart My Girlfriends.
April 2009: Featured on "When Love Takes Over"
In April 2009, Kelly Rowland was featured on David Guetta's single "When Love Takes Over". The song topped charts in Europe, sold over 5.5 million copies worldwide, and received a Grammy Award nomination.
May 7, 2009: The Fashion Show Premiere
On May 7, 2009, Kelly Rowland hosted Bravo's reality competition series The Fashion Show alongside Isaac Mizrahi.
May 2009: Host of Bravo's 'The Fashion Show'
In May 2009, Kelly Rowland was cast to host the first season of Bravo's reality competition series 'The Fashion Show' alongside Isaac Mizrahi, but was later replaced in the second season.
2009: Began Dating Tim Weatherspoon
Around 2009, Kelly Rowland began dating Tim Weatherspoon, whom she had met and befriended in the early 2000s.
2009: Collaboration with Serve.MTV.com and River Island
In 2009, Kelly Rowland collaborated with Serve.MTV.com for PSAs on volunteerism and partnered with Alesha Dixon and Pixie Lott to create T-shirts for River Island in aid of The Prince's Trust.
2009: Volunteerism Advocate
In 2009, Kelly Rowland connected with Serve.MTV.com for a series of PSAs, promoting volunteerism. She spearheaded a bone marrow drive and created T-shirts for River Island to aid the Prince's Trust, which helps young people.
2009: Hosting The Fashion Show and Collaboration with David Guetta
In 2009, Rowland hosted the first season of The Fashion Show and was featured on David Guetta's "When Love Takes Over," a chart-topping success.
March 2010: Launch of "I Heart My Girlfriends" Charity
In March 2010, Kelly Rowland launched her charity, "I Heart My Girlfriends", focusing on self-esteem, date violence prevention, community service, abstinence, sports, drug and alcohol avoidance, obesity, disabilities, and education.
April 2010: Supafest Tour and FIFA World Cup Song Release
In April 2010, Kelly Rowland toured Australia as part of Supafest. Also in April 2010, her song "Everywhere You Go" was released as the MTN theme song for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
April 26, 2010: Attendance at "City of Hope – Spirit of Life Awards"
On April 26, 2010, Kelly Rowland attended the "City of Hope – Spirit of Life Awards" at the Grand Ballroom for a charity event.
October 2010: ASCAP Honors Rowland
In October 2010, Kelly Rowland was honored by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) at the second annual ASCAP Presents Women Behind the Music event.
October 25, 2010: Release of 'Work: The Best of Kelly Rowland'
On October 25, 2010, Kelly Rowland's first compilation album, 'Work: The Best of Kelly Rowland', was released but did not impact the charts.
2010: "Commander" Recognized as Top Song
In 2010, Entertainment Weekly named "Commander" the number-one summer jam, and Fitness Magazine listed it as one of "The Top 100 Workout Songs of 2010".
January 2011: Reunion with Nelly on "Gone"
In January 2011, Kelly Rowland reunited with Nelly on "Gone," a sequel to their 2002 collaboration "Dilemma." The song did not achieve the same level of success as its predecessor.
April 2011: Collaboration with Alex Gaudino on "What a Feeling"
In April 2011, Kelly Rowland appeared on Italian DJ Alex Gaudino's single "What a Feeling," which became another UK top-ten hit.
May 30, 2011: Confirmed as Judge on The X Factor UK
On May 30, 2011, Kelly Rowland was confirmed as a judge for the eighth series of the British television show The X Factor.
July 26, 2011: Release of 'Here I Am'
On July 26, 2011, Kelly Rowland's third studio album, 'Here I Am,' was released in the United States. The album debuted at the top of the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and included the hit singles "Commander" and "Motivation".
October 18, 2011: Release of 'Playlist: The Very Best of Kelly Rowland'
On October 18, 2011, Kelly Rowland's second compilation album, 'Playlist: The Very Best of Kelly Rowland,' was released but failed to make an impact on the charts.
2011: Release of Here I Am
In 2011, Kelly Rowland released her third album, Here I Am, which consisted of a pop and R&B sound with subtle influences of dance.
2011: Awarded Ultimate TV Personality
In 2011, Kelly Rowland was awarded Ultimate TV Personality at the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women of the Year Awards.
2011: Release of Here I Am and X Factor UK Judge
In 2011, Rowland released her third studio album, Here I Am, and served as a television judge on The X Factor UK.
February 8, 2012: Essence Magazine Honors Rowland
On February 8, 2012, Essence magazine honored Kelly Rowland and Sylvia Rhone at the Black Women in Music event for their contributions to music.
April 2012: Supafest Tour and 'Think Like a Man' Role
In April 2012, Kelly Rowland toured Australia as part of Supafest and appeared in the film 'Think Like a Man'. The film topped the US box office.
April 30, 2012: Departure from The X Factor UK
On April 30, 2012, it was officially announced that Kelly Rowland had departed The X Factor UK due to a conflicting schedule.
June 2012: Bacardi Campaign
In June 2012, Kelly Rowland became the face of Bacardi rum and reworked the song "Bacardi Feeling (Summer Dreamin')" for a promotional campaign.
August 2012: Dance Master on Everybody Dance Now
In August 2012, Kelly Rowland became a dance master alongside Jason Derülo for the first season of the Australian dance talent show Everybody Dance Now.
August 21, 2012: Cancellation of Everybody Dance Now
On August 21, 2012, the Australian dance talent show Everybody Dance Now, featuring Kelly Rowland, was canceled due to poor ratings.
2012: Recognized by Complex and Glamour UK
In 2012, Kelly Rowland ranked on Complex magazine's list of "The 100 Hottest Female Singers of All Time" and was recognized as one of the best-dressed women by Glamour UK.
2012: Honored at Glamour Women of the Year Awards and Best Dressed Recognition
In 2012, Kelly Rowland received the TV Personality of the Year award at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards and was named one of Glamour's Best Dressed Women in entertainment.
January 2013: Destiny's Child Releases 'Love Songs'
In January 2013, Destiny's Child released a compilation album titled 'Love Songs', which included the new song "Nuclear".
February 3, 2013: Destiny's Child Super Bowl Halftime Performance
On February 3, 2013, Kelly Rowland reunited with Beyoncé and Michelle Williams during Beyoncé's Super Bowl XLVII halftime show.
February 24, 2013: Co-hosting the Academy Awards Pre-Show
On February 24, 2013, Kelly Rowland co-hosted the Academy Awards pre-show for the 85th Academy Awards.
April 2013: Ranked on People's Most Beautiful List
In April 2013, Kelly Rowland ranked seventh on People's Most Beautiful in the World list.
May 2013: Judge on 'The X Factor USA'
In May 2013, Kelly Rowland replaced L.A. Reid as a judge on 'The X Factor USA'.
June 18, 2013: Release of 'Talk a Good Game'
On June 18, 2013, Kelly Rowland released her fourth studio album, 'Talk a Good Game'.
December 2013: Engagement to Tim Weatherspoon
In December 2013, Kelly Rowland announced her engagement to Tim Weatherspoon during an appearance on The Queen Latifah Show.
December 2013: Appearance in Beyoncé's Music Videos
In December 2013, Kelly Rowland appeared in Beyoncé's "Grown Woman" music video and alongside Williams in Beyoncé's "Superpower" music video.
2013: Simply Deep Sales Update
As of 2013, Simply Deep remained Rowland's best-selling album in the US, with 602,000 copies sold.
2013: Release of Talk a Good Game and X Factor USA Judge
In 2013, Rowland released her fourth studio album, Talk a Good Game, and was a television judge on The X Factor USA.
February 2014: Featured on Joe's Single
In February 2014, Kelly Rowland was featured on Joe's single "Love & Sex Part 2".
March 2014: Spokesperson for Caress
In March 2014, Kelly Rowland was named a spokesperson for cosmetic company Caress.
March 26, 2014: Departure from Republic Records
On March 26, 2014, Kelly Rowland revealed she had begun recording her fifth studio album and announced her departure from Republic Records.
May 9, 2014: Marriage to Tim Weatherspoon
On May 9, 2014, Kelly Rowland married Tim Weatherspoon in Costa Rica.
July 19, 2014: Featured on Adrian Marcel's and Beau Vallis' Songs
On July 19, 2014, Kelly Rowland was featured on Adrian Marcel's song "Honey" and on Beau Vallis's song "Love Stand Still".
December 2, 2014: Death of Doris Rowland-Garrison
On December 2, 2014, Doris Rowland-Garrison, Kelly Rowland's mother, passed away.
2014: Fuse Ranking as Award-Winning Artist
In 2014, Fuse ranked Rowland at number 20 on their list of "100 Most Award-Winning Artists".
August 2015: Featured on Jacob Whitesides's Single
In August 2015, Kelly Rowland was featured on Jacob Whitesides's single "I Know What You Did Last Summer".
October 21, 2015: Release of Empire: Music from "Be True" EP
On October 21, 2015, Kelly Rowland's song "Mona Lisa" was included in the EP Empire: Music from "Be True".
October 26, 2015: Release of "Dumb"
On October 26, 2015, Kelly Rowland released a new song titled "Dumb", which was rumored to appear on her upcoming fifth album.
March 15, 2016: Release of "This Is For My Girls"
On March 15, 2016, Kelly Rowland was featured on the charity single "This Is For My Girls", which was written by Diane Warren and released by US First Lady Michelle Obama to support the Let Girls Learn initiative.
2016: Hosting Chasing Destiny
In 2016, Rowland hosted the television show Chasing Destiny.
January 28, 2017: Love By the 10th Date Premieres
On January 28, 2017, Kelly Rowland starred as Margot Scotts in the television film Love By the 10th Date, which premiered on Lifetime.
April 11, 2017: Whoa, Baby!: A Guide for New Moms Release
On April 11, 2017, Kelly Rowland released her first book, "Whoa, Baby!: A Guide for New Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed and Freaked Out (and Wonder What the #*$& Just Happened)".
August 8, 2017: Kelly Rowland Joins The Voice US
On August 8, 2017, it was announced that Kelly Rowland was joining Jennifer Hudson as an advisor on the thirteenth season of The Voice US.
2017: Coach on The Voice Australia
In 2017, Rowland began her role as a coach on The Voice Australia.
April 2018: Coachella Reunion
In April 2018, Kelly Rowland reunited with Beyoncé Knowles and Michelle Williams during Knowles' headlining set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
September 2018: Kelly Rowland Stars as Gladys Knight in American Soul
In September 2018, BET announced that Kelly Rowland would star as Gladys Knight in the series American Soul.
November 22, 2018: Release of "Kelly"
On November 22, 2018, Kelly Rowland released a new single, "Kelly".
February 2019: American Soul Premiere
In February 2019, American Soul premiered to positive reviews, starring Kelly Rowland.
February 2019: Release of "Crown"
On February 6, 2019, Kelly Rowland released a second single called "Crown" with the music video in partnership with Dove for the campaign #MyHairMyCrown.
May 2019: Featured on Ciara's "Girl Gang"
In May 2019, Kelly Rowland was featured on Ciara's song "Girl Gang" from the album Beauty Marks.
May 2019: Release of 'The Kelly Rowland Edition' EP
On May 18, 2019, Kelly Rowland published an EP titled The Kelly Rowland Edition on streaming platforms.
December 2019: Merry Liddle Christmas Airs on Lifetime
In December 2019, Kelly Rowland starred in and produced the Christmas movie, Merry Liddle Christmas, for Lifetime. She also released a song, "Love You More at Christmas Time".
April 17, 2020: Release of "Coffee"
On April 17, 2020, Kelly Rowland released a single titled "Coffee" through KTR Records.
May 6, 2020: Management Deal with Roc Nation
On May 6, 2020, Kelly Rowland announced her management deal with Roc Nation.
June 2020: Reconciliation with Father
In June 2020, Kelly Rowland revealed she had reconciled with her estranged father, Christopher Lovett.
July 31, 2020: Cameo in Black Is King
On July 31, 2020, Kelly Rowland made a cameo in Beyoncé's Disney+ musical film Black Is King.
October 2020: Kelly Rowland Stars in Bad Hair and Releases "Crazy"
In October 2020, Kelly Rowland appeared in the movie Bad Hair, released on Hulu. She also released her second single of the year titled "Crazy".
November 2020: Release of "Hitman" and Starring in Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding
In November 2020, Kelly Rowland released the single "Hitman" and starred in Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding, a sequel to Merry Liddle Christmas.
2020: NAACP Image Award for American Soul Guest Performance
In 2020, Kelly Rowland was awarded an NAACP Image Award for her guest performance as Gladys Knight in the television series American Soul.
2020: Continued Coaching on The Voice Australia
In 2020, Rowland continued her role as a coach on The Voice Australia, marking several years with the show.
February 12, 2021: Release of "Black Magic"
On February 12, 2021, to commemorate her fortieth birthday, Kelly Rowland released the dance-infused song "Black Magic".
November 2021: Release of "Wonderful Time"
In November 2021, Kelly Rowland released a cover of "Wonderful Time" to support her third holiday movie, Merry Liddle Christmas Baby, which aired that month on Lifetime.
2021: Birth of Second Son
In 2021, Kelly Rowland and Tim Weatherspoon had their second son.
November 2022: Stars in Fantasy Football
In November 2022, Kelly Rowland starred alongside Marsai Martin and Omari Hardwick in the Paramount+ film Fantasy Football.
February 26, 2023: Performance at WorldPride Sydney 2023
On February 26, 2023, Kelly Rowland performed at the Domain Dance Party for WorldPride Sydney 2023.
June 3, 2023: Headlined Mighty Hoopla Music Festival
On June 3, 2023, Kelly Rowland headlined the English Mighty Hoopla music festival, held in London, sharing the top billing with English electro band Years & Years.
September 5, 2023: Fashion Icon of the Year Award
On September 5, 2023, Kelly Rowland received the Fashion Icon of the Year Award at the 2023 Harlem's Fashion Row Show and Style Awards in New York City.
February 23, 2024: Mea Culpa Released on Netflix
On February 23, 2024, Kelly Rowland starred in Tyler Perry's Netflix legal drama, Mea Culpa, which was released on Netflix.
2025: Stars in Romantic Comedy "Relationship Goals"
In 2025, Kelly Rowland is set to star alongside Method Man in the upcoming romantic comedy Relationship Goals.
