Destiny's Child

In the late 90s and early 00s, Destiny's Child were one of the biggest pop groups in the world, dominating radio airwaves and charts with their distinctive sassy R&B. Originally a four-piece, internal problems caused line-up changes at the height of the group's success. After carrying on as a trio, Destiny's Child announced their split during a world tour in 2005, with each member happy to pursue their solo careers instead.

Destiny's Child were formed in the early 90s by Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland and various school friends who, under different names, - Girl's Tyme, The Dolls, Something Fresh, Cliché - performed in talent contests and eventually clubs. After settling on their permanent name, the group signed to Columbia and released debut single "No, No, No (Part 2)". With a guest appearance from Wyclef Jean, the song was a huge hit, reaching No.3 on the Hot 100 and selling three million copies worldwide. But other singles were not so successful, leading some to suggest the group might be one-hit wonders.

In 1999 they released second album The Writing's on the Wall, with production help from Rodney Jerkins and Missy Elliot. It was a great success, featuring three huge international hits: "Bills, Bills, Bills", "Say My Name" (both Hot 100 chart-toppers), and "Jumpin' Jumpin'" (No.3). The Writing's on the Wall remains one of the biggest-selling R&B albums ever, having so far sold around 13 million copies worldwide. In 2000 they also released "Independent Women (Part 1)" from the Charlie's Angels soundtrack, which again topped the Hot 100, and also became their first UK No.1 after five Top 10 appearances. However, there were disputes within the band about the role of their manager, Beyoncé's father Matthew. LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson claimed he took too much payment, but their revolt backfired when they were sacked and replaced by Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin. Franklin also left just five months later, leaving Destiny's Child as a trio.

Survivor (2001) sold almost 700,000 copies in its first week and went on to sell over 10 million worldwide. Its first single, "Survivor", topped the UK charts and peaked at No.2 on the Hot 100, while "Bootylicious" topped the Hot 100 but peaked at No.2 in the UK. The group then decided to put Destiny's Child on the back-burner while they tried solo projects instead. Williams released a gold-selling gospel album, before Rowland topped the Hot 100 with the Grammy-winning collaboration with Nelly, "Dilemma". Beyoncé tried acting, with a lead role in Austin Powers: Goldmember, before releasing her solo debut album Dangerously In Love (2003). It was another huge success, winning five Grammys and selling around 12 million copies worldwide, undoubtedly boosted by the international smash-hit single "Crazy In Love" (featuring Jay-Z).

At the end of 2004, Destiny's Child released their final album Destiny Fulfilled. It was another huge seller and featured two Top 10 hits - "Lose My Breath" and "Soldier" - before the group bowed out.