
Kelly Rowland On Stepping Into Her Own Light After Living In Beyonce's Shadow

When a flower blooms, it does it in the name of growth, not competition, and on a recent episode of The Voice, Kelly Rowland opened up about how keeping that same energy helped her find her own light after living in Beyonce's shadow for what she says was more than a decade.
The con of comparison will have you out here forgetting who TF you are and Kelly recently revealed that in the past, she could totally relate. When giving advice to a contestant who felt constantly overshadowed by his brother's talent, Kelly had this to say:
"I know this feeling. Can you imagine what it's like being in a group with Beyoncé? I would just torture myself in my head. Like, I can't wear this dress because they're going to say it's like Bey. Or, I can't have a song like that because it sounds too much like Bey. They're gonna compare anyways."
Kelly, who has become a full-time mother, entrepreneur, author, and platinum-selling recording artist since her departure from Destiny's Child, said that although she's been able to build a successful career on her own, there were years where she was haunted by the feeling of being "second best". She continued:
"I would be lying if I said 'No, it's never bothered me.' That's bull. There was a whole decade, if I am being completely honest, a decade where it was like the elephant in the room. It was the thing that would constantly be on my shoulder."
As a queen in her own right, Kelly is living proof that talented people aren't exempt from the con of comparison and that's big facts. In a previous interview, the entertainer said that while comparative comments in the media may be unsettling, they've only made her relationship with her former groupmate stronger.
"I think the people wanted those stories for years, and that's just so sad on them because it's not like that. It's so crazy, and I just think it's so sad that we live in a world where people don't want to see women get along and encourage and empower each other, and that's what we do for each other. I definitely think it makes friendship stronger."
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Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Black girl joy is a powerful force, lighting up the world in unforgettable moments of triumph, love, and celebration. Throughout the decades, we have witnessed countless moments from Black women in entertainment, sports, and more. These moments, filled with grace, resilience, and unfiltered happiness, continue to uplift and inspire generations. Below are 10 remarkable Black girl joy moments from the last couple of decades.
Whitney Houston singing "Star Spangled Banner (National Anthem)" (1991)
Whitney Houston's rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" has gone down in history as one of the best performances of the National Anthem.
Lauryn Hill winning 5 Grammys for ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ (1999)
Lauryn Hill became the first Black woman to win five Grammys in one night.
Brandy becoming the FIRST Black Cinderella (1997)
This was the moment little Black girls everywhere saw themselves in a fairy tale for the first time. Not to mention,Brandy’s iconic Cinderella performance with Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother? PURE MAGIC.
Halle Berry becoming the FIRST Black woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress (2002)
Halle Berry’s emotional, joyful acceptance speech was herstoric: “This moment is for every nameless, faceless woman of color,” she said.
Serena Williams winning her first Grand Slam (1999)
A young, beaded-braid-wearing Serena Williams winning her first U.S. Open in 1999 was only the beginning of her GOAT status!
Oprah giving everyone a car (2004)
“You get a car! You get a car! Everybody gets a car!” Did Oprah know her joy and excitement would still be so memeworthy decades later?
Michelle Obama’s carpool karaoke with Missy Elliott (2016)
Michelle Obama rapping “Get Ur Freak On” with Missy Elliott on James Corden’s show? Just one of the reasons she will always be our FLOTUS!
Issa Rae’s ‘I’m rooting for everybody Black’ moment (2017)
Issa Rae’s unapologetic joy at the Emmys went VIRAL. The energy? The truth? The confidence? Chef’s kiss. Her viral became an anthem.
Mary J. Blige performing at the Super Bowl (2022)
Mary J. Blige SERVEDDD at the Super Bowl halftime show. With her iconic thigh high boots, fur coat, and legendary vocals, she showed us why she's the queen.
Beyoncé & Blue Ivy performing together at the Renaissance World Tour (2023)
Beyoncé bringing Blue Ivy out to perform with her during the Renaissance tour was such a sweet moment. Watching Blue Ivy carry on her mother’s legacy while living her best life was the definition of pure Black girl joy.
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