Destiny’s Child Star: MJ Was Like A ‘Superhero’

Michelle performed at Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Concert with Destiny’s Child The 28-year-old, who is currently in the UK for her stint in the musical Chicago, told Sky News Online about her shock at his sudden death. “I was stunned. I just didn’t want to believe it. Even when it was confirmed I was like, no, not the icon, everybody’s hero.” “I wanted him to live forever - it’s like the superhero who never gets hurt.” But, she warned we must not forget that he was still “a human being.” “He had a heart, he had a soul,” she said. “He had feelings and I think people are even forgetting that in his death.”

Williams also commented on the work Jackson did for others: “He was one of the most charitable, giving artists of our times. “He really cared about people. I think he was as passionate about that as he was about his music.” The King of Pop had a huge influence on Destiny’s Child - and the group gave a nod to Michael Jackson’s dance moves in their video for Bootylicious. The trio, which also featured Beyonce and Kelly Rowland, performed this track at the 30th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s solo career in Madison Square Gardens in 2001 - it is a day Michelle will never forget. “I had the pleasure of meeting him,” she reminisced.

“To see Michael clapping his hands and bobbing his head, he stood up and gave us the thumbs up. “To get a thumbs up from Michael - now I can move further on in my career,” she laughed. Williams described the impact Jackson had on the audience when he performed at the anniversary concert. “It seemed like everyone went into their most vulnerable state when Michael hit the stage.” “I turned into a little girl - I started screaming and almost passing out myself.” Since Destiny’s Child split in 2006, Michelle has released two albums with the third, entitled “Unexpected”, out later this year.

For the moment though she is concentrating on rehearsing for her West End debut as Roxy Hart. She begins her six week stint on July 13 but is interested in extending her run. “Hopefully I’ll hit those right notes and steps good, and they’ll want me forever,” she laughed. As for a reunion with Destiny’s Child, Michelle was remaining coy: “I don’t know we’ll see.” But, she wanted to state for the record that the three girls are still getting on: “All is well, everything is really, truly, OK.”