Here's Why Solange Knowles Never Joined Destiny's Child

Destiny's Child is a girl group that needs no explanation or introduction. The awarding-winning group not only gave way to the reign of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, but they were also a pivotal sound in R&B for more than 10 years.

The group consisted of a variety of singers throughout its years (which led to much controversy), however, there were always two consistent members: Beyoncé and her cousin Kelendria Trene "Kelly" Rowland. While Rowland did grow up with Beyoncé and was closer to her in age, Bey had a little sister, Solange Knowles, who was also a talented singer and dancer.

The younger Solange can be seen in the background of many of the groups' homemade videos of dance routines and studio sessions, and she even guest featured on musical projects over the years. However, Solange was never added as an official member of the group and there might have been an answer for that.

Destiny's Child had humble beginnings in Houston, Texas, where they were known as Girls Tyme. The original members consisted of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Kelendria Trene "Kelly" Rowland, LaTavia Roberson, and LeToya Luckett. Once the group was discovered and signed to Columbia Records in 1997, their official name became Destiny's Child.

Stereogum reported that group's self-titled debut album was a marginal success after its 1998 release, peaking at #3 on the R&B charts. The publication assumed this shortcoming came from the label pushing the 16-year-old lead singer Beyoncé to sound much older than her age.

The second studio album, The Writing's on the Wall, released in 1999, was a much widespread success, taking the group to #1. This album included a stream of hit songs like "Say My Name," "Bills, Bills, Bills," and "Bug A Boo."

While the group was performing well in front of cameras, it was a different story behind them. Roberson and Luckett allegedly felt they were being treated unfairly by group's manager, Beyoncé's father Matthew Knowles, according to MTV News. The girls were eventually replaced with Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin. Franklin ultimately quit after five months for similar reasons to Roberson and Luckett. 

Thus, Beyoncé, Rowland, and Willams became Destiny's Child and were introduced as such on their third album, Survivor, in 2001. However, with all these member changes, fans wondered if younger sister Solange would ever join the chart-topping girl group.

While Beyoncé Knowles-Cater and Destiny's Child were touring and fixing the bad publicity from the constant member changes, Solange Knowles was paving her own way. Solange's image was very different from Destiny's Child and she wanted to stand on her own. This sentiment was noted greatly during the promotion of her 2002 debut album, Solo Star.

"With a name like [Solo Star], which means that I'm a star just being by myself, I didn't want to have everybody and their mama on my CD, it wouldn't make sense. I really wanted people just to get to know Solange on my first album, just to establish Solange's sound, just to establish Solange's personality," said the then-15-year-old singer in a MTV News interview.

While the group was more focused on topping charts, Solange wanted to stay true to her sound and her music. However, she didn't distance herself from projects with the group. All four girls collaborated on the theme song for Disney Channel's The Proud Family and Solange even consulted with her big sister on choosing her first single for her album.

"I think their first single, 'No, No, No,' was so wonderful. It was just one of those songs that no matter what kind of music you listen to, you had to love it. And I know they know what a first single should be. I mean, they've had eight #1 singles, so, I definitely asked her," she said.

Even though the two sisters have very different style, sound, and musical audiences, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Solange Knowles have always remained close sisters and friends. The press have repeatedly attempted to pit the sisters against one another, but neither fall into the traps.

"I'm your biggest fan and I'm super proud of you," Beyoncé said to her sister in an interview with Interview Magazine in 2017.

Solange even accompanied Bey on stage during her history-making 2018 Coachella performance. Many viewers of the show would remember the adorable tumble the two took together during their performance of "Get Me Bodied," where Beyoncé attempted to lift her little sister, but didn't quite make it. 

Even without joining Destiny's Child, Solange established much success with her own brand of music and won many awards, including a Grammy for Best R&B Performance and a BET Her Award for her 2017 Cranes in the Sky.