22: Michelle Williams – Powerful Women of 2013

Michelle Williams may be the more subdued member of Destiny's Child, but that doesn't mean she doesn't hold her own. While still part of the group, Williams branched out and worked on her own solo effort, 'Heart to Yours,' a contemporary gospel album released in April 2002. Not only did she win a number of awards for that LP, but Billboard also named Williams the fifth top Gospel artist of 2002. She later put out two more solo efforts, 2004's 'Do You Know' and 2008's 'Unexpected.'

Her success on the pop charts may not be as comparable to Kelly Rowland and Beyonce, Williams excelled on Broadway. In 2003, she replaced Toni Braxton in 'Aida' and played the lead role. Then in 2007, she joined the cast of 'The Color Purple' national tour. She then made history when cast as Roxie Hart in the production of 'Chicago' in London and became the first African-American to be cast in a West End production.

Williams recently joined the 'Fela!' national tour and will also be the star of her own reality TV series, 'My Sister's Keeper,' which will coincide with the release of her upcoming fourth album.