Select Language
Search

Kelly Rowland - BEHIND THE SCENES

Written by Aly Comingore / Photography by Cara Robbins / August 19, 2016

 

When Kelly Rowland's TV talent search Chasing Destiny first aired back in April, it was immediately clear that this was not another American Idol. Rather than simply finding fresh faces, the show brought five young women together with the goal of helping them grow as a team. In place of judgement and critique, there was personality and heart.And instead of forcing viewers through countless rounds of trials and eliminations, it challenged its new stars to navigate the steep, at times rocky road to creative success, with some help of one of the best in the biz.

With one smash hit season under it's belt, Chasing Destiny the show has now officially given rise to June's Diary the group. Made up of vocal powerhouses Brienna DeVlugt, Shyann Roberts, Gabrielle Carreiro, Ashly Williams, and Kristal Lyndriette, June's Diary undeniably follows in the footsteps of Rowland's alma mater, Destiny's Child; harmonies are key, rhythm and flow crucial, looks are coordinated, and all of the members are more than capable of holding down the lead. Thus far, the quintet has thoroughly crushed a cover of Drake's "Hotline Bling," mastered the art of the girl-power anthem with "L.A.N.C.E.", and cut a legit banger with "All of Us."

With the details surrounding June's Diary's debut album still forthcoming, we figured it was time to get the ladies together for a post-show chat. Over the course of one whirlwind morning this summer, we asked Brienna, Shyann, Gabrielle, Ashly, and Kristal to give us a firsthand look at their personal style. Below, they each explain how their fashion icons, dream collaborators, favorite concerts, and most beloved outfits came together to form one unstoppable new R&B group.

Gabrielle

Describe your personal style.
I'm very laid back, t-shirt and jeans all the way. Sometimes, if I'm feeling fancy, I'll throw a dress on, but I like to keep things simple.
If you could raid one person's closet, who would it be?
Selena Gomez, the Hadid sisters, and Rihanna.
What's one piece of clothing/accessory you can't live without?
I've been loving ear cuffs for a little while now, so those, chokers, and toe rings. I can't get enough of any of them.
What is the most valuable thing you've learned from the show?
"Stay out of your own way." I tend to dwell inside my head, and I've noticed that the moment I get out I can start creating and fulfilling my potential, but when I'm scared to mess up, I can't accomplish anything. I'm still working on it.
Do you have a favorite karaoke song?
I've done karaoke once in my life and all I did were crazy Beyoncé and Whitney Houston songs. I was yelling at the top of my lungs, barely hitting notes, and having the time of my life. I think "Halo" by Beyoncé—but don't ever ask me to sing it seriously in front of a living soul.
What's the best concert you've ever seen?
It has to be Beyoncé. She's one hell of a performer. My favorite concert for other reasons would probably be Kurt Elling or this a cappella group I saw called Chanticleer. Their voices could make me melt.
If I could collaborate with anyone, living or dead, it would be...
Frank Sinatra, Amy Winehouse, and Michael Bublé. Maybe also Ella Fitzgerald, but I think I would clam up and just want to watch her do her thing.

 

Ashly

Describe your personal style.
My has transformed into the less-is-more over the years. I like to show off my curves, so body-conscious skirts and dresses with understated blouses and tops. I give a little drama with color and accessories, all the while delivering sex appeal. It's grown and sexy with a trendy flare!
If you could raid anyone's closet, who would it be?
Kim Kardashian. Her style is distinct but it's actually very simple and sexy.
My stage look is definitely more glamorous. I love sequin, sheer tops, unique unitards.
What are some of your favorite places to shop?
Some of my favorite places to shop are Nasty Gal, Zara, and a trendy little boutique on Melrose called Eden Sky.
What's the most valuable thing you've learned from the show?
The most valuable thing I've learned from Kelly and Frank on Chasing Destiny are the Three C's: consistency, communication, and commitment. Those three things are essential and pertain to any occupation, hobby, or goal. Being a part of this group has required me to stay consistent in regards to rehearsing, working out, and constantly thinking of creative ideas. I have to communicate with my four new sistas because that's a very vital part of bonding and remaining a unit. Lastly, I have to stay committed to this group and the fight to become one of the most iconic girl groups of our generation.
Do you have a favorite song to perform?
My favorite song to perform with the girls is "All of Us." It's such a fun and upbeat track that seriously applies to each of us. We've become so close to the point where it is now a requirement to meet each other's dates or significant others. We all have to approve. And all of that comes to life in us when we hit the stage and sing that song!
What's the best concert you've ever seen?
Beyoncé's Formation World Tour! No question!
Do you have a favorite performance memory?
I sang "I Will Always Love You" on X Factor. Vocally, it wasn't my strongest performance because I was so emotional and couldn't keep it together! [Laughs] But the powerful and heart-rending feeling I got from walking across that stage was immensely invigorating. The crowd stood up in the middle of my song and cheered me on the whole way through. I lost it. It was definitely one of the top five moments in my life.

Brienna
If you could raid anyone's closet, who would it be?
Definitely Rihanna. I mean hello, she has the coolest pieces; with her funky jackets and statement shoes alone, I'd be like a kid in a candy store.
How does your everyday look compare to your onstage look?
My day-to-day look is pretty casual compared to my onstage look. Onstage I have to have super glam makeup, big teased-out hair, and an outfit I can move in. When I'm at the studio or going to the mall, I love to just throw on some mascara and blush, super cute shorts and a tank top, run my fingers through my hair, and—Boom!—I'm done.
What's one clothing item you can't live without?
My jean short shorts! They have the perfect fit, they go with any top, and I can just throw them on with some sandals and a cute pair of heels and feel good.
Do you have a favorite karaoke song?
My favorite karaoke song is "Respect" by Aretha Franklin! It's so fun and it's an anthem like our single "L.A.N.C.E.," so I feel where Ms. Aretha was coming from.
If you collaborate with anyone, living or dead, who would you chose?
J. Cole and Timbaland. Timbaland has been a beast in this game forever and he has a real talent for vibes—just look at that Justin Timberlake album! As for J Cole, I would say he is a master of his craft. He writes his own lyrics and produces his beats and I really respect that about him. Right now I'm teaching myself guitar and piano and it's hard!
What's the most important thing you learned from the show?
I think the most important thing I learned is that I have a responsibility to be myself because that is what makes other little girls know it's ok to be themselves. When they see you with confidence and they identify with you, it allows them to have confidence in themselves. I learned that from Kelly and it wasn't anything she told me—it's actually what she was for me.

Shyann
Describe your personal style.
Fun, edgy, and sexy.
If you could raid anyone's closet, who would it be?
Jai Nice
What are some of your favorite places to shop?
Victoria Secret, H&M, Q's, and custom clothes, but I just love to shop.
Do you have a favorite karaoke song?
Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You"
If you could work with any artist, living or dead, who would it be?
Chris Brown
What's the best piece of advice you've gotten from Kelly?
Remain humble and stay out of your own way.

Kristal
Describe your personal style.
I like to be comfy. I'm more of a tomboy, but if I dress it up I still like to be simple with a little edge.
If you could raid anyone's closet, who would it be?
I would probably raid Ciara's closet. I love her style!
What's one clothing item you can't live without?
I have to have black tights! They're easy and they go with anything.
Do you have a favorite song to perform?
My favorite so far is "All Of Us" because it's so energetic and exciting to perform!
What about a favorite karaoke jam?
"I Love Rock & Roll" by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and "Try Again" by Aaliyah
If you could collaborate with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
PRINCE!!!!

June's Diary's "L.A.N.C.E." is out now. For more on the ladies, and to listen to new music, visit their Facebook page.

Back to Top