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Kiely Williams

Kiely Williams
Williams in 2021
Occupations
  • Singer
  • actress
  • dancer
Years active1999−present
Spouse
Brandon Cox
​
(m. 2016)​
Children2
Musical career
OriginAnnandale, New Jersey, U.S.
Genres
InstrumentsVocals
Labels
Formerly of

Kiely Williams is an American singer, dancer and actress. She is known for her membership in the girl groups 3LW, the Cheetah Girls and BluPrint.

Career

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1999–2002: Career beginnings and 3LW

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In 1999, Williams along with Adrienne Bailon and Naturi Naughton formed the girl group 3LW. The initial formation of the 3LW was pulled together by Williams' mother, who also managed the group. 3LW was signed to Epic Records and work on their debut album began in 1999. Their first single, "No More (Baby I'ma Do Right)", was released in the fall of 2000. "No More" was a chart success, and was followed by "Playas Gon' Play" in early 2001.

The group's self-titled debut album, 3LW was released on December 5, 2000. The album went on to be certified platinum by the RIAA, selling 1.3 million copies in the US. In the summer of 2001, the group embarked on the MTV Total Request Live tour along with Destiny's Child, Dream, Nelly, Eve, and Jessica Simpson. Also in 2001, Williams appeared on an episode of Taina called "Blue Mascara" playing a character named Lia. Williams played herself in an episode of The Jersey called "Speaking of Coleman".

3LW returned in the summer of 2002 with the single "I Do (Wanna Get Close To You)", featuring Loon. That same summer, the group performed a concert special on Nickelodeon titled Live on Sunset. By August, the group was set to release their sophomore LP, A Girl Can Mack, when member Naughton left the group, alleging that she had a number of conflicts and arguments with Bailon, Williams, and their management. The album's release date was pushed back a month and debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 with 53,000 copies sold its first week.[2] Following Naughton's departure, Williams and Bailon decided to continue 3LW as a duo, causing the press to jokingly refer to them as "2LW".[3] After A Girl Can Mack's second single "Neva Get Enuf" underperformed, 3LW released their Christmas-themed third studio album Naughty or Nice, which failed to appear on any major Billboard charts.[4]

2003–2008: The Cheetah Girls, 3LW disbandment, and acting career

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Beginning in late 2002, 3LW held nationwide auditions for a new third member. Jessica "J" Benson was selected and with Benson, the group continued to promote A Girl Can Mack and began working on their third studio album.[5][6] In June, 3LW departed from Epic Records and signed with So So Def.[7]

Amidst 3LW's public drama, Bailon and Williams signed on to star in the Disney Channel Original Movie, The Cheetah Girls. They starred as two of four members of a female girl group named after the film, with Raven-Symoné and Sabrina Bryan portraying the final two members.[8] Kiely Williams starred as Aquanette, a role in which singer Solange Knowles was originally cast; Knowles pulled out of the film prior to filming due to wanting to focus on the release of her debut album Solo Star.[9] Williams initially auditioned for the role of Galleria, but did not get the part, and was subsequently offered the role of Aquanette when Knowles pulled out.[10] The movie premiered in August 2003.[11][12] Upon release, the film was the number one rated basic cable telecast and premiered to 6.5 million viewers, a record for Disney at the time.[13] The film's soundtrack was certified double platinum by the RIAA.[14] The film's success prompted Disney to turn the project into a real girl group, composed of Williams, Bailon, and Bryan. Raven was offered a spot in the group but opted to focus on her solo career.[15] Bailon noted that both The Cheetah Girls and 3LW projects would continue concurrently.[16] As a trio, the Cheetah Girls began working on their first studio album, Cheetah-licious Christmas, which was released in 2005.

The release of 3LW's third studio album, tentatively titled Phoenix Rising in 2003 and later Point of No Return in 2005, was delayed several times.[17][18][19] On August 15, 2006, the group released the single "Feelin' You", but it did not impact any major charts. Point of No Return was shelved and Bailon and Williams continued with The Cheetah Girls. 3LW officially disbanded in 2007.[20]

Kiely (right) performing with the Cheetah Girls on "One World Tour"

In April 2006, the Cheetah Girls began filming the sequel musical film The Cheetah Girls 2.[21] Raven-Symoné returned for the film, which was shot on location in Barcelona, Spain.[22] The Cheetah Girls 2 premiered on August 26, 2006, and received over 8.1 million viewers, making it the highest-rated premiere for a Disney Channel Original Movie at the time.[23] The film's soundtrack album was certified platinum by the RIAA.[24][25] The Cheetah Girls released their second studio album TCG on September 25, 2007, which featured the single "Fuego".[26][27]

In January 2008, filming commenced on the third Cheetah Girls film, The Cheetah Girls: One World, in which the group appeared as a trio without Raven-Symoné.[28][29] The Cheetah Girls: One World premiered on August 22, 2008 and its soundtrack was released on August 19. While the film was a ratings hit, debuting with 6.2 million viewers, the soundtrack failed to match the success of their previous soundtrack releases and sold 140,000 copies in its first two months.[30] Williams recorded the solo song "Circle Game" for the film's soundtrack album. In late December 2008, the group disbanded.[31][32]

2009–2013: Continued acting and solo music

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During the summer of 2008, Williams began quietly working on a solo singing project separate from work in the Cheetah Girls. Following the breakup of the Cheetah Girls, she filmed the music video for her song "Make Me a Drink" in New York City in November 2008.

In August 2009, a preview of what was expected to be Williams debut solo single "Make Me a Drink" (which was written by Young Money Entertainment recording artist Shanell) appeared on YouTube, "Make Me A Drink" but never officially released, and leaked to the internet in late 2018.

She completed a starring role in the independent film Elle: A Modern Cinderella Tale. In late 2009, Kiely began work on Stomp the Yard: Homecoming. The role of Kandi Kane, in Elle, required Kiely to record several songs for the film and the accompanying soundtrack and learn extensive choreography. Stomp the Yard: Homecoming and Elle were both released in 2010.

On October 28, 2009, Williams official website released the instrumentals of her first single, titled "Spectacular", a song written by Williams and produced by Mike City. The single was released exclusively to club DJs the first week on November. The single was released to the public on January 15, 2010, and the accompanying music video was released to YouTube on April 5, 2010, to mostly negative reviews. The video caused so much controversy that Williams opted to respond to its negative YouTube reviews on her website as well as on The Joy Behar Show on HLN.

2014-2020: Internet series, creative direction

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Kiely Williams and Sabrina Bryan co-starred on the web series "Dinner With Friends", "March Moms", and "Bad Sex With Good People".[33] Following the finale of Bad Sex with Good People, Williams moved behind the scenes to work as a creative director and in new artist development.[34]

2021-Present: BET Presents: The Encore, BluPrint

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In 2021, she starred in BET Presents: The Encore which documented the formation of R&B supergroup BluPrint alongside Shamari Devoe of Blaque, and Fallon and Felisha King of Cherish.[35] Their eponymous debut EP was released August 11, 2021.[36]

Personal life

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Williams married Brandon Cox in December 2016, in Fort Worth, Texas. Sabrina Bryan served as a bridesmaid.[37] The couple announced they were expecting their first child in October 2017.[38] Their daughter Rowan [39]was born in March 2018.[40] They welcomed their second daughter Archer[41] on March 29, 2022.[42]

Discography

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See also: 3LW discography and the Cheetah Girls discography

Filmography

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Television roles
Year Title Role Notes
1993 TriBeCa Little Girl Episode: "The Box"
2001 Taina Lia Episode: "Blue Mascara"
The Jersey Herself Episode: "Speaking of Coleman"
2002 All That Herself Episode: "3LW" (uncredited)
2003 The Cheetah Girls Aquanette "Aqua" Walker Disney Channel Original Movie
2006 The Cheetah Girls 2
2007–2008 Disney Channel Games Contestant
2008 The Cheetah Girls: One World Aquanette "Aqua" Walker Disney Channel Original Movie
Studio DC: Almost Live Herself
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody Herself (with the Cheetah Girls) Episode: "Doin' Time in Suite 2330"
2017 Celebrity Family Feud Contestant Episode: "Boy Band vs. Girl Group"
2021 BET Presents: The Encore
Film roles
Year Title Role Notes
2008 The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 Yaffa Waitress Cameo
The House Bunny Lily
2010 Elle: A Modern Cinderella Tale Kandi Kane / Brenda Smirkle
Stomp the Yard: Homecoming Brenda Direct to video
2013 Holla II Monica
Internet series
Year Title Role Notes
2011 Dinner With Friends Herself 9 episodes, co-creator and executive producer
2015 March Moms Valerie "Val" 8 episodes, co-creator and executive producer
2017 Bad Sex With Good People Jess 10 episodes, co-creator and executive producer

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Work Result
2001 BET Award Best Female Group 3LW Nominated
Teen Choice Award Choice Breakout Artist Nominated
Choice Pop Group Nominated
Soul Train Lady of Soul Award R&B/Soul Album of the Year – Group, Band or Duo 3LW Won
Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist – Group, Band or Duo "No More (Baby I'ma Do Right)" Won
Best R&B/Soul Single – Group, Band or Duo Nominated
2003 "I Do (Wanna Get Close to You)" Nominated
Source Award Best Female R&B Act 3LW Nominated

References

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  1. ^ "3LW Is A Trio Again". Billboard. March 4, 2003. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  2. ^ D'angelo, Joe (October 30, 2002). "Santana's Shaman Blessed; Foos At #3 On Albums Chart". MTV. Archived from the original on September 12, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2008.
  3. ^ Oh, Minya (August 21, 2002). "3LW Become 2LW – News Story". MTV News. Archived from the original on October 4, 2002. Retrieved March 15, 2010.
  4. ^ Moss, Corey (September 30, 2002). "3LW Holiday Album Due; Members Land Film Roles". MTV News. Archived from the original on July 4, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  5. ^ "Babyface Oversees 3LW's First Track With New Member". MTV. Archived from the original on July 4, 2017.
  6. ^ "3LW Become a Trio Again ... Finally". MTV. Archived from the original on July 4, 2017.
  7. ^ "3LW : 3LW Sign To So So Def, Ask 50 Cent To Get 'Gangsta' With Them – Rhapsody Music Downloads". VH1. Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. Retrieved March 15, 2010.
  8. ^ Moss, Corey (October 4, 2002). "Remaining 3LW Pair Too Busy To Hold Auditions For New Member". MTV News. Archived from the original on August 20, 2015. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  9. ^ Ellenbogen, Rachael (September 27, 2018). "'The Cheetah Girls' Almost Starred Solange Knowles As This Main Character". International Business Times. Retrieved August 4, 2020.
  10. ^ ExploreTalent (June 4, 2009). Cheetah Girls Kiely Williams Sabrina Bryan MTV Movie Awards 2009. Event occurs at 4:11. Retrieved January 12, 2025 – via YouTube.
  11. ^ Dangelo, Joe (October 29, 2002). "3LW Don't Judge Others By Color Of Their Spots In 'Cheetah Girls'". MTV News. Archived from the original on July 4, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  12. ^ "How 'Cheetah Girls' Paved The Way For Disney Channel's Future Musical Movies". International Business Times. August 15, 2018. Retrieved March 6, 2019.
  13. ^ "Hey, Hey, It's the Cheetah Girls" (PDF). Broadcasting & Cable. October 10, 2004. p. 10.
  14. ^ "American album certifications – Cheetah Girls – Cheetah Girls". Recording Industry Association of America.
  15. ^ "Hey, Hey, It's the Cheetah Girls" (PDF). Broadcasting & Cable. October 10, 2004. p. 10.
  16. ^ Miller, Gerri (August 25, 2006). "CHEETAH GIRLS 2". Scholastic. Archived from the original on October 25, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
  17. ^ Reid, Shaheem (July 25, 2005). "Jermaine Dupri Boosting Grown-Up 3LW With Their Sexy Return". MTV News. Archived from the original on November 5, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
  18. ^ Moss, Corey (July 2, 2003). "3LW Celebrate New Beginning". MTV News. Archived from the original on July 4, 2003. Retrieved March 15, 2010.
  19. ^ "Platinum R&B Female Group 3LW Set to Release Their Third Anticipated Album Point of No Return August 15th!!". Sony. May 22, 2006.
  20. ^ Nardino, Meredith (June 19, 2020). "Alicia Keys Was Almost Part of Early 2000s Girl Group 3LW". Us Weekly. Retrieved January 13, 2025.
  21. ^ "Work on 'The Cheetah Girls 2' begins". Triblive. April 11, 2006. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
  22. ^ "The Cheetah Girls 2: When In Spain | Barcelona Film Commission". www.bcncatfilmcommission.com. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
  23. ^ Grein, Paul (April 24, 2024). "TV Soundtracks With the Most Weeks at No. 1 on the Top Soundtracks Chart". Billboard. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  24. ^ "American album certifications – Cheetah Girls – Cheetah Girls". Recording Industry Association of America.
  25. ^ Billboard Staff (October 27, 2006). "Cheetah Girls Eyeing All-Inclusive Fourth Album". Billboard. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
  26. ^ Kiely Williams via Radio Disney Uncut Interview Podcast recorded July 10, 2007
  27. ^ Tommy2.net, Tommy2.net. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
  28. ^ "Raven-Symoné and Kiely Williams Just Revealed Some Major Cheetah Girls Tea on Instagram Live". Seventeen. April 10, 2020.
  29. ^ "Raven Symone Out of Cheetah Girls' Third Movie Installment". National Ledger. August 6, 2007. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
  30. ^ Ruggeri, Melissa (November 6, 2008). "Cheetah Girls hang onto wholesome". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  31. ^ A 'Cheetah Girls' Reunion Movie Could Happen Under One Condition, According To Adrienne Houghton
  32. ^ Former Cheetah Girls singer Kiely Williams interested in reuniting with Sabrina Bryan and Adrienne Bailon Houghton
  33. ^ "Ashley Park Signs on for Web Series 'Bad Sex with Good People'". Broadwayworld.com.
  34. ^ Exclusive: 3LW’s Kiely Williams On Being “Mocked For A Lisp I Don’t Have” & ‘The Encore’
  35. ^ "Aubrey O'Day, Kiely Williams, Shamari DeVoe and More Cast in BET Series to Create New R&B Group". People. May 20, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  36. ^ "'BET Presents The Encore' Stars Debut 'BluPrint' EP [Listen]". That Grape Juice. August 11, 2021. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
  37. ^ "Kiely Williams Got Married With A Fellow Cheetah Girl As Her Maid of Honor". MTV.[dead link]
  38. ^ Scott, Sydney (October 19, 2017). "3LW's Kiely Williams Is Expecting A Baby Girl". Essence. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  39. ^ "'Cheetah Girls' Alum Kiely Williams Welcomes Baby No. 2".
  40. ^ "'We Are Sisters!' Sabrina Bryan and Kiely Williams Sing Cheetah Girls Lullaby to Williams' Baby". People.
  41. ^ "'Cheetah Girls' Alum Kiely Williams Welcomes Baby No. 2".
  42. ^ Kiely Williams Second Daughter Is Here
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