They could be Texas’ own Spice Girls—if that’s what they wanted. Destiny’s Child, the vocal quartet from Houston, clearly has what it takes to make hit records: This spring, their song “No, No, No” reached number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles chart. But unlike the “Prefab Five,” as wags refer to Posh, Sporty, and the other Spices, these girls are no gimmick. “We weren’t put together,” lead vocalist Beyoncé says. “We’ve been singing together since we were ten.” Beyoncé and LaTavia, who are sixteen, and Kelly and LeToya, who are seventeen, began their careers by singing at festivals around Harris County and even performed on Star Search (they lost). In 1997 they signed with Columbia Records, which had such hopes for the foursome that industry heavies Wyclef Jean and Master P were brought in to help out on their self-titled debut. This summer, the group continues traveling the globe as an opening act for their harmonic heroes, Boyz II Men. Call it destiny, child.
