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Michelle Williams is spilling the tea on Destiny’s Child’s hits.
Speaking with PEOPLE at the 27th Annual Angel Ball at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City on Monday, Oct. 27, the 46-year-old singer revealed what she believes is the group’s most underrated track.
“Oh, ‘Sexy Daddy’ from the Survivor album,” she tells PEOPLE exclusively.
During the conversation, Williams also reflected on her longtime friendship with Tina Knowles, who was honored at the gala for her philanthropy and advocacy for cancer research.
In the days leading up to the event, Williams says Knowles, 71, told her she wanted to style her for the evening — a gesture that instantly transported her back to her Destiny’s Child days, when Knowles designed the group’s iconic stage looks in the early 2000s.
“It brought me back,” Williams says. “I was like, ‘Miss Tina!’ At the same time, I just love how maternal she is — she just kicks into that nurturing mode — and it made me feel like it was when we first met 25 years ago. She hasn’t changed. She’s so consistent.”
Still, Williams joked that she wanted to return the favor. “I said, ‘Miss Tina, you’re being honored tonight — we should be styling you and making sure you’re good!’” she adds with a laugh.
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Later that evening, while presenting Knowles with her award, Williams delivered a heartfelt tribute that highlighted the designer’s lasting impact on her life and career.
From the stage, she spoke about how Knowles believed in her — “a girl from Rockford, Illinois” — and guided and encouraged Destiny’s Child through lessons that went far beyond music: lessons about strength, grace and staying true to themselves.
“Miss Tina made our costumes by hand, y’all. I can still smell the glue gun,” Williams said with a laugh. “She stayed up late making sure everything was perfect and cheered us on like the proud mother she’s always been — not just to her own children, but to all of us lucky enough to be loved by her.”
“But tonight, we also honor her courage and incredible strength as a breast cancer survivor,” she added. “Miss Tina faced that battle with bravery, faith, and dignity — and she came out even stronger. She’s used her journey to inspire others, spread awareness, and remind us all how precious life and health truly are.”
