Michelle Williams is best-known for being one-third of Destiny's Child, the best-selling female group of all-time. In the midst of their disbandment, however, Williams has also had a successful acting career on the Broadway stage, as Shug Avery in The Color Purple and the title role of Aida. Even so, singing still remains Williams' primary focus.

With two successful gospel albums in her catalog, the dance-pop direction on Williams' third album may come across as a striking deviation from her previous solo outings. But at the age of 28, lest we forget, Michelle Williams is poised to capitalize on her youthful essence. And why not? History has shown that she has what it takes.

Upon review of Unexpected, Michelle Williams managed to squeeze some time out of her busy schedule and settle down for an interview with Clayton Perry — reflecting on Rico Love, Destiny's Child and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Over the years, you have been able to crisscross between secular and spiritual musical genres with a high level of credibility. How do you account for such flexibility in your success?

Just being focused and strong, loving people, treating people right and going with your heart. With this album, my heart said, "Move in another direction." So I did. Not because people told me or people wanted me to. I have this cool relationship with God. He knows that I wouldn't do anything that He wouldn't want me to do.

My favorite scripture in the Bible comes from Proverbs 3:6 "In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." I asked God for a producer that I can connect with. I found a writer/producer by the name of Rico Love. He already knows he's going to work with me for life. I don't care how great he blows up to be. I was like, "Wow, you did that for me." I'm so thankful that He gave me somebody who is beginning to know me. I think so much magic and chemistry happened within the few months we worked in the studio. We had a ball. I looked forward to going to the studio. There have been times, in the past, when I walked to the studio and I wasn't feeling the producer. With some producers, you write them their check and that's it; they're done.

Other producers don't care about the check. They want to get paid and they know they're going to get paid but they are about making their artist feel good and sound good because at the end of the day, it's fan-based.

Well, the dance turn on your third album was definitely "unexpected." What life events served as inspiration for this change?