Throughout her career, American singer-songwriter Kelly Rowland has achieved what most people could only dream of.
As a solo artist and former member of girl group Destiny’s Child, Kelly has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide, won countless awards and earned a star on the illustrious Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
Today, she’s easily one of the most recognised names in the music industry.
However, there’s one person who isn’t at all fazed by her superstar status: her gorgeous three-year-old son, Titan.
When TV WEEK sits down with Kelly to discuss her highly anticipated return to the coach’s chair on The Voice, it quickly becomes apparent that fame and accolades are nothing compared to the joy of raising her baby boy.
“He has made me a better person,” the 37-year-old enthuses of Titan.
“He’s not me and not his father – he’s just himself – which makes me so much more happy, because he’s creating his own path.”
The superstar says she has big plans for her little family.
Before we can continue the interview, Kelly apologises.
“Sorry, but I have to show you something,” she says and excitedly scans her phone for a video of the cute little toddler.
In the clip, Kelly is singing Destiny’s Child 2000 hit “Independent Woman” while Titan listens intently. After finishing the chorus, the youngster lets out an adorable giggle.
“That’s funny, Mama!” he says.
Kelly feigns a look of shock.
“He didn’t know it was my song and just started laughing at it,” she grins. “And I’m like, ‘Um, millions of people love that song. It’s a great song!'”
In May 2014, Kelly’s musical pursuits took a back seat when she and her manager and partner, Tim Weatherspoon, tied the knot in Costa Rica. Six months later, the newlyweds welcomed Titan into the world.
As a first-time mum, Kelly’s life was changed forever. While smitten with her new bundle of joy, she struggled to find balance among the sleepless nights.
“When you first bring that kid home, you’re both doing new things,” she says. “He’s new at life, and you’re new at being a mum. You’re both trying to figure it out.
“I didn’t know that one moment I’d think, ‘Oh, God – I can’t do this,’ and an hour later I’d think, ‘Oh, I’ve got it!'”
Of course, any parent will agree that raising a child is challenging. At times, Kelly became so overwhelmed by her new role that she “felt like a failure”. Thankfully, the good times will always outweigh the bad.
Proving her down-to-earth nature, the star admits to experiencing a few mishaps along the way.
“Look, I almost suffocated my kid with my breasts!” she confesses. “I very briefly fell asleep, and I think he was like, ‘Mum, help me!'”
But Kelly is able to laugh it off now.
“It’s all about learning,” she says.
After talking to other mothers who’d had similar experiences, Kelly put her thoughts in writing. In 2017, she released a book, Whoa, Baby!: A Guide For New Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed And Freaked Out (And Wonder What The #$& Just Happened)**.
While she was applauded for her candour, her celebrity status drew a nasty backlash.
“I got a lot of feedback from the book. Most was positive, but others were like, ‘Oh well, she has help, so doesn’t understand what it’s really like,'” Kelly says.
“But what does that have to do with this brand-new role in my life? I do have somebody to help me, but I’m still trying to juggle everything and be a great wife, a mum and a good person.
“I didn’t know how to do it by myself and that’s what I wanted to talk about [in the book].”
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