June's Diary

June's Diary is an American girl group formed by singer Kelly Rowland and director Frank Gatson on the American reality television docu-series Chasing Destiny in 2016.^[1] The group consists of members Ashly Williams, Brienna DeVlugt, Gabrielle Carreiro, Kristal Lyndriette, and Shyann Roberts. They signed a deal with L.A. Reid's record label Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, Inc.

Following from the show Chasing Destiny, they released a buzz single "All of Us" to iTunes on June 7, 2016.^[2]

On June 24, 2016 their debut single "L.A.N.C.E." was released to iTunes.^[3]

History

2016: Chasing Destiny

Chasing Destiny was formed with the help of former Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland, and signed to L.A. Reid's label Epic Records in 2016. During an interview with New York Post Kelly Rowland stated “I felt like there was a void for a girls group in the music industry and this is something that I have wanted to do since Destiny’s Child’s Destiny Fulfilled tour. There were so many girl groups back in the day and now there is only one,” she continues, referring to Fifth Harmony. “I want to show that women can get back to making money together.”^[4]

Kelly Rowland held auditions for the girl group in three cities, narrowed down from 600 girls to 15 and later choosing the final five, Ashly Williams, Brienna DeVlugt, Gabrielle Carreiro, Kristal Lyndriette (originally from the girl group RichGirl), and Shyann Roberts. However, only Brienna, Gabriele and Shyann were selected as top 15. Ashly was cut during the auditions but was later brought back by Frank Gatson because he thought that talent was lacking among the top 15. Frank Gatson also added Kristal later cause he had worked with her in 2004 with Beyonce during her Grammy Performance and did not forget her talent. During the process of the show the girls gained media success in May 2016 after a cover of Drake's Hotline Bling on the Chasing Destiny went viral.^[5]

2016–present: Future projects

On June 7, 2016, as the final episode of Chasing Destiny, the group released their first buzz single on iTunes "All of Us" later confirming that despite conflicting reports, they are currently still in search of a name for the group. The quintet is signed to L.A. Reid's record label Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, Inc..^[2][6] On June 23, 2016 they announced their official group name as June's Diary.^[7] On June 24, 2016, the group released their debut single "L.A.N.C.E" on iTunes. On June 26, 2016, the group released the video to "L.A.N.C.E" during the red carpet event for the 2016 BET Awards.^[8]

Discography

Singles

Promotional singles

Members

Ashly Williams

Ashly Breshé Williams was born in Compton, California on (1989-01-15) January 15, 1989^[10]

Ashly auditioned for The X Factor in Los Angeles, CA, singing Whitney Houston's signature hit, a cover of Dolly Parton's I Will Always Love You.^[11] Williams performed Aerosmith's song I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing during the 4 chair challenge gaining a seat to compete in Demi Lovato's final 4 in her girls category later being replaced by another contestant with Williams exit the competition.^[12] The R&B singer starred on the BET doc-series Chasing Destiny and became a member chosen as part of Kelly Rowland's girl group June's Diary.

Kristal Lyndriette-Smith

Lyndriette-Smith was born on (1987-07-28) July 28, 1987 in Charlotte, North Carolina. SHe was previously a member of the R&B four-person group RichGirl from 2007-2011. After parting ways from the group she dropped an EP entitled Proclamation. This EP was just something for the fans to enjoy until she started her solo career. In 2013 Smith signed to Tyrese Gibson's label Voltron and released her first single "Silhouette" which is available on YouTube. Shortly after ending her solo deal Smith joined Usher on his UR experience tour as one of his backup singers. Kristal was brought onto the show "Chasing Destiny" in Episode 3, (Houston We Have A Problem). It was later revealed in Episode 7 (Black Girl Magic), that Kristal would be apart of the girl group "June's Diary".

Brienna DeVlugt

Brienna DeVlugt, born (1993-11-26) November 26, 1993, was born and raised in Princeton, New Jersey. She comes from a family of six siblings. Her father used to sing in the popular group POV. She studied economics before dropping out with only three credits left to pursue her music career and try out for Chasing Destiny. She has cited Destiny's Child, Danity Kane and Dream as her biggest musical influences. R&B singer starred on the BET doc-series Chasing Destiny and became a member chosen as part of Kelly Rowland's girl group June's Diary.

Gabrielle "Gabby" Carreiro

Gabrielle "Gabby" Carreiro was born (1997-05-20) May 20, 1997 in Glendale, California. She was signed up for choir in seventh grade by her father and grew to love music from there. She starred on the BET doc-series Chasing Destiny and became one of the five finalists chosen to become part of Kelly Rowland's girl group June's Diary. "Gabby" has a very different musical background that adds a ecletic flavor to the groups dynamic, She has cited (influenced by) artists such as The Talking Heads, The Badesses, Sarah Vaughan, and Michael Buble as some of her favorites.

Shyann Roberts

Shyann Roberts, born (1996-08-31) August 31, 1996, is originally from St. Petersburg, Florida. Her mother's name is Qiana Horsley. She started singing at the age of 2 and has been performing since she was 4. She has opened for known artists such as Boyz II Men and sang the National Anthem for a 76ers game once. R&B singer starred on the BET doc-series Chasing Destiny and became the youngest member chosen as part of Kelly Rowland's girl group June's Diary.

Filmography

Television

Tours

Headlining

• 2016: June's Diary Tour

Opening Act

• 2016: The Buffet Tour (R. Kelly)

References