The 5-minute Interview: Michelle Williams, Singer

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Williams, 27, is a member of the R&B group Destiny's Child. In 2002 her debut solo album was the biggest selling gospel album of the year. Her new album, 'Unexpected', is released next month.

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd...

Probably still be asleep, it's only 9am here in LA.

A phrase I use far too often...

"That's crazy."

I wish people would take more notice of...

The Earth. I recycle and I'm also thinking about getting a hybrid car.

The most surprising thing that happened to me was...

Joining Destiny's Child. I had been at college and then I was a background singer for Monica. I was referred by a lady who danced with Monica and who was also Destiny's Child's choreographer.

A common misperception of me is....

That I'm quiet. I'm actually really lively, bubbly, and crazy.

I am not a politician but...

If I were, I would change gas prices. People have to choose whether to fill up their car with gas or feed their family nowadays.

I'm good at...

Being thorough. I'm really good at getting down to the bottom of things. Most people would probably call me Inspector Gadget. I'll be on my laptop Googling something, while I'm on the phone with someone and they don't even know.

I'm very bad at...

Being consistent. I need to be more disciplined. I work out for a week, here and there, but I need to work out every day – it makes you feel better.

The ideal night out ...

Just with a few friends, going to a restaurant, and grabbing some drinks. Anywhere would do, but Chicago is home for me.

In moments of weakness I...

I'm great at not giving in.

You know me as a singer but in another life I'd have been ...

Doing something in law. I was a criminal justice major in college.

The best age to be is...

In your late twenties. That's when you really begin to learn right from wrong. Every day I constantly learn something new about myself. I'm learning great things, positive things about myself.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this:

Always be 100 per cent honest with yourself and others. I'm a very spiritual person, so I believe in always treating others like you would want to be treated.

Deborah Sterescu