Kelly Rowland Covers ‘Essence’ Magazine: The Singer Talks Finding Her Inner Strength

Kelly Rowland is all smiles on the September issue of Essence — and she has all the reason to be! The singer has aired her “Dirty Laundry,” has a successful new album and is now in a healthy relationship. Donning a fur vest and laced with jewels, the “Street Life” chanteuse looks very elegant and as confident as ever. In the candid interview, Rowland breaks down the meaning behind the much-talked about “Dirty Laundry” single from Talk A Good Game.

“For a long time I wasn’t happy, but that had nothing to do with Beyoncé. That had to do with me trying to get my life in order and make better decisions for myself,” she says. “I’m seeing all these wonderful things happen for her and I am happy for her. But I want a path. I want things to pop off for me, too. Not on her level but whatever my level is supposed to be.”

The singer clearly has personal strength, but she revealed some physical strength as well: “I see the beauty in boxing,” she says. “It teaches me strength, physically but mostly mentally. I had to learn my strength, because for so long I could have been tougher than I was.” She also dives into revealing topics about her relationship with her estranged father, her current romantic relationship and her plans for the future.

Read more from the interview here. The september issue of Essence hits newsstands on August 9.