Simply Kelly Rowland

The Recording Academy Los Angeles Chapter hosted Up Close & Personal With Kelly Rowland on Sept. 27 at The Academy's headquarters in Santa Monica, Calif.

Before a packed audience, the four-time GRAMMY-winning R&B artist engaged in a discussion with GRAMMY-nominated artist and Chapter President MC Lyte, touching on topics such as the creative process behind her latest album, Here I Am, plans for the video for her next single, "Lay It On Me," collaborating with fellow GRAMMY winner David Guetta on the 2009 hit "When Love Takes Over," touring, and working on the UK music TV show "The X Factor," among other topics.

"Touring has been so much fun because it's been about five years since I’ve been on tour," said Rowland. "Performing as a solo artist right now, I'm just on the highest cloud."

Hailing from Atlanta, Rowland first gained fame as a member of GRAMMY-winning R&B group Destiny's Child. Following the release of the group's third album, 2001's Survivor, Rowland began writing material for her debut solo album, Simply Deep, which was released the following year. The album's first single, "Dilemma," which features GRAMMY-winning rapper Nelly, earned Rowland her first GRAMMY as a solo artist for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. In 2004 Rowland reunited with Destiny's Child for a new album, Destiny Fulfilled, and embarked on the group's final world tour. Rowland's sophomore effort, 2007's Ms. Kelly, peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200. Released in July, Here I Am reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and spawned the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs hit "Motivation." Rowland is currently on a U.S. tour with Chris Brown.

Up Close & Personal With Kelly Rowland will be available as video on demand beginning Sept. 30 exclusively at GRAMMY365, The Academy's member-only website. For more information on Academy membership, visit www.grammy365.com/join.