Hot Complex: Kelly Rowland

With her self-titled album about to hit the airwaves, Destiny's Woman talks bowling, polos, and intimidating dudes

By Damien Scott; Photography by Micaela Rossato; Styling by John Moore

Most pop stars who have sold over 50 million records are a-holes. Really, they're simply unpleasant to be around. Not Kelly Rowland. The 29-year-old former member of Destiny's Child is as kind and friendly as she is stunningly beautiful. Maybe she's even more at ease because her collabo with David Guetta, "When Love Takes Over," had the European charts in a chokehold. Or maybe she's elated that Kanye permanently paired her name with the image of sexy brown-skin ladies on his single "Power." But more likely it's because she just wrapped up what she believes is her best album yet. Honestly, we don't care what the reason is. Y'all can have the stuck-up pop princesses; we're rollin' with Ms. Rowland.

How have you been?

Kelly Rowland: I have been fantastic.

You look fantastic.

Kelly Rowland:[Laughs.] Thank you.

So the big story with you is the smash record you had with David G.

Kelly Rowland: I love that! David G. [Laughs.] I have to tell him that.

That's what I call him. Has being in Europe so much changed your taste in men?

Kelly Rowland: Oh no, honey. For me, it's just about a very confident guy and someone who I can have fun with.

How confident? Does it matter who's dominant in the relationship?

Kelly Rowland: No. As a matter of fact, because I am so dominant and I am a control freak, I would go out on dates, order, pull out my own chair, and I would never see that guy again. [Laughs.]

Damn, they were that intimidated?

Kelly Rowland: I don't even think it's intimidating. I had a problem with letting a guy be a man. I don't have that problem anymore. I think it's incredibly sexy when a man is just a man. From his walk to the way he talks and the way he carries himself. It's not even swag—that word is so old—it's just about having that…thang. It's got to be so right. They are so cute when they have a smile and that makes it even sexier to me. A smile is everything.

How do you have fun?

Kelly Rowland: Bowling. I am good at bowling! Well, every other time I'm good at bowling. And I can whoop up on him on a game of golf on the Wii. I'm really good at that. But, you know what I love? Polos on guys. I don't know if it's a Southern girl thing—

Damn, the one day I don't wear a polo—

Kelly Rowland:[Laughs.] I think it's so cute when guys wear polos and they wear hats with it, too.

Note to self: No more T-shirts.

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