Former Destiny's Child member Michelle Williams to judge Most Powerful Voices

Michelle Williams, who recently performed with her former mega-star group members Beyonce and Kelly Rowland during the Super Bowl half time show is slated to judge American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s 4th annual Most Powerful Voices gospel competition.

Michelle Williams says she is involved in the contest, because her family has been affected by stroke.

“My father and my grandmother suffered from strokes. My father’s stroke left him unable to walk or talk and I am sad to say that my grandmother is no longer with us. Stroke has really devastated my family, so being involved with the competition gives me the opportunity to share my story and to empower people with stroke knowledge to help them to reduce their risks.” “It focuses on two things that I am passionate about — gospel music and sharing stroke information,” says Williams.

“African-Americans are especially susceptible to stroke due to a higher prevalence of high blood pressure, diabetes and previous heart attack or stroke,” said Dr. Rani Whitfield, family practitioner and American Stroke Association spokesperson. “That’s why it’s an important requirement of this competition to receive stroke information and to learn how stroke is largely preventable, treatable and beatable.”

Along with Michelle judging the contest will be James Robinson, president of A&R at Light Records, and holy hip hop artist Flame.

Most Powerful Voices is part of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Power To End Stroke awareness campaign. Through Power To End Stroke, the association provides culturally relevant events, tools and resources to decrease stroke among African-Americans, who are disproportionally affected by the disease.

The contest is open to independent artists, groups and choirs who sing gospel, holy hip hop, praise and worship music. Participants, who must be 18 years or older, may sign up at Power.watchgmctv.com and now have until February 28 to upload a video or MP3 file. Family, friends — and fans — have until April 17 to vote for their favorite artists.