IMHO: I don't know if the Destiny's Child reunion rumors are true, but I have unsolicited suggestions for it anyway

Following reunion rumors in the tabloids, author Michael Arceneaux explains why a Destiny’s Child tour likely isn’t in the cards—but what it should be like if it ever happens.

What are the chances that The Sun has any real idea what Beyoncé is up to, either professionally or personally? I reckon it’s as likely as Tomi Lahren being asked to host the next NAACP Image Awards. However, if the aim of the vintage British tabloid is to bait me with yet another Beyoncé-related rumor, a Destiny’s Child reunion is the perfect material to work with.

Let them tell it, Beyoncé has supposedly drawn inspiration from the success of the Spice Girl reunion tour and, as a result, has been in contact with Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams about a potential reunion. A reunion that would include a tour spanning the U.S. and Europe, and yes, some new tunes.

They quote a “music insider” saying, “Beyoncé has been desperate to get the girls back together with her in the studio and she can’t think of a better time than 2020, when they will be marking two decades as one of the world’s biggest all-female groups.” Beyoncé is many things, but “desperate” isn’t one of them. I hope whomever is responsible for saying something so blasphemous will seek atonement.

Their source added, “Beyoncé has been meeting with Kelly and Michelle and discussing what they can do. It’s early days but they want to record new music and put it out alongside some of their biggest hits.”

The timing would coincide with the 20th anniversary of Michelle Williams joining Destiny’s Child following the abrupt dismissal of original members, LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson.

“Then they want to do a tour which will be short enough for them to fit it into their schedules, but big enough to make sure all their fans can make a date to see them,” this apparent insider claims. “They are one of the very few groups where love for them has only grown since they went on hiatus in 2006, so the demand is massive.”

The last formal Destiny’s Child release was “Nuclear,” a Pharrell Williams-produced house bop, released in 2013 on Love Songs, the group’s third compilation album. Before that, the trio reunited on Kelly Rowland’s solo track, “You’ve Changed” and Michelle Williams’ “Say Yes.” And you could hear Kelly and Michelle a lil’ bit on Beyoncé’s “Superpower,” although they were uncredited.

All of those songs are very strong examples of why we deserve new music from Destiny’s Child, so theoretically, a reunion tour featuring new releases makes sense. Still, I have a hard time believing this.

Earlier in the year, Mathew Knowles, Beyoncé’s father, who managed Destiny’s Child and continues to own the group name, announced plans to create a musical from his perspective, based on the group’s formation.

“I want to pull back the curtain,” Knowles said in a statement on his website about Survivor: The Destiny Child’s Musical. “I feel it’s time to give the world an opportunity to hear, see, and feel the victories and failures that I’ve had as a husband, father, and manager who risked everything in pursuit of fulfilling dreams–those of mine and others.” In other words, Berry Gordy II wants to be depicted like Deena and Effie in Dreamgirls. Let me just say I’m a wee bit concerned about how this play might go.

I also just assumed that, until Blue Ivy Carter took over management duties from her Pa-Pa, we were not getting a Destiny’s Child reunion in name. At best, we’d probably get more of the mini-reunions and Instagram pictures we’ve been treated to. All due respect to The Sun, but if that tabloid told me the color of the sky, I’d question it. So I have a hard time believing they know anything about a Destiny’s Child reunion tour and project.

Still, as a fan of the group, I can’t help but wonder about how this could work in theory. So I have some unsolicited advice to share.

Like, I would love it if the original members of Destiny’s Child could appear in some fashion. It would be amazing to see LeToya and LaTavia join the OG members to perform deep cuts like “Second Nature” and “Get On The Bus,” and singles like “Bug A Boo” and “Say My Name.” To this day, you can still hear LeToya Luckett’s vocals on the “Say My Name” track whenever it’s performed by Destiny’s Child or Beyoncé.

Instagram posts prove that Beyoncé and LeToya clearly have no beef. We know Kelly Rowland gets along with LeToya and she has professed to not harbor any ill will towards LaTavia. LaTavia has penned public messages saluting all original members and Michelle Williams. We know Michelle and LeToya are cool.

Why not give fans that united image? Let Toya hop on stage and perform “Torn” while we’re at it. Yes, I know that Farrah Franklin was in the group for five minutes—but she didn’t seem well-liked by any of them. Good luck to her, but she can’t come.

When it comes to new tunes, I want them to give fans contemporary interpretations of the group’s classic sound, rather than chasing current music trends. (Think R&B group SWV. They dropped solid new material that gives me “auntie’s still got it” versus “auntie is trying too hard, and no, she cannot come to the club with us anymore.”) I can refer to a list of producers, but Beyoncé knows best so I trust in her infinite wisdom.

To sum it up, a Destiny’s Child reunion tour and simultaneous new album are great ideas. I’d be happy to give my money to each cause. Unfortunately, it’s likely just a dream for now. But ladies, please strongly consider capitalizing on public demand.

Or, if nothing else, do it after Beyoncé leans into my other dream: her own rap album.

Michael Arceneaux is the New York Times bestselling author of the newly released book I Can’t Date Jesus from Atria Books/Simon & Schuster. His work has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Essence, The Guardian, Mic, and more. Follow him on Twitter.