Losing a member of a beloved band almost feels as though we’re going through a breakup
and can weigh heavy on us until reality sets in.
So just because we’re in the midst of ‘sad girl fall’, we’re breaking down some of
the most shocking band exits through the years.
Let’s get into it.
Not to pour salt on a perpetually opened wound, but there comes a point in every band’s
life where growth and great change are bound to happen.
Some we see coming, but it still doesn’t lessen the shock factor…
We could probably ALL pinpoint exactly where we were the day that Zayn Malik announced
his departure from One Direction back in 2015 to embark on his solo endeavors, dropping
his Mind of Mine record the following year.
Zayn opened up to British Vogue in 2018, explaining the reason for his departure, saying QUOTE,
“We went from theaters to arenas to stadiums — there was never any sort of bridge between.
Just boom, boom, boom,” -- adding, “I guess that kind of progression to any mind
— but especially when you’re 17, 18 — it kind of affects you a little bit.”
While the rest of the guys still remain in occasional contact, it seems Zayn has removed
himself from the 1D narrative, telling the outlet, “People take it different ways — especially
when there are five different personalities.
The relationships had broken apart.”
Yep… still hurts 6 years later…
Former Little Mix member Jesy Nelson also took a page from the fellow British band’s
book, leaving the group a year ago, not long after her rep confirmed she would be taking
an extended hiatus due to health reasons.
After being open about her struggles in the spotlight, which led her mental health to
deteriorate, Jesy opened up about her decision to take a step back on Instagram, in a since-deleted
post that read, “There comes a time in life when we need to re-invest in taking care of
ourselves, rather than focusing on making other people happy, and I feel like now is
the time to begin that process.
So after much consideration and with a heavy heart, I’m announcing I’m leaving Little
Mix.”
Her now-permanent ‘hiatus’ has since landed her a solo career in which she wasted NO time
in dropping her first single “Boyz” featuring Nicki Minaj.
Camila Cabello called it quits from Fifth Harmony back in 2016 when the band announced
via their official social media accounts in a super suspect statement that read, “After
4 and a half years of being together, we have been informed via her representatives that
Camila has decided to leave Fifth Harmony.
We wish her well.”
For a while, it was unclear whether Camila left the girls on good terms, especially after
the 2017 VMA’s performance, allegedly shading Camila-- when 5 bodies quickly became 4 as
they kicked off their performance.
Camila has since gone on to find success in her own solo endeavors, releasing multiple
Grammy-nominated songs including “Havana” and the smash-hit collab “Senorita” with
now-ex Shawn Mendes, and she even tacked on acting to her lengthy resume, starring as
Cinderella in the Amazon Original film released earlier this year.
Justin Timberlake also made a name for himself in showbiz, since leaving the popular ‘90s
boy band *NSYNC in 2002-- to embark on his own solo career, and even star in a few classic
rom-coms.
Justin’s debut album Justified was released the same year he left the band and led him
to become a 10-time Grammy winner, so you’re welcome for getting “Sexyback” replaying
in your head for the rest of the day.
More than a decade later, in 2013, Justin went back to his roots, surprising the 2013
VMA audience with an unforgettable *NSYNC reunion, singing a medley of their classic
sing-along hits “Girlfriend” and “Bye Bye Bye”.
The Black Eyed Peas’ very own dutchess Fergie was a pivotal part of the group in the 2000s
until she stepped away to pursue a solo career in 2006, dropping smash-hits including “Fergalicious”,
“Glamorous”, and “London Bridge”.
She then returned to the group three years later in 2009, and ultimately took an indefinite
hiatus in 2011, but did not return as the missing pea when they reunited again in 2018.
Just last year, Will.i.am explained to Billboard that Fergie has been “focusing on being
a mom” to her and ex-husband Josh Duhamel’s son Axl Jack, saying QUOTE, “That’s a
hard job, and that’s what she really wants to do and we’re here for her, and she knows
how to contact us for a retreat or a breakaway.”
Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas have also all gone
on to start their own things as well, but the JoBros were forced to do a little bit
of soul searching after splitting in 2013, which Nick has since revealed was his fault.
He explained during an interview on CBS Sunday Morning QUOTE, “I had a very tough conversation
with them where I laid it out for them.”
“I said, ‘You know, I feel like the Jonas Brothers should be no more, and we should
go on individual journeys.’
And it didn’t go so well.”
Thankfully there WAS a happy ending in sight as the band celebrated their reunion in 2019
with their smash-hit single “Sucker”, and now that they’re back together, we still
get to live out our teenage boy band dreams!
For even more shocking news on Camila Cabello, click right over here to get the details on
her latest truth bomb.
Then be sure to let me know which of these shocking band departures you still can’t
seem to get past down here in the comments, and which members you hope reunite soon!
I’m your host Carly Henderson, you can find me on my socials @carlyhenderson_, and I’ll
see you guys next time!