In a shock to the Harmonizer nation Fifth Harmony announced on Monday morning (March 19) that they would be going on an indefinite hiatus in order to pursue solo endeavors. “Reflecting on the past six years since we started on X-Factor, we’ve realized just how far we’ve come and we appreciate everything so much, more now than ever,” they wrote in a statement on social media. “We’ve really had one hell of a memorable journey together and can’t begin to express our gratitude to y’all for coming along with us on this wild ride!”
Then came the gut-punching news from Ally Brooke, Normani, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui, who formed during second season of The X Factor in 2012 after judge Simon Cowell suggested they work together (fifth member Camila Cabello left the group in December 2016). “After six years going hard, non stop, we also realized that in order to stay authentic to ourselves and to you, we do need to take some time for now to go on hiatus from Fifth Harmony in order to pursue solo endeavors.”
The group said they were excited and grateful to take the time to “grow creatively and really find our footing as individuals. In doing this we are allowing ourselves to gain new experiences, strengths and perspectives that we can bring back to our Fifth Harmony family.” At press time there was no further information on how long the hiatus might last, though the quartet did note that they have a run of shows scheduled through the end of the year that they will play as planned.
— Fifth Harmony (@FifthHarmony) March 19, 2018
5H continued on as a foursome following Cabello’s exit, though whispers about their possible break-up popped up from time to time. Even as they hit the road to promote their 2017 self-titled third album, it was clear that each member was intent on flexing her solo muscle as well. Those efforts included Dinah Jane’s single with RedOne, Daddy Yankee and French Montana, “Boom Boom”; Lauren Jauregui’s collabs with Marian Hill on “Back to Me” and with Steve Aoki on “All Night”; Ally Brooke’s single with Topic, “Perfect”; and Normani’s “Love Lies” with Khalid.
After completing an Asian tour last week and a show at Universal Orlando the night before their announcement, 5H’s next scheduled show is May 11 in Hollywood, Florida, at the Seminole Hard Rock, followed by shows in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on May 13 and Reykjavik, Iceland, on May 16.
More on this story as it develops…