14 DAY TRIAL // Keisha Buchanan, the only remaining original member of British smash act Sugababes, has been forced out of the band to be replaced by UK’s Eurovision Song Contest singer Jade Ewan, the Guardian informs. Keisha remains signed to Island Records and, after 11 years as a Sugababe, she will pursue a solo career.
Heidi Range and Amelle Berrabah have yet to comment on Keisha’s departure. However, as the aforementioned British publication also points out, it wasn’t Keisha who was supposed to leave, as earlier reports had it Berrabah was sick of the band’s policy and wanted out, a rumor seemingly confirmed by her missing several Sugababes shows, which forced the other two girls to perform as a duo.
While speculation has it that Keisha was “duped” into leaving or that her departure is due to a fight over royalties, the singer herself says on her Twitter page she has nothing but kind words and good wishes for the girls. She leaves the band against her will, the singer says, but she takes with her fond memories of a long career in the spotlight –, as well as the hope that Sugababes fans who have supported her throughout the years while in the band will also do the same as she launches her solo career.
“Dear Friends I’m sad to say that I am no longer a part of the Sugababes. I’ve had a great time and have achieved more then [sic] I ever thought I would. Although it was not my choice to leave, it’s time to enter a new chapter in my life. I have nothing but positive things to say about the girls and I wish them the best of luck. I would like to state that there were no arguments, bullying or anything of the sort that lead [sic] to this. Sometimes a break down in communication and lack of trust can result in many different things. I would also like to point out that I have always supported the girls and they have also supported me.” Keisha writes on Twitter.
“Now I’m going to take some time to focus on me. I’ve been in this band for 11 years and I have achieved so much. I have a great family and friends who are behind me 100% and at the age of 24, I’m now going out into this world on my own… Although I’m nervous… I’m still very excited on what lies ahead. I want to thank the Sugababes fans and my fans for all your support and all who have never judged me, but accepted me for who I am… The feisty, funny, professional, fearless, motor mouth… lol. This is not the end… but the beginning!!!!” the singer further says.
As of now, Keisha has yet to announce plans as regards her solo effort. She and Berrabah are both scheduled to appear at the Mobo awards in Glasgow next week.