Keisha: This is not the end!
Keisha Buchanan promised a "new beginning" today after being forced out of the Sugababes - the hit-machine she started 11 years ago.
Keish's surprise exit came just days after she'd told me "one hundred per cent" that the trio had patched up their differences and Eurovision singer Jade Ewen was NOT joining to replace Amelle.
After a shock turn of events, Jade WAS last night brought in to join Amelle (who joined in 2005) and Heidi (who joined in 2001). And Keish - the last original member - was out.
In a flurry of emotional messages on her twitter page soon after the announcement was made, Keisha told fans she was nervous but excited about her future as a solo artist.
She wrote: "Dear Friends I'm sad to say that I am no longer apart of the Sugababes.
"I've had a great time and have achieved more then 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 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."
The Babes have had a tumultuous few weeks after Amelle, who joined in 2005, went AWOL two weeks ago. There was gossip that Keish was jealous of Amelle's No.1 with Tinchy Stryder - the ironically titled Never Leave You.
But Keisha said the girls had always supported each other.
She wrote: "I may come across as a hard nut sometimes, but I'm actually really sensitive and it destroys me to think people see me as the longest standing member and assume that I'm the b***h who causes people to walk, and it's totally untrue and unfair."
"Remember my drunk pictures out with Amelle, supporting her on her success with Tinchy Stryder... Oh the shame... But what a fun night we had.
"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 im 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 excepted me for who I am... the feisty, funny, professional, fearless, motor mouth... lol
"This is not the end... but the beginning!!!!"
A statement on the band's website read: "The current line-up of the Sugababes has disbanded.
"Heidi Range and Amelle Berrabah will continue as the Sugababes and will be joined by new member Jade Ewen. They release their album Sweet 7 on November 23 through Island Records.
"Keisha Buchanan will continue to record for Island Records as a solo artist."
Keisha and Amelle are due to appear at next week's Mobo awards in Glasgow. Make a date in your diaries!
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This article has 5 comments
keisha next big solo artist :)......sugababes who?
By omg.. Posted October 1 2009 at 9:05 PM.
Oh ffs people get a grip of yourselfs with this RIP stuff, im glad that the sugababes will continue, it has kinda become a tradition that when one leaves , someone else will replace her, i cant wait for the new album, GO ON GIRLS, keep up the awesome work!
By Sgoobysnacks29.. Posted September 25 2009 at 1:12 AM.
RIP Sugababes you were the best girl band the UK ever had. The band won't be the same without Keisha.
I WILL BOYCOTT ALL FUTURE "SUGABABES" RELEASES!!! NOT GOING TO BY INTO THE TRIBUTE ACT.
I hope this is all just one big publicity stunt....take her back, Island Records.
By Pete M. Johnson.. Posted September 22 2009 at 7:05 PM.
I loved the sugababes with Keisha, Amelle and Heidi. Really hope Keisha has the last laugh I'm supporting her all the way. That Jade won't match up to anything, who enters Eurovision seriously? Wish I was dreaming, I'm so so so so gutted. WE LOVE YOU KEISHA. AND WE, THE FANS NOW HATE YOU BABES! (Which I personally think they shouldnt be called the Sugababes now)
By Nick.. Posted September 22 2009 at 3:34 PM.
Jade looks like a horse.
R.I.P Sugababes - it will never be the same now Keisha was forced out. I hope K & Mutya duo up like bootyluv :)
By anon.. Posted September 22 2009 at 1:58 PM.