Keisha Buchanan Leaves Sugababes – Jade Ewen Joins

It’s official, although it’s a different member of the Sugababes who is leaving than we all thought. Keisha Buchanan, the last surviving original member of the group, has left to become a solo artist. The Sugababes will continue on with Amelle Berrabah and Heidi Range, who will be joined by Eurovision singer Jade Ewen to keep the group as a trio.

There was, of course, speculation at the end of last week that Amelle was about to leave and be replaced by Ewen, but it seems while the thrust of the story was correct, the departing member wasn’t. The 24-year-old Buchanan will stay with Island Records but as a solo artist instead.

Buchanan’s departure means the Sugababes now are comprised of three totally different people than started the group back in 1998. Back then it was a 13-year-old Buchanan alongside Mutya Buena and Siobhan Donaghy. Seven studio albums later and it’s a different trio calling themselves the Sugababes.

Donaghy left in 2001, Buena in 2005, and now Buchanan in 2009. So if they were to continue on for another four years I’d suggest Heidi Range would be then due to leave for pastures new in 2013. Interestingly, Buchanan has insisted it wasn’t her choice to leave, telling fans on Twitter:

“I’ve had a great time and have achieved more than 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 led 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. 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. This is not the end… but the beginning!”

So it would appear there was a bit of a power struggle between Buchanan and Berrabah, with Berrabah clearly winning and forcing Buchanan out in the process. Sugababes are still due to release their new album, Sweet 7, on November 23, although whether parts of it will be re-recorded with Ewen’s voice rather than Buchanan remains to be seen.

[Photo Source: Amazon.co.uk]