Zara Larsson Denies Replacing Camila Cabello in Fifth Harmony

The Swedish pop star says she was never asked to join the girl group after Cabello's departure.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:06pm

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Zara Larsson has shut down rumors that she was asked to replace Camila Cabello in the popular girl group Fifth Harmony following Cabello's exit from the band in 2016. Larsson firmly stated, "Oh, no. I don't do groups. I would never be in a group." The 28-year-old singer, who toured with Fifth Harmony in 2014, explained that while she's a "big fan of girl groups," she knows herself and her desire to be the center of attention, saying "I just couldn't take not singing lead all the time."

Why it matters

The rumor that Larsson was asked to join Fifth Harmony after Cabello's departure highlights the ongoing interest in the group and the potential for new members to join popular bands, especially those that have experienced high-profile lineup changes. Larsson's denial provides insight into her own musical preferences and the challenges of joining an established group.

The details

Zara Larsson shut down the rumors during an interview at the Spotify Live Room, telling interviewer Tomás Mier, "Oh, no. I don't do groups. I would never be in a group." She added, "It wasn't like that." While Larsson has "always" been a fan of Fifth Harmony, she knows herself and her desire to be the center of attention, saying, "I feel like the girl groups are coming back big time. I just know personally, if I was [in a girl group], I would be front and center. I love a girl group. I just couldn't take not singing lead all the time."

  • Camila Cabello left Fifth Harmony in 2016.

The players

Zara Larsson

A 28-year-old Swedish pop singer who toured with Fifth Harmony in 2014 but says she was never asked to replace Camila Cabello in the group.

Camila Cabello

The former member of Fifth Harmony who left the group in 2016 to pursue a successful solo career.

Fifth Harmony

A popular American girl group that formed on The X Factor US in 2012 and produced hits like "Work From Home" and "Worth It" before going on hiatus in 2018.

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What they’re saying

“Oh, no. I don't do groups. I would never be in a group.”

— Zara Larsson

The takeaway

Zara Larsson's denial of the rumor that she was asked to replace Camila Cabello in Fifth Harmony highlights the singer's preference for being a solo artist rather than part of a group. This provides insight into the challenges and dynamics of joining an established band, even for a successful pop star like Larsson.