Zara Larsson Denies Rumors of Replacing Camila Cabello in Fifth Harmony

The Swedish singer says she has no interest in joining a girl group.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:50am

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In a new interview, pop star Zara Larsson addressed rumors that she was approached to replace Camila Cabello in the girl group Fifth Harmony after Cabello's departure in 2016. Larsson firmly stated that she has no interest in joining a group and prefers to be a solo artist, saying "I don't do groups." While Larsson is a fan of girl groups, she says she would want to be "front center" like Beyoncé if she were in one. Larsson did tour with Fifth Harmony in 2014 and has fond memories of that experience, but maintains that she would never want to be part of a group herself.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into Zara Larsson's career preferences and sheds light on the dynamics of the pop music industry, where solo artists are often preferred over group acts. It also offers a glimpse into the aftermath of Camila Cabello's exit from Fifth Harmony and the group's subsequent hiatus.

The details

In the interview, Larsson firmly denied the rumors that she was offered a spot in Fifth Harmony to replace Cabello, stating "Oh, no. I don't do groups. I would never be in a group." She clarified that while she is a "big fan of girl groups" and enjoyed touring with Fifth Harmony in 2014, she prefers to be a solo artist and would want to be "front center" like Beyoncé if she were in a group.

  • Zara Larsson toured with Fifth Harmony in 2014 as the opening act for Cher Lloyd's "I Wish Tour".
  • Camila Cabello left Fifth Harmony in 2016 to pursue a solo career.
  • Although Fifth Harmony continued as a four-piece, the group announced an indefinite hiatus in 2018.
  • In 2025, the members of Fifth Harmony (minus Cabello) reunited for a surprise performance during a Jonas Brothers concert in Dallas, Texas.

The players

Zara Larsson

A Swedish singer and songwriter who has found success as a solo artist, known for hits like "Lush Life" and "Ruin My Life".

Camila Cabello

A former member of the girl group Fifth Harmony, who left the group in 2016 to pursue a solo career that has included hit songs like "Havana" and "Señorita".

Fifth Harmony

A pop girl group formed on the second season of The X Factor USA in 2012, consisting of Cabello, Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane, Lauren Jauregui, and Normani Kordei.

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What they’re saying

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

— Zara Larsson (Spotify Live Room)

“I love a girl group. I just couldn't take not singing lead all the time.”

— Zara Larsson (Spotify Live Room)

The takeaway

Zara Larsson's comments highlight the preference for solo artists in the pop music industry, as well as the challenges that can come with being part of a group act. Her experience touring with Fifth Harmony and her desire to be the lead vocalist suggest that she is more comfortable and fulfilled as a solo performer, even as she remains a fan of girl groups.