Zara Larsson dismisses rumors she was asked to join Fifth Harmony after Camila Cabello’s exit, saying she prefers the spotlight as a solo artist.
When rumors circulate in pop music, they often take on a life of their own.
For years, fans speculated that Swedish pop star Zara Larsson had once been approached to join Fifth Harmony after Camila Cabello left the group. Now, the singer is making it clear: that scenario never happened—and even if it had, she wouldn’t have said yes.
During a recent appearance in the Spotify Live Room, Larsson addressed the long-standing rumor head-on. Her response was simple and direct. “Oh, no.
I don’t do groups,” she said, dismissing the speculation that she had ever been considered as a replacement member.
Larsson, known for hit songs like Lush Life and Ruin My Life, emphasized that she has always seen herself as a solo artist. The idea of being part of a group, she explained, simply doesn’t match her personality or artistic vision.
“I would never be in a group,” she added, making her stance clear.
Still, the Swedish singer stressed that her preference for solo work doesn’t mean she dislikes girl groups. In fact, she said she’s a big fan of them and enjoys seeing their resurgence in pop music.“I love girl groups,” Larsson said.
“And I feel like they’re coming back big time.”
The singer even joked about how she might fit into a group if she were ever part of one. If that unlikely scenario had happened, she suggested she would probably want the spotlight position.
“I would be front and center,” she said, comparing the role to that of Beyoncé during her time in Destiny’s Child.
Larsson does, however, share a history with Fifth Harmony. Long before the rumors surfaced, she toured alongside the group in 2014 as an opening act during Cher Lloyd’s “I Wish” Tour.
The experience left her with positive memories of the group and that era of pop music.
“I actually loved being on that tour,” Larsson recalled. “That’s memories for life. What a good time that was. What an era.”
Fifth Harmony originally formed during the second season of The X Factor (U.S.) in 2012. The group featured Cabello alongside Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane, Lauren Jauregui, and Normani.
After Cabello departed in 2016 to launch a solo career, the group continued as a four-piece before announcing an indefinite hiatus in 2018.
Despite the break, interest in the group hasn’t faded. In 2025, the remaining members surprised fans by reuniting for a brief performance during a concert by the Jonas Brothers in Dallas, reminding audiences of the group’s lasting influence.
For Larsson, though, the path forward has always been clear. While she celebrates the power of girl groups, she’s happiest building her career on her own terms—one solo hit at a time.
