All the Signs Camila Cabello Was Leaving Fifth Harmony

Band announced the news Sunday

By Francesca Bacardi Dec 19, 2016 2:31 PMTags

Should Camila Cabello's departure from Fifth Harmony be seen as a total shock? Maybe not.

The band announced Sunday that Camila would be leaving the band, but the remaining four, Ally Brooke, Normani Kordei, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui, would be continuing on the tour. Although the news came as a major shock to the Harmonizers, in hindsight, maybe the fans could have and should have seen it coming. The signs pointing to Camila's departure were all there, but that's only clear because of hindsight. It all began when Camila dropped "I Know What You Did Last Summer" with Shawn Mendes, which became an instant hit. It also can be seen as the pop star laying the groundwork for her solo career.

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Band Breakups & Shakeups
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Despite the fact that it was seen as an awesome duet between two of pop's hottest stars, it's clear now that Camila was starting to slowly branch out on her own. She then released "Bad Things" with Machine Gun Kelly, and not only did they record the song together, Camila also toured Jingle Ball concerts with the rapper to promote it.

Music aside, there were other signs that pointed to Camila's departure. Earlier this year Camila left one of Fifth Harmony's concerts in the middle after breaking down on stage. She told fans she had suffered from an anxiety attack and later apologized. "Hi Missouri, sorry I couldn't finish the set last night," she wrote on Twitter. "Was having too much anxiety and couldn't finish it."

She added, "I love u. I'm truly sorry."

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In a very candid group interview with Billboard, the women of Fifth Harmony opened up about the pros and cons of going on world tours; however, it was clear that these members felt the cons list was longer than the pros. "I was having terrible anxiety, nonstop. My heart would beat really fast the whole day," Camila told Billboard. "Two hours after I woke up, I'd need a nap because my body was so hyperactive. It was so eff—sorry, but it was so f--ked up. "I was scared of what would happen to me, of the things my brain might tell me. I realized the stuff I thought was important isn't worth my health. Now I write in a diary every day, work out and meditate."

Lauren blamed "the industry," for their stresses. "They sell you this present of rainbows and butterflies, and as a 16-year-old that's what I bought. It's why I did X Factor and why I ended up in a group. But then you're working so hard, so young," Lauren spilled. "[Meanwhile] my friends are in college, telling me about their days and what they're studying. You're having to put on a smile on a red carpet. It's like, 'Who am I? Am I for myself or for this?'"

Whether the members of Fifth Harmony are going to visit family or hang out with friends outside of the group, Camila and co. realized they needed other outlets. For Camila, it seems, it was Taylor Swift and her squad.

Camila has been spotted hanging out with T.Swift and her group for a long time, and their friendship was made even clearer when Camila posted a birthday shout out to the "Style" singer on Instagram.

The final sign, however, might have been Camila's cryptic Instagram just hours before her departure announcement was made. "'I'll only have you if you're sweeter than my solitude,'" she captioned a solo picture of herself. 

Were you surprised by Camila's departure? Sound off in the comments.