I don't know much about Jade Ewen, as I haven't followed the Eurovision contests, but from what I gather from my online exploits, her inclusion into a group now noted by the Guiness Book of World Records as the most successful UK group of the 21st century feels a bit underwhelming. Their talents are undeniable, and I am not one to diss that. Now that Keisha has officially departed, the group now consists of all replacement members. In fact, a part of me hoped that Mutya would return.but that dream was completely crushed. And - it sounds awful to say this - but so long as Keisha remained, the group would still have a grounding feel. A part of me wanted to believe it was a publicity stunt to pull focus for the new album release. When rumors recently started to swirl of Amelle's departure from the band, I was obviously concerned. Change helped lessen the blow of Mutya's departure, but Catfights & Spotlights made me re-think my thoughts. While my loyalties stayed with Mutya, I couldn't resist the appeal of "Red Dress", and decidedly became a fan of this third incarnation of the Sugas. That fact was marred by Mutya's departure in 2005, and the album was released featuring vocals by Amelle. However, the followup album, Taller In More Ways, was brilliant in everyway, and in my opinion is the group's most solid effort.
The group's third album, Three, spawned my all-time favorite 'Babes track - "Too Lost In You". I think I can be fair to say that my favorite member from go was Mutya, as her vocal pipes were just undeniable. Although I have nothing against Donaghy, I don't care too much for their debut album, One Touch (save for their debut single "Overload"), but I do enjoy some of Siobhan's solo material. I was instantly hooked, and longed for a time when the girls would finally come Stateside and show girl groups 'round here how it's really done. I first became a 'Babe fan back in the beginning of its second incarnation in 2002, upon hearing a mp3 copy of "Freak Like Me". It is now confirmed that Keisha is being replaced by former Eurovision contestant Jade Ewen. Keisha herself took to her Twitter account yesterday to announce she was leaving the band, but now rumors are running rampant that she was "forced" out of the band by the group's management, and that fellow bandmates Heidi Range (who joined in 2001, replacing Siobhan Donaghy) and Amelle Berrabah (who replaced Mutya Buena in 2005) were "in" on the replacement. Whether or not this is true is yet to be seen. It was often portrayed that Keisha was the leader of the group (and much of the bullying was credited to her). The 'Babes, not unlike their oft comparison group Girls Aloud, were often ripe for gossip, what with rumors of in-band fighting and bullying.