Zara Larsson denies rumours she was asked to replace Camila Cabello in Fifth Harmony

Zara Larsson says she was never asked to join Fifth Harmony and prefers working as a solo artist

Singer Zara Larsson has addressed rumours that she was approached to replace Camila Cabello in Fifth Harmony, stating that she was never asked to join the group.

Speaking in the Spotify Live Room, Larsson responded to speculation about whether she had been considered as a member of the pop group after Cabello left in 2016.

The singer said she had not been offered a place in the band and indicated that group projects are not something she plans to pursue.

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

Despite dismissing the suggestion, the Swedish singer said she remains supportive of girl groups and the role they play in pop music. She also suggested that the format is gaining renewed popularity.

“I love that,” she said. “And I also like that I feel like the girl groups are coming back big time.”

Larsson also explained that if she were ever to be part of a group, she would want to take a leading role. “I love a girl group,” she said. “I just couldn’t take not singing lead all the time.”

Larsson previously shared a connection with Fifth Harmony through touring. In 2014, she performed as an opening act during Cher Lloyd’s I Wish tour, where Fifth Harmony also appeared.

“I actually loved to be on that tour,” Larsson said. “That’s memories for life. What a good time that was. What an era.”

Fifth Harmony was formed in 2012 during the second season of The X Factor USA. The original line-up consisted of Camila Cabello, Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane, Lauren Jauregui and Normani Kordei.

Cabello departed the group in 2016 to pursue a solo career, after which the remaining members continued as a four-piece until 2018.

In 2025, the group briefly reunited without Cabello during a Jonas Brothers show in Dallas, where they performed “Worth It” and “Work From Home”. The appearance followed several years of speculation among fans about a possible reunion.

Members of the group have maintained contact in recent years. In 2022, all five members marked the tenth anniversary of Fifth Harmony’s formation with tributes. They also publicly congratulated Normani on the release of her debut album in 2025.