Joel Pimentel is leaving CNCO to move on to a new chapter of his career, Billboard has learned.
The band announced Pimentel’s departure on Sunday (May 9) with a statement posted in Spanish and English. His last official appearance with CNCO will be at a livestreaming concert this Friday (May 14).
“We’re sad to tell you that after five and a half unforgettable and life changing years together, Friday, May 14th will be Joel’s last day as a member of CNCO,” the group, who just released the covers album Déjà Vu in February, wrote on Twitter. “We want you all to know that while Joel is leaving and will be pursuing new opportunities, we are and will always be brothers. We support him in his next chapter, and will always, most importantly, remain a family.”
“We know this news is saddening and is going to be as hard for all of you as it is for us,” they said, addressing the band’s future, “but we appreciate you sticking with us. While it will be different, we are so excited to continue into this new era of CNCO, and can’t wait for all of you to see what we have in store for you!”
CNCO wrote, “You guys are what keep us going and have us so excited to continue together stronger than ever. For that reason, we wanted to give you a final gift all together. On Friday, we will perform, the five of us, one last time for our global livestream concert event.”
Pimentel retweeted the note on his Twitter account and updated fans with some words of his own.
“It’s time for me to grow an explore new artistic avenues, it’s time to start building my own path and career. This is why I’ve decided to leave the band,” the Mexican-American artist explained.
“To Erick, Chris, Richard and Zabdiel, I truly wish you the best as you continue on with the CNCO legacy,” wrote Pimentel. “We’ve lived through so much together that we’re family now.”
He added, “I can’t wait to share my new project with y’all. This is just a new beginning.”
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