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Why is Joel Pimentel leaving Latin boy band CNCO? Fans claim ‘he didn’t look as happy anymore’

The group had earlier opened for Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias and Ariana Grande. They have dropped three full-length albums and an EP so far

Latin boy band CNCO enjoys a massive fan following across the globe but in heartbreaking news for their fans, one of the group’s members Joel Pimentel is bidding adieu to the group. The five-member squad released a joint statement where they revealed the reason behind Joel’s leaving the group since its formation in 2015 after winning the first season of ‘La Banda’.

After Joel’s departure from CNCO, the group is now left with members Richard Camacho, Erick Brian Colón, Christopher Vélez and Zabdiel De Jesús. The Miami-based boy band won a five-year recording contract with Sony Music Latin after winning the reality series. The group, which has earlier opened for Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias and Ariana Grande, has dropped three full-length albums and an EP so far.

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Why is Joel Pimentel leaving CNCO?

In a joint statement released by CNCO on their official Twitter account, they revealed that the 22-year-old crooner was heading in a different direction to seek new opportunities. They also revealed that May 14, Friday, will be their last day as a group as they will be taking over the stage together one last time for their global Livestream concert event. “CNCOwners! We want to start by saying how much we truly love you and appreciate all of the support you give us day in and day out, year after year. For that reason, 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 boy band continued, “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." The group added, “We know this news is saddening and is going to be as hard for all of you as it is for us, but we appreciate you sticking with us," they wrote, before adding, "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."

‘CNCO one last time’

Joel, who stays super active on Instagram, used the platform to address his departure from the group. In an emotional post, the young artist stated, “First of all, I wanna thank the CNCO owners for truly being the best and most loyal fans that anyone could wish to have. Without you, we wouldn't have accomplished all of the most amazing things we have over the past 5 years. It is with a heavy heart that I announce that May 14th will be my last day as a member of CNCO.”

He then added, “It is time for me to grow and explore new artistic avenues, it's time to start building my own path and career. This is why I have decided to leave the band. To Eric, Chris, Richard, and Zabdiel, I truly wish you the best as you continue on with the CNCO legacy. We've lived through so much together that we're family now.” Concluding with a heavy heart, Jol asserted, “This next Friday, May 14th we will perform the five of us, one last time, for our global Livestream concert event. I can't wait to share my new project with y'all. This is just a new beginning.”

‘Felt Joel's departure coming’

Fans of CNCO stormed Twitter as soon as the devastating news hit the Internet. A majority of them felt sad over Joel leaving the group. Speaking on the same lines, one user said, “JOEL LEFT CNCO WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LIFE.” Another stated, “I’m so f**king sad joel is leaving cnco pls wtf is this i can’t with my heart.” One fan added, “Joel leaving CNCO is really getting to me. I love him and the rest of the boys together. But I wish Joel and the rest of the boys the best. I love them so much.”

The next one chimed in and said, “Lowkey kinda expected joel to leave cnco. he didn’t look as happy anymore.” One posted, “This is honestly devastating and I can't believe it, but deep in my heart I kinda felt Joel's departure from CNCO coming. Let's just hope that this decision makes him happy and that the other CNCO boys can continue succeeding in their career.”