Are These Singers Better Off Solo Or In A Group?

Michelle Williams recently caused an uproar with news that Destiny’s Child will hit the studios once again. Also, the first track from the upcoming solo LP from former 3LW member Adrienne Bailon was leaked last week. All this made us think: There’s always one member from every group that ends up going off on their own. But did they make the right move?

Let’s take a look….

1. Beyonce

Started out as lead singer of Destiny’s Child one of those most successful girl groups to date. We all know how aggressive Beyonce is when it comes to music, so it was only a matter of time before she went solo. Beyonce went on to release three multi-platinum solo projects (Dangerously In Love, B’Day, and I Am…Sasha Fierce), picked up a number of endorsements  (L’Oreal, American Express, Nintendo DS, Giorgio Armani and Samantha Thavasa bags), and  roles in hit films (Obsessed, The Pink Panther, Dreamgirls and Austin Powers in Goldmember).  After Michelle recently spoke with a Britain’s News Of The World newspaper about a possible reunion, rumors are out that Destiny’s Child may return for one more album sometime in 2010. Their reunion album will fly off the shelves in a heartbeat, with sold-out shows to follow, but we would still sit back and anticipate the next solo project from Bey!

Verdict: Better off solo

2. Nicole Scherzinger

Long before she became a household name, Nicole Scherzinger started out on the TV show Popstars and landed a spot on the girl group Eden’s Crush. The group didn’t turn out to be a success, with members deciding to pursue individual interests. Nicole didn’t give up on groups as she later became a member of The Pussycat Dolls who went on to sell over seven million records worldwide.  Nicole struggled to get the same response on her own with solo album constantly being pushed back and singles failing.  For the sake of her career, she found her way right back to The Pussycat Dolls.

Verdict: Better off in a group

3. Justin Timberlake

Being one of the lead singers of ‘N Sync, an internationally known boy band that sold out concerts, sold 2.4 million records in a week, and sold over 50 million records worldwide. How do you walk away? Maybe they got tired of the funky hair do’s and dressing alike. Next thing you know,  the members decided they were finished, but Justin wasn’t. He went on to release two successful solo albums (Justified and FutureSex/LoveSounds) and land roles in hit movies Alpha Dog and Edison. With members JC judging on America’s Best Dance Crew, Lance appearing on Dancing With The Stars, Joey hosting red carpet events for TV Guide network, and Chris is just M.I.A. altogether. Looks like Justin made the right move by dancing his way right out.

Verdict: Better off solo

4. Omarion

Started out with successful group of the early 2000’s, B2K. They released two successful albums together, had sold out shows, and a movie You Got Served. They found great success at a young age, but it wasn’t enough to keep them together. With the other members struggling with solo careers, Omarion went platinum on his first solo album O and later sold close to a million copies of his second album 21. But all is getting a little confusing as of late: he was “asked to be released” from Young Money’s trying to find a home for his music considering .  Also, J.Boog and Lil Fizz are trying to make their way back to the top releasing a single “Bounce” off the Bring It On: Fight To The Finish soundtrack and Raz-B is just completely off the scene. Maybe they all need to find their way back to B2K.

Verdict: Better off in a group

5. Bobby Valentino

Some of you may not know it or probably forgot that Bobby Valentino started out with early 90’s group Mista, the group famous for the hit “Blackberry Molasses.” Mista had moderate success and eventually split. Bobby went on to release three solo albums, Bobby Valentino, Special Occasion, and The Rebirth. After switching labels and his third album flopping, we still hear more from him than we do his ex group members.

Verdict: Better off solo

6. Young Jeezy

Jeezy got his big break when he signed on as a member of  Diddy’s group Boyz N Da Hood. The group released their first self-titled album back in 2005. Shortly after, Jeezy released his solo album through Def Jam Records which ended up outselling  Boyz N Da Hood. Needless to say he left the group and was replaced by Gorilla Zoe (where is he now?). Meanwhile,  Jeezy is rapping all the way to the bank after three platinum selling albums Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation, The Inspiration, and The Recession. Not to mention his clothing line 8732 and collaborations with  Jay-Z, Nas, Kanye West, and Mariah Carey. Too bad we can’t even remember the last time we heard anything from Boyz N Da Hood or even saw them.

Verdict: Better off solo

7. Adrienne Bailon

3LW had to deal with drama that caused them to replace Naturi Naughton, only to struggle with album sales. Naturi went on to jump start an acting career starring in the films Notorious and Fame. Meanwhile, Kiely and Adrienne went on to acting careers starring in The Cheetah Girls. Adrienne got a little more air time with her ex Robert Kardashian on the reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians and pulled a publicity stunt with her nude photos hitting the net. But, that wasn’t enough for Adrienne who still has hope for her music career and somehow managed to get  herself a solo deal under Def Jam with an album expected to be released next year.  Will she be able to make it alone or have to stick to acting?

Verdict: Who knows  and do we really even care?