UK pop group Little Mix has announced that they are taking a break - and some nervous fans fear it could spell the beginning of the end.
The news comes after a long year of public drama between remaining members Perrie Edwards, Leigh Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirwall, and former member Jesy Nelson. Rapper Nicki Minaj even got involved after defending Nelson amidst blackfishing claims.
Little Mix released the full statement on both Instagram and Twitter, along with a montage of happy memories from tour.
“We wanted to let you all know that after the Confetti tour in April/May next year we are going to be taking a break from Little Mix,” the post reads. “t’s been 10 amazing years, a wonderful non-stop adventure, and we feel the time is right to take a break so we can recharge and work on some other projects. We can’t thank you enough for your love and never-ending support since the beginning. We love you all SO much.”
The group went on to clarify that this is not an official break-up, insisting that they are “here to stay” and have “plans for more music, tours, and performances in the future.”
But some Little Mix fans are understandably upset.
Pretending not to see the Little Mix announcement pic.twitter.com/Cmvbc8nB1k
— 👑 HERR 👑 (@HERRTHEQUEEN) December 2, 2021
Some are trying to remain positive, praising their strength and thanking the girls for all they’ve done and created for fans:
So proud of what @LittleMix has achieved these past 10 years they have worked so hard! I am honestly so excited to see what the future will hold for the 3 of the girls and i will always support them! These girls will forever be sisters! 2011- Always 😭💛 pic.twitter.com/bPOcPmj8mJ
— Mixer Management (@mixermanagement) December 2, 2021
the music industry is nasty and it’s even worse when you’re a woman. little mix proved every possible gg myth wrong and they well deserve their break from the group to focus on whatever makes them happy. whether it’s music, acting, fashion, I’ll always be here for my girls🖤
— perrie pics (@perriesposts) December 2, 2021
There are probably no girl bands but little mix who did 10 years in one go without a break or anything else. I’m unbelievably proud of them and they deserve this hiatus more than anything https://t.co/Qg5n5D2UjG
— nabbæ. (@nabba3e) December 2, 2021
Others are excited that the remaining members will now release solo projects of their own:
Little mix Triple
— cristo ♡ (@salutekween) December 2, 2021
going on new solo
a break. music pic.twitter.com/Gu0RMc3Mgh
Oftentimes a “break” could lead to a permanent break-up:
little mix are taking a "break" ... well we all know what that means
— 𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐜 ⁀➷ (@theaIec) December 2, 2021
One fan was upset about people comparing their break to One Direction’s break-up:
Little Mix are not One Direction, thank you. pic.twitter.com/jNtrKeKSdi
— Sí▽ (@Mixer404) December 2, 2021
Some took to blaming Jesy Nelson, which led others to ask the fanbase to calm down and leave Nelson alone:
please no one engage in fights with jesy and nicki stans, we know they'll start saying the most, that's expected and inevitable, we don't need that negativity, we just need to support, love and trust the girls. We all know little mix is forever, who cares what they say
— ⚜rach⚜▽⁷ 2011 - Always (@fortunapersona) December 2, 2021
A few fans pointed out that tickets to remaining shows are now selling out following the announcement.
I think @LittleMix might need to book a full month at the O2 to accommodate all the fans from around the world looking into Confetti tour tickets right now 😭😅💗
— LM Hype | Little Mix will never die (@LM_Hype) December 2, 2021
every singe little mix date on ticketmaster has gone from being fine to ‘low availability’ in the last hour PLSSSS gonna be sold out soon omg
— shelbs (@perriesgem) December 2, 2021
Leigh Anne Pinnock’s mom released her own tweet in support of the girls:
@LittleMix mixers this is not the end you have been and will continue to be the best fans in the world ❤️❤️❤️❤️ we will always be together ❤️❤️
— Debbie Pinnock (@PinnockD) December 2, 2021