Sugababes Lose A Member - Heidi + Amelle + Jade Ewen - Keisha?

Imagine my shock and surprise when I returned from the gym to see THIS message on the Sugababes Official MySpace & website...

Shocker! After much premature speculation that it would be newest member, Amelle Berrabah that was leaving - turns out - it will be none other than the last of the original lineup - Keisha Buchanan. SAD! While Heat World.com did in fact have it right that the newest member would in fact be Eurovision entry, Jade Ewen - they got the booted member incorrect.

Keisha took to her Twitter page to set the record straight. In a series of Tweets, Keisha had this to say:

Dear Friends I'm sad to say that I am no longer apart of the Sugababes. I've had a great time and have achieved more then I ever thought I would. Although it was not my choice to leave, it's time to enter a new chapter in my life. I have nothing but positive things to say about the girls and I wish them the best of luck. I would like to state that there were no arguments, bullying or anything of the sort that lead to this. Sometimes a break down in communication and lack of trust can result in many different things. I would also like to point out that I have always supported the girls and they have also supported me. Remember my drunk pictures out with Amelle, supporting her on her success with Tinchy Stryder... Oh the shame... But what a fun night we had. Now I'm going to take some time to focus on me. I've been in this band for 11 years and I have achieved so much. I have a great family and friends who are behind me 100% and at the age of 24, I'm now going out into this world on my own....Although im nervous... I'm still very excited on what lies ahead. :-) I want to thank the Sugababes fans and my fans for all your support and all who have never judged me, but excepted me for who I am...This is not the end... but the beginning!!!! Thank you always... Keisha xxx

Wow. According to reports, Keisha was blindsided by the news. What's going to happen with the new album and promotion? I'm hoping some more reports come out, explaining what lead up to this HUGE move. Now... I'm not going to go as far as to say that I'll never support the girls ever again. That's a bit idiotic. Isn't it about the music? If they produce a catchy song, or even a catchy album, what's to stop me from enjoying it? I still support Keisha and it sounds like she's still going to have a solo career on Island Records. I can have my cake and eat it too. My cake being Keisha of course. I'm not worried about her.

I must say that I kind of agree with Popjustice when they say that the girls need a new name. I do believe that the Sugababes' name should be retired, given that there no originals left.

Now whatever happens, there's no denying that Jade Ewen is talented. I'm eager to hear what she injects into the group and what happens with their upcoming album, Sweet 7. I don't know how much of the album has been recorded already but I hope they don't have to pull another Taller In More Ways and re-release the album with vocal contributions from Amelle (after Mutya left the group). I'm also curious to see what's going to happen with Jade's debut album (she was signed to Polydor). I'm guessing with this recent development, it's going to be shelved. Shame.

I guess we'll have to see what happens with this but regardless, I'll support the Sugababes and I'll support Keisha as the separate entities that they now are.