Latin American boy band CNCO is losing one of its members. Joel Pimentel, whose background is Mexican and identifies as Chicano, has decided to exit the group after nearly six years. CNCO announced Pimentel’s exit through their social media Sunday (May 9) in English and Spanish.
“We want you all to know that while Joel is leaving and will be pursuing new opportunities, we are and will always be brothers,” the statement reads. “We support him in his next chapter, and will always, most importantly, remain a family.”
Pimentel made his own statement on his Twitter account and thanked fans for being loyal to the group.
“It’s time for me to grow and explore new artistic avenues,” he wrote. “It’s time to start building my own path and career. This is why I’ve decided to leave the band.”
CNCO let fans know the band’s final performance with Pimentel will be for a livestream concert May 14.
“You guys are what keep us going and have us so excited to continue together stronger than ever,” CNCO wrote. “For that reason, we wanted to give you a final gift all together. On Friday, we will perform with five of us, one last time for our global livestream concert event.”
CNCO was formed in 2015 during the first season of La Banda (a Spanish-language version of American Idol). The group released three studio albums, including 2021’s Déjà Vu, which gained international fame with their single “Reggaetón Lento (Bailemos).”
During a recent interview with Teen Vogue, Pimentel explained what it was like becoming famous at such a young age.
“We didn’t have a regular teenage life,” he says. “We grew up traveling to different countries. Even our voices changed too in the public eye. I think it’s very special that our fans were a part of our growth.”