The popular girl group announced this Monday that Camila Cabello has left the group.

"After 4 and a half years of being together, we have been informed via her representatives that Camila has decided to leave Fifth Harmony," they said in a statement posted on social media. "We wish her well."

The group formed in 2012 after finishing in third place on the American version of "The X Factor."

They have released two albums and won several accolades, including Artist to Watch at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2014 and Collaboration of the Year at the 2016 American Music Awards for their single "Work From Home" with Ty Dolla $ign.

The four remaining members -- Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane Hansen, Lauren Jauregui and Normani Kordei -- said they will continue as a group. "We are four strong, committed women who will continue with Fifth Harmony as well as our solo endeavors," they said in their statement. "Harmonizers, we are in this together." Cabello appears on Machine Gun Kelly's song, "Bad Things," which has gone gold. </s> Fifth Harmony has announced that Camila Cabello has decided to leave the girl group.

The group released a statement on Twitter early Monday confirming Cabello's departure and wishing her well.

The group will continue on as a quartet. The statement says, "We are four strong, committed women who will continue with Fifth Harmony as well as our solo endeavors."

Fifth Harmony was formed on the second season of the "The X Factor" in 2012 and scored its biggest hit last year with "Worth It."

Cabello has been branching out on her own over the past year. She collaborated with Shawn Mendes on "I Know What You Did Last Summer," and her duet with Machine Gun Kelly, "Bad Things," reached the No. 10 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. </s> Remaining members Ally Brooke, Normani Kordei, Dinah Jane Hansen and Lauren Jauregui will continue the group as a foursome.

Fifth Harmony has announced that singer Camila Cabello has left the group.

In a message posted on social media and signed by "Ally, Normani, Dinah and Lauren," the group writes, "After four and a half years of being together, we have been informed via her representatives that Camila has decided to leave Fifth Harmony. We wish her well."

The remaining members, Ally Brooke, Normani Kordei, Dinah Jane Hansen and Lauren Jauregui, state that they will continue the group as a foursome.

As recently as December 9, when the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball tour hit New York City, the group had announced plans to release a new album. Kordei told radio personality Elvis Duran, "2017, it’s going to be popping" and Jane Hansen added, "The third album is definitely going to be so lit. We're really excited.”

After forming on the second season of the American version of The X Factor in 2012, Fifth Harmony released two albums beginning with Reflection in January 2015. That album included "Worth It," their first Top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart last summer; the quintet would surpass that milestone with "Work From Home" feat. Ty Dolla $ign, the lead single to sophomore LP 7/27, which peaked at No. 4 on the Hot 100.

While the 7/27 tour brought 5H on their first international trek this year, Cabello had hinted at pursuing solo material through two successful collaborations. "I Know What You Did Last Summer," a duet with Shawn Mendes, became a Top 20 hit upon its release in late 2015. "Bad Things," a Machine Gun Kelly single featuring Cabello, has done even better, reaching No. 10 on the Hot 100 as of last week.

Although other members had expressed interest in solo careers -- Jauregui released a collaboration with pop duo Marian Hill earlier this month -- Fifth Harmony had long assured fans that a breakup or member departure was not imminent.

But insiders suggest that tensions between Cabello and the other group members had long been festering. In fact, December 18, the day the split was announced, marked the conclusion of Cabello's contractual obligations to the group and offered an exit, says a source.

Billboard has reached out to Cabello's representative for comment. </s> Camila Cabello has left Fifth Harmony to pursue a solo career but said the girl group shouldn’t be surprised by her departure.

Cabello wrote in a statement posted on several on social media sites that she has repeatedly talked with the other group members about her plans to focus on a solo career.

Her post came hours after other Fifth Harmony group members released a statement on Twitter early Monday saying they were just informed of her plans. They said the group will continue as a quartet.

“We are four strong, committed women who will continue with Fifth Harmony as well as our solo endeavors,” the group wrote in a statement.

Both sides wished the other well.

Cabello’s statement reflected on private moments the group shared, and thanked fans for their support.

“New chapters are scary, but conforming to what’s safe and looking back with regret would be even scarier,” she wrote.

Fifth Harmony was formed on the second season of the “The X Factor” in 2012 and scored its biggest hit last year with “Worth It.”

Cabello has been branching out on her own with collaborations with Shawn Mendes on “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and a duet with Machine Gun Kelly, “Bad Things,” that reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. </s> Taylor...Imma let you finish, but Camila Cabello is hands-down the newest dancing queen of awards shows.

The "Havana" singer got up out of her seat during Maluma's performance at the MTV Video Music Awards and showed off her dance skills. After just a moment of coaxing, Cabello's mom Sinuhe Cabello joined her daughter for a brief waltz. The Artist of the Year and her mom looked like they were having the absolute time of their lives in the front row.

This year was Cabello's time to shine, officially dethroning Taylor Swift as Master of the Front Row Dance. Swift has been known to show off her moves at various shows, including the 2013 VMAs and 2018 Billboard Music Awards. Lest we forget the 2014 Grammys when the "Delicate" singer shimmied to Beyoncé's performance of "Drunk in Love"?

Most of the time, she's sitting next to and rocking out with bestie Selena Gomez. </s> Olivia Munn used a head-in-hand emoji to express how she was feeling after her flub at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards on Monday night.

The 38-year-old actress joined Keegan-Michael Key onstage at Radio City Music Hall in New York City to present the award for Artist of the Year to Camila Cabello, but didn't quite pronounce her name right when reading off the envelope.

When one fan called her out on Twitter, Munn owned up to her mistake and explained that she did ask in advance how to pronounce the 21-year-old singer's name correctly.

"That was the debate backstage when I asked how to pronounce it and that’s what everyone told me," she tweeted after the awards show.

Flubs aside, Munn was thrilled to present Cabello with the moonman. "I saw her grab her mom’s hand right before I opened the envelope, it just melted my heart," she added. "I was so excited for her when I saw her name."

Munn wasn't the only one to have trouble with Cabello's name. Tiffany Haddish also botched the pop star's name while onstage with Kevin Hart. "Camila Cabellelo... Cabello... Camille Cabello. You know I can't read that good," she said when referencing the Cuban-American singer's five nominations. "I only speak English, and that's mostly in Ebonics. She's nominated for five VMAs tonight. I'm super proud of her!

Cabello didn't let a little mispronunciation ruin her big night! In addition to winning Artist of the Year, she also took home the coveted Video of the Year moonman for her “Havana" music video, featuring Young Thug, and was presented the award by Madonna.

After her big wins, the former Fifth Harmony member tweeted an inspiring message to her younger self. "YOU'RE NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS SMOL CAMILA BUT: IN 2018 MADONNA IS GOING TO GIVE YOU AN AWARD FOR VIDEO OF THE YEAR AND YOUR ACNE WILL CLEAR," she wrote.

Upon accepting the biggest award of the evening, Cabello dedicated it to Madonna.

"My hands are literally shaking. I'm never going to forget this moment. Madonna, I love you so, so much," she gushed, after hugging the 60-year-old singer. "I've seen every single music video of yours, I've seen every single documentary of yours, and you've inspired me so, so much."

For more must-see moments from the VMAs, check out this video:

6 Things You Didn’t See at the 2018 MTV VMAs

All the Shadiest Moments From the 2018 MTV VMAs -- Cardi B, Nicki Minaj and More </s> Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Swift hinted she'd started work on her seventh album

Taylor Swift not only opened the American Music Awards with a fiery performance of I Did Something Bad, but she went on to dominate the show.

The star won four trophies, including artist of the year, making her the ceremony's most-decorated female ever.

She now holds 23 AMAs, beating a record previously held by Whitney Houston.

Swift, who recently broke years of political silence to declare support for two Democrats, again urged fans to take part in the US mid-term elections.

Accepting artist of the year, she said: "This award, and every single award given out tonight, were voted on by the people.

"And you know what else is voted on by the people? The midterm elections on November 6. Get out and vote. I love you guys."

Swift's touring partner Camila Cabello also won four awards at the ceremony; while British singers Ella Mai and Dua Lipa gave show-stopping performances.

Here are some of the best bits.

Cardi B performed I Like It... on a bicycle

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Resembling nothing less than an explosion in a branch of Claire's Accessories; Cardi B's vibrant, multicoloured performance was stunning even before she wheeled Bad Bunny on stage in a shopping trolley.

She went on to flex her leg over her head and ride a bicycle across the stage (sadly not at the same time) - leaving SNL star Taran Killam somewhat lost for words.

Taylor Swift and Camilla Cabello were relationship goals

Image copyright Getty Images

Image copyright Getty Images

Image copyright Getty Images

They multiple award winners, but touring partners and BFFs Taylor Swift and Camila Cabello seemed to be more excited to spend a night in each other's company.

Who says women in music have to be at each other's throats all the time?

Meanwhile, Swift hinted she'd started work on the follow-up to Reputation.

"I always look at albums as chapters in my life," she said on stage.

"To the fans, I'm so happy that you like this one - but I have to be really honest with you about something: I'm even more excited about the next chapter."

Dua Lipa jumped off the stairs

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Setting out her stall for next year's Grammy Awards, Dua Lipa performed two massive house hits - One Kiss and Electricity - while being doused in UV fluorescent paint by a troupe of dancers.

The stage recreated the warehouse setting of her Electricity video - itself a callback to Janet Jackson's Pleasure Principle - while Dua prompted gasps from the audience by falling backwards from a 10-foot-high metal staircase.

Luckily, there were some dancers ready to catch her.

XXXTentacion's mother accepted a posthumous award

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Rapper XXXTentacion, who was shot dead in June, was a pothumous winner in the best soul and R&B album category.

His mother, Cleopatra Bernard, choked back tears as she accepted the award on his behalf.

"I'm so nervous, you guys," she admitted as she reached the stage.

"I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of my son. I would like to thank the AMAs, his fans, and to everyone who made this possible. Thank you guys so much, I appreciate it."

Ciara Levelled Up

The R&B star has scored a viral hit with her new single - and she effortlessly kept up with the song's frenetic pace with a pin-sharp, Rhythm-Nation-style performance.

Backed by an army of dancers, it gave the show's third hour a much-needed injection of energy; ramping up even further when Missy Elliot crashed the stage to deliver her verse from the song's remix.

Ciara then segued into another hit single, Dose, managing to incorporate a segment of BlocBoy JB's "shoot" dance as she was surrounded by a marching band.

"Now that's how you do it," said host Tracee Ellis Ross, as the singer received a standing ovation from Khalid, Camila Cabello, and Cardi B.

Twenty One Pilots got heavy

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With their third album poised to enter the charts at number one this week, Twenty One Pilots didn't pull any punches with their performance of Jumpsuit.

Singer Tyler Joseph remained uncharacteristically still for the song's opening minute before throwing himself around the stage as the crunching bass riff kicked in.

By the climax, the stage was ablaze, with a car behind the band bursting into flames.

In a night crammed full of pop, it provided a rare opportunity for the moshpit to kick into action.

An Aretha Franklin tribute closed the show

Image copyright Getty Images

Aretha Franklin was a regular guest at the AMAs, as a host, performer, and winner - so it seemed fitting that the ceremony would close with a tribute to the star.

Eschewing hits like Respect and Dr Feelgood, the performance focused on her gospel roots and her favourite hymns, including several from her best-selling 1972 live album, Amazing Grace.

Gladys Knight opened the segment with a heartfelt rendition of Amazing Grace, before being joined by Mary Mary, Ce Ce Winans, Ledisi and Donnie McClurkins for a medley that included How I Got Over, Mary Don't You Weep and Climb Higher Mountains," which was used as the recessional song at Franklin's funeral.

During the performance, the cameras panned around to the audience, where Franklin's granddaughter Victoria was watching in tears.

Full list of winners

ARTIST OF THE YEAR - Taylor Swift

BEST NEW ARTIST - Camila Cabello

COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR - Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug: Havana

TOUR OF THE YEAR - Taylor Swift: Reputation World Tour

VIDEO OF THE YEAR - Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug: Havana

FAVOURITE SOCIAL ARTIST - BTS

FAVOURITE MALE ARTIST (POP/ROCK) - Post Malone

FAVOURITE FEMALE ARTIST (POP/ROCK) - Taylor Swift

FAVOURITE DUO OR GROUP (POP/ROCK) - Migos

FAVOURITE ALBUM (POP/ROCK) - Taylor Swift: Reputation

FAVOURITE SONG­ (POP/ROCK) - Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug: Havana

FAVOURITE MALE ARTIST (COUNTRY) - Kane Brown

FAVOURITE FEMALE ARTIST (COUNTRY) - Carrie Underwood

FAVOURITE DUO or GROUP (COUNTRY) - Florida Georgia Line

FAVOURITE ALBUM (COUNTRY) - Kane Brown: Kane Brown

FAVOURITE SONG (COUNTRY) - Kane Brown: Heaven

FAVOURITE ARTIST (RAP/HIP­HOP) - Cardi B

FAVOURITE ALBUM (RAP/HIP­HOP) - Post Malone: Beerbongs & Bentleys

FAVOURITE SONG (RAP/HIP­HOP) - Cardi B: Bodak Yellow (Money Moves)

FAVOURITE MALE ARTIST (SOUL/R&B) - Khalid

FAVOURITE FEMALE ARTIST (SOUL/R&B) - Rihanna

FAVOURITE ALBUM (SOUL/R&B) - XXXTentacion: 17

FAVOURITE SONG (SOUL/R&B) - Bruno Mars & Cardi B: Finesse

FAVOURITE ARTIST (ALTERNATIVE ROCK) - Panic! At The Disco

FAVOURITE ARTIST (ADULT CONTEMPORARY) - Shawn Mendes

FAVOURITE ARTIST (LATIN) - Daddy Yankee

FAVOURITE ARTIST (CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL) - Lauren Daigle

FAVOURITE ARTIST (DANCE) - Marshmello

FAVOURITE SOUNDTRACK - Black Panther: The Album

Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news@bbc.co.uk. </s> The popstar broke Whitney Houston's record for the number of wins by a female.

A triumphant Taylor Swift urged people to vote in November’s US midterm elections as she swept the board at the American Music Awards (AMAs).

The popstar – who on Sunday broke her long-held silence over political matters to announce she is voting for the Democrats – scooped tour, album, female and artist of the year.

The gongs brought her to a career total of 23 AMAs, meaning she overtook Whitney Houston for the most wins by a female artist at the fan-voted show.

Accepting the artist of the year prize on stage, Swift said: “I just want to say to the fans, you have been so nice to me and fun and funny and so cool and so loyal, and it’s not lost on me, I understand how lucky I am.”

She added that the awards represented “encouragement and motivation to be better and work harder”.

Referring to the fact the awards were “voted for by the people”, Swift said: “You know what else is voted on by the people?”, before telling fans to “get out and vote” at the midterm elections.

There was a political undercurrent to Tuesday’s show at Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theatre, and before Swift took to the stage, fans were urged to vote during an impassioned plea by American Horror Story star Billy Eichner.

He told the audience they should register to vote if they cared for “equality for women, for people of colour, for the LGBTQ community, if you believe that climate change is real”.

The speech was welcomed by loud applause while host for the evening, American comedian Tracee Ellis Ross, wore a T-shirt bearing the slogan “I am a voter”.

Elsewhere, Swift was not the only major celebrity to perform, with both Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez taking to the stage. They were joined by Post Malone, Camila Cabello and British star Dua Lipa.

Other winners on the night included Migos, Shawn Mendes, Cabello and Carrie Underwood.

Migos were acknowledged as the favourite duo in the pop/rock category, Mendes won the adult contemporary artist, Cabello’s Havana took pop/rock song and Underwood was recognised as the favourite country music female.

Cardi B won the favourite rap artist gong and thanked her three-month-old daughter, Kulture.

Late rapper, XXXTentacion, who was gunned down in June aged 20, won a posthumous award.

His album 17 was recognised in the soul/R&B category, seeing off competition from Khalid and SZA.

Fighting back tears, she said: “I am honoured. On behalf of my son, I would like to thank the AMAs, his fans and everyone who made this possible. Thanks guys, I appreciate it.”

There was also a tribute to the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, who died in August. </s> Jenny is bringing a "Moon Person" back to the block.

Jennifer Lopez won the biggest award of the night at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards, as her career was celebrated with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

Back in New York City at Radio City Music Hall, the icon was honored for two decades of stunning visuals, amazing performances, and just general J.Lo-ness.

It was a big night for the VMAs with secret performances, a Grande-sized empowerment, and Cardi B getting back to making "money moves". Here are the biggest moments from the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.

In between interviews with Camila Cabello and Logic, Bazzi crooned on top of the marquee of Radio City Music Hall, solo singing “Mine”. Cardi B picked up her first award for “Song Of The Summer”, and Bryce Vine caught a vibe with “Drew Barrymore”.

The ghost of VMAs past were on the carpet too! No, not the reunited cast of The Hills, we're talking about the Backstreet Boys. The boys slayed in their return to the VMAs, twenty years after their first VMA performance and looking brand new.

"What's popping everybody. Welcome to New York" announced Cardi B as the show opened. "The Empress" arrived appearing to be breastfeeding her new baby, but it was a "Moon Person" wrapped in a blanket. Also, when Cardi calls herself "The Empress", as she did, is that a shot at Queen Nicki Minaj? Asking for a friend, a very worried friend.

Shawn Mendes was the first performer of the night in a sleeveless white shirt, rocking through "In My Blood" as Pete Davidson and Ariana Grande grooved along. Lightning flickered on the screen behind him, and then rain poured down on the stage, or water from the roof, or whatever - it's a wet Shawn Mendes.

Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish were not the hosts, but they should have been. The pair were the first presenters and roasted DJ Khaled, Fifth Harmony, President Trump, and anyone in the room with a face tattoo. We were off!

"WE ARE ALL HUMAN BEINGS" read the shirt of all the children that Logic led onto the stage during his performance of "One Day" with Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic. They were then reunited with family members, holding candles as the artist wore a "**** THE WALL" shirt. Once again, Logic used his platform for an important message.

The Queen ruled from a throne away from the awards. She started with "Majesty", before launching into the audio assault that is "Barbie Dreams" before a packed room of worshipers. Nobody was safe in Nicki's savage season. She listed off MCs who couldn't measure up, she took a not-so-veiled shot at Travis Scott earlier in the evening, and she ended this mini-concert with the "Fefe" lyric, "I don't really want no friends." That's a motto fit for a Queen.

Jennifer Lopez showed why she's an icon with a medley of bangers, and enough dancing with shirtless backup dancers to make A-Rod blush. The girl hit em' all with help from DJ Khaled and Ja Rule! R-U-L-E! Lopez flew through the crowd, brought out the 6 train, and got the crowd so hyped that poor Shawn Mendes couldn't get anyone to pay attention as he gave her the award. "It has been an incredible journey of dreaming my wildest dreams, and then watching them come true" Lopez said between breaths while accepting the Video Vanguard Award. Through tears she said to the fans, "You guys have won me over forever."

You can watch her full performance here.

Ariana Grande hit a religious tone and an amazing high note during her Last Supper-like "God Is A Woman" performance. The empowering assembly of women on stage were joined by Grande's aunt, mom, and grandmother for a sweet ending to the otherwise sexy set. Grande's performance was fantastic, but her friendship with Nicki Minaj and her fiancé-ing with Pete Davidson won the night.

Kylie Jenner bopped along as Travis Scott presided over a mosh pit and a giant statue of his head. ASTROWORLD was live as the rapper turned Radio City Music Hall into an amusement park and shouted, "rest in peace the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin".

The Queen Of Pop For The Queen Of Soul

After a story about an early audition, Madonna paid tribute to Aretha Franklin. Her story of singing "Natural Woman" drenched in "nerve sweat" led to her journey as a singer. "None of this could have happened, without our lady of soul" she said. "I want to thank you Aretha, for empowering all of us. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Long live the queen."

She then awarded the Video Of The Year award to Camila Cabello, who was a big winner throughout the evening, looking more and more like the Princess Of Pop with every award.

Post Malone, 21 Savage, and an electric guitar played rockstars, until Aerosmith showed up in real rockstar style - late and loud. The band put the guitar through the amp, lit the fires, and closed the VMAs with "Toys In The Attic".

Other Moments You Might Have Missed

Nicki Minaj went savage in her acceptance speech, Ariana Grande thanked Pete Davidson "for existing", and Cardi B had a message for the haters. "I had the baby, I carried the baby, and now I'm still winning awards" Cardi B smiled as she accepted her Best New Artist Award.

Thanks for a nice little night VMAs, we'll see you next year.
Fifth Harmony announces Camila Cabello's departure from the group.