Kelly Rowland Shares Advice for KATSEYE Amid Group Hiatuses

Kelly Rowland knows a thing or two about life in a successful girl group. So when KATSEYE recently faced major lineup changes, the Destiny’s Child alum had some thoughtful words of encouragement.

In a new interview with Rolling Stone published Wednesday, Sept. 2, Rowland expressed support for the rising pop group after two of its members stepped away from activities within the past year. The group, which debuted with six members, is currently promoting as four.

Drawing from her own experience in the spotlight, Rowland stressed the importance of protecting both physical and mental well-being in the fast-moving music industry.

“In an industry as fast-paced as music, where there are constantly eyes on you and pressure to keep rising, your health is one of the most sacred things you have,” Rowland said.

The singer reflected on lessons she learned during her years with Destiny’s Child, one of the most successful girl groups of all time.

“I learned during my time in Destiny’s Child that you can show up for your fans and your group while still honoring what you need as an individual,” the “Motivation” singer continued.

Rowland rose to fame alongside Beyoncé, LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson in the Houston-born R&B group. Over the years, Destiny’s Child experienced several lineup changes, with Luckett and Roberson eventually replaced by Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin. Franklin later exited the group as well.

Despite those changes, Destiny’s Child went on to become a global phenomenon, winning three Grammy Awards and selling more than 50 million records worldwide.

Because she understands the pressures that come with international fame, Rowland encouraged KATSEYE’s members to stay connected to their own needs while supporting each other along the way.

“My advice to the KATSEYE girls would be to listen to themselves, be kind to themselves, and continue supporting one another through every season,” Rowland told the outlet. “Especially on tour, it’s so important to intentionally carve out time to rest and reset in their daily routines. Taking care of your mind and body is what allows you to bounce back, stay resilient, and keep doing what you love.”

KATSEYE originally consisted of Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza and Yoonchae Jeung. The members, now between 18 and 24 years old, were brought together through a reality competition and later chronicled their journey in Netflix’s Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE.

The group’s first hiatus announcement came in February, when 24-year-old Manon Bannerman revealed she would be taking a break to focus on her health.

“Hello. After open and thoughtful conversations together, we are sharing that Manon will be taking a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her health and wellbeing,” a post to the group’s X account began, adding that they “fully support” her decision.

KATSEYE later pushed back on online speculation that Bannerman’s hiatus was related to race.

Then, at the beginning of August, group leader Sophia Laforteza, 23, announced that she would also be stepping back to prioritize her “mental health and wellness.”

Since both announcements, the remaining members have repeatedly voiced their support for Bannerman and Laforteza.

“I think as KATSEYE, it’s so important to us to always prioritize our well being so we stand by Sophia and Manon through and through, and we ride for them,” Raj, 20, said during an Aug. 14 appearance on the Today show’s Citi Summer Concert Series.

For Rowland, the message is simple: success means little without well-being. And if anyone understands how a group can weather changes and keep moving forward, it’s someone who has already lived it.