From The X Factor to a Surprise Reunion: A Look Back at Fifth Harmony's Journey, A Girlband That Rocked the World in the 2010s

     Fifth Harmony, frequently shortened to "5H", is one of the biggest girl groups of the 2010s. Formed from the remnants of contestants on a competition show, the group managed to redefine global pop music with their empowering anthems and energetic performances.

The Beginning: Formed on The X Factor

    The story of Fifth Harmony started in 2012 during the second season of The X Factor, an American singing competition. Ally Brooke, Normani, Dinah Jane, Lauren Jauregui, and Camila Cabello were the five members that first tried out as solo performers.

    Judge Simon Cowell spared them and put them together to form a vocal group even though they didn't progress in their respective categories. After going by the names "Lylas" and "1432," the audience finally decided on "Fifth Harmony."

    That defeat turned out to be a boon, despite the fact that they placed third in the competition. Their remarkable commercial career began when they were promptly signed to a joint record deal with L.A. Reid's Epic Records and Cowell's Syco Records.

Peak Success and "Work From Home"

    Fifth Harmony had tremendous success with their first studio album, Reflection (2015), following the release of their debut EP, Better Together (2013). "Worth It" (with Kid Ink), the album's lead track, became their biggest single at the time and achieved triple-platinum status.

    Their career peaked in 2016 when "Work from Home" (with Ty Dolla $ign), the first single from their second album, 7/27, was released. The song became the first top-five single by a girl group on the Billboard Hot 100 in ten years, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts around the world.

Fifth Harmony's two songs that rocked the world in the 2010's, "Worth It" (featuring Kid Ink) released in 2015, and "Work From Home" (featuring Ty Dolla $ign) released in 2016.

The Split: Camila Cabello's Departure

    Despite their commercial success, internal conflicts began to surface in 2016. Several public incidents hinted at fractures within the group:

• Internal Tensions : Following an awkward interaction during an interview, there were rumors and allegations of discomfort, especially between Normani and Camila Cabello.
• Mental Health Issues : Camila Cabello left the stage for a short time during a performance because she was experiencing "too much anxiety," and a few days later, Lauren Jauregui was spotted crying during a performance.
• Tour Cancellations : A series of tour date cancellations added to fan confusion and concern about the group's future.

    The unexpected announcement that Camila Cabello officially left Fifth Harmony came in December 2016. The remaining four members continued as a quartet and released their self-titled album, Fifth Harmony, in 2017.

Hiatus and Successful Solo Careers

    Fifth Harmony declared in March 2018 that they would be taking an indefinite break to let their members to work on solo projects. The group's run was essentially over after this decision. After parting ways, the members began building successful solo careers across various genres:

• Camila Cabello : Became a global superstar with hits like "Havana" and "Señorita." She has released multiple studio albums and ventured into acting (Cinderella).

Camila Cabello in "Havana", and the song became one of the biggest hits for a few years

• Normani : Dedicated to a solo career influenced by R&B, with hits including "Love Lies" (featuring Khalid) and "Motivation." Released "Dopamine", her debut album, in 2024.

Normani in "Motivation"

• Lauren Jauregui : Released an album like "Prelude" and experimented with a more alternative and experimental pop sound.

Lauren Jauregui's album, "Prelude"

• Ally Brooke : Released her autobiography "Finding Your Harmony" in 2020 and competed on "Dancing with the Stars".

Ally Brooke's performance on "Dancing with the Stars"

• Dinah Jane : Released an EP and various solo singles that showcased her unique R&B vibe

Dinah Jane released "Bottled Up" in 2018, one of her songs that showcases her unique R&B vibes

The Surprise Reunion in 2025

    Fans long wished for a reunion, even if each member has achieved success on their own. When the members of Fifth Harmony came together to perform as a surprise act at a Jonas Brothers performance in Dallas, Texas, in August 2025, that desire unexpectedly came true.

    Although it has not yet been verified that this unexpected appearance would result in new music, it demonstrated that Ally, Dinah, Lauren, and Normani still have a close relationship and marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for 5H and their devoted fan base.

Written by Amita Ratu Osswald - November 3, 2025

References :

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifth_Harmony

https://nypost.com/2015/08/22/how-losing-x-factor-made-fifth-harmony-the-ultimate-winners/

https://people.com/music/camila-cabello-leaves-fifth-harmony-problems-feuds-history/

https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/fifth-harmony-where-are-they-now-camila-cabello-normani-more/