After almost six years, Joel Pimentel is officially leaving CNCO. The group’s remaining four members – Richard Camacho, Erick Brian Colón, Christopher Vélez, and Zabdiel De Jesús – announced the decision via the group’s social media channels on Sunday, May 9.
“CNCOwners! We want to start by saying how much we truly love and appreciate all of the support you give us day in and day out, year after years,” the statement, which was shared in English and Spanish, reads. “For that reason, we’re sad to tell you that after five and a half unforgettable and life-changing years together, Friday, May 14, will be Joel’s last day as a member of CNCO.”
“We know this news is saddening and is going to be as hard for all of you as it is for us, but we appreciate you sticking with us. While it will be different, we are so excited to continue into this new era of CNCO, and can’t wait for all of you to see what we have in store for you!” the note continues.
CNCO might not be a quintet anymore, but the camaraderie the five stars have built over the years will be cherished forever. “We want you all to know that while Joel is leaving and will be pursuing new opportunities, we are and will always be brothers. We support him in his next chapter, and will always, most importantly, remain a family.”
Joel himself also echoed the sentiment in our April cover story. “We didn’t have a regular teenage life. 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,” he recounted then.
The note also announced that, before his exit, Joel will take part in the group’s upcoming global livestream concert event, scheduled for May 14, as a “final gift” for fans. “You guys are what keep us going and have us so excited to continue together stronger than ever. For that reason, we wanted to give you a final gift all together,” the members wrote.
Following the official announcement, Joel took to both his Instagram and Twitter accounts to pen his own note about his departure, thanking CNCOwners for the love he’s received over the last years. “It’s time for me to grow and explore new artistic avenues, it’s time to start building my own path and career. This is why I’ve decided to leave the band,” he wrote. “To Erick, Chris, Richard and Zabdiel, I truly wish you the best as you continue on with the CNCO legacy. We’ve lived through so much together that we’re family now. [...] I can’t wait to share my new project with y’all. This is just a new beginning.”