Fifth Harmony: Did You Know?
Fun Facts & Lesser-Known Stories About Fifth Harmony
Fifth Harmony, one of the most successful girl groups of the 2010s, has left an indelible mark on pop music. While fans are familiar with their catchy hits and powerful vocals, there are some lesser-known stories and fun facts about the group that are sure to surprise even the most dedicated Harmonizers!
1. They Almost Had a Different Name!
Before settling on the name “Fifth Harmony,” the group went through several potential names. On The X Factor, where they were formed, the girls originally called themselves “Lylas,” which stood for “Love You Like A Sister.” However, Bruno Mars’s sisters already had a group with that name, so the girls changed it to “1432” (text code for "I Love You Too"). Simon Cowell, unimpressed with the name, asked fans to come up with something better. Ultimately, Fifth Harmony was born—symbolizing the five members and their connection with music.
2. The Group Wasn't Originally Formed by the Girls Themselves
Many fans may know this, but it's still a fun fact: the group was manufactured on The X Factor in 2012. Originally, the five members—Ally Brooke, Normani Kordei, Dinah Jane, Lauren Jauregui, and Camila Cabello—auditioned as solo artists. It was Simon Cowell who saw their potential as a group and suggested they join forces. Little did anyone know, they’d go on to become global superstars!
3. They Were the Last Girl Group to Hit the Billboard Hot 100's Top 5
Fifth Harmony achieved significant chart success during their career, and their 2016 hit Work from Home became the first girl group song to hit the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in a decade. What’s more, the record is still going strong, as Fifth Harmony holds the title for being the last major girl group to hit that position on the chart as of 2024!
4. Fifth Harmony Wrote About Their X Factor Struggles in Secret
The group faced a lot of challenges while on The X Factor, including having to work through multiple rejections before reaching the live shows. Their performance of Impossible by Shontelle became a pivotal moment for them. However, the group had many emotional moments behind the scenes—so much so that they started secretly writing in a shared journal. In it, they recorded their thoughts, fears, and dreams while navigating the high-pressure world of reality TV. Years later, the journal was revealed to contain songs and poems that would later inspire their music.
5. They Sang in Six Different Languages!
Fifth Harmony's appeal wasn't just limited to English-speaking fans. Over the years, they recorded songs in multiple languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, and more. The group's multicultural background played a big part in this: Camila Cabello is Cuban-Mexican, Dinah Jane is Polynesian (Tongan), and Normani, Ally, and Lauren have varied heritages that influenced their music. Their ability to switch between languages helped the group connect with a global fanbase, allowing them to break boundaries as international stars.
6. Their Song Bo$$ Was a Message to Themselves
While many saw Bo∗asananthemoffemaleempowermentdirectedoutward,fewpeopleknowthatthesongwasalsoaninternalpeptalkforthegirls.Theywerestillnewtothemusicindustrywhentheyrecordedthetrack,and∗Bo∗asananthemoffemaleempowermentdirectedoutward,fewpeopleknowthatthesongwasalsoaninternalpeptalkforthegirls.Theywerestillnewtothemusicindustrywhentheyrecordedthetrack,and∗Bowas their way of claiming their confidence and reminding themselves that they were powerful. The song’s lyrics, including shout-outs to Michelle Obama and Oprah, resonated with fans and empowered the group as well.
7. Camila Cabello Left the Group Over a Song Disagreement
One of the more dramatic moments in Fifth Harmony’s story was Camila Cabello's departure in 2016. While there were several factors that contributed to her leaving the group, one little-known fact is that a major disagreement over the song Bad Things (which she eventually recorded with Machine Gun Kelly) sparked tension. Camila wanted the song for Fifth Harmony, but it didn’t fit with the group’s overall direction at the time, leading her to pursue it solo. This move signaled the start of her journey as a solo artist.
8. Dinah Jane Saved Their Lives (Sort of)
In 2014, while on a flight to a performance, the girls experienced severe turbulence, leaving them and other passengers scared. Dinah Jane, known for her laid-back personality, quickly started a karaoke session to calm everyone down! Singing through the turbulence turned a terrifying experience into one they now laugh about in interviews. Dinah’s quick thinking earned her the unofficial title of "group hero" that day.
9. The Music Video for Work From Home Was Filmed in Just a Day
Given the massive success of Work From Home, one would expect the music video to have been a long and meticulous project. However, the video was actually shot in less than 24 hours! Despite the tight schedule, it became one of their most iconic videos, amassing over two billion views on YouTube. The group's chemistry, fun energy, and killer dance moves made it a standout hit, even with the limited production time.
10. Post-Breakup, the Girls Remain Close Friends
Though they went their separate ways professionally after their hiatus announcement in 2018, the members of Fifth Harmony still maintain strong friendships. They’ve shown support for each other’s solo endeavors on social media, and fans often spot them hanging out at each other’s concerts or events. In fact, in a few interviews, they've hinted at the possibility of a reunion in the future, leaving fans hopeful for more Fifth Harmony magic.
Fifth Harmony may have disbanded, but their legacy lives on through their music and the personal stories they’ve shared with fans. These fun facts and behind-the-scenes stories only add to the rich tapestry of their history, reminding everyone why they were one of the most beloved girl groups of their time.
One of Fifth Harmony's most meaningful lines comes from their song "No Way" off their album 7/27. The song touches on the complexities of love, vulnerability, and acceptance. A particularly poignant line is:
"Everyone comes with scars, but you can love them away."
This lyric speaks to the idea that despite our flaws and emotional baggage, true love involves accepting someone fully, including their imperfections. It reflects the depth of human connection and the power of love to heal and transform. This line resonates deeply with many fans because of its raw and genuine sentiment.