Leigh-Anne Pinnock has sparked excitement across social media after expressing a deep interest in a powerhouse collaboration with KATSEYE’s Manon Bannerman and solo sensation Normani.
In a viral clip shared by fans, the British vocalist was asked to identify her dream musical partners. Pinnock’s response was immediate and enthusiastic: “Me, Manon, and Normani, yeah? Fire.”
This vision of a “dream team” arrives at a particularly poignant time for the artists involved. On February 20, the music industry learned that Manon would be taking a temporary hiatus from KATSEYE. A joint statement from HYBE and Geffen, shared via Weverse, explained that the singer is stepping back to “focus on her health and wellbeing.”
The labels emphasized their full support for her decision, stating, “KATSEYE remains committed to showing up for one another and for the fans who mean everything to us. The group will continue scheduled activities during this time, and we look forward to being together again when the time is right.”
Following the official announcement, Manon reached out to her supporters directly through Weverse DMs to provide reassurance. “I’m healthy, I’m okay, and I’m taking care of myself,” she wrote. “Sometimes things unfold in ways we don’t fully control, but I’m trusting the bigger picture.”
Coincidentally, Leigh-Anne released her highly anticipated debut solo album, My Ego Told Me To, on the same day as the hiatus news. Despite her own busy launch, she took a moment on X (formerly Twitter) to signal her solidarity. After a fan noticed that Leigh-Anne, Manon, and Normani had all followed one another on Instagram, Leigh-Anne replied with a simple yet powerful message: “We need to protect each other.”
The connection between the three women resonates deeply with fans. Each artist has navigated the unique pressures of being the sole Black member in a globally successful girl group—Little Mix, Fifth Harmony, and KATSEYE, respectively. This shared experience has long made them symbols of representation and resilience within the pop landscape.
Leigh-Anne’s legacy was cemented through Little Mix’s decade-long dominance following their 2011 win on The X Factor UK. Similarly, Normani became a breakout star within Fifth Harmony, propelling hits like “Work From Home” to the top of the charts before transitioning into a celebrated solo career. Meanwhile, Manon and KATSEYE—formed through the intensive The Debut: Dream Academy—have quickly captured international attention. A collaboration between these three would not only be a vocal powerhouse but a significant cultural moment for the industry.
