Rhona Bennett, a member of the iconic group En Vogue, has parted ways after two decades.
The singer, a.k.a. Miss R&B, took to Instagram on Thursday (Nov. 13) to announce the start of “a new season.” Bennett began the lengthy post reflecting, “There comes a time in every artist’s journey when the path changes — sometimes without full clarity, but always with purpose. Over the years, I’ve done deep work to develop my voice — not just musically, but personally and spiritually. I’ve learned that honoring my values, creative expression, and truth must come before anything else.”
She then alluded to what led to her decision to exit the group, citing her omission from their performance at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. After fans wondered why Bennett wasn’t seen performing with En Vogue alongside honorees Salt-N-Peppa, Bennett offered some clarification.
“I’m normally pretty private, but many of you reached out to ask why I wasn’t at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame performance. I was approved, during the summer, to facilitate my own event happening concurrently on November 8th, however I was not informed about the Hall of Fame performance and discovered it at the same time as the public,” said Bennett, whose Instagram bio now states “former member of En Vogue.”
She added, “It could’ve been nice to attend had I been given the opportunity to adjust my schedule.” (On Nov. 7 and Nov. 8, Bennett co-hosted the Produce Your Dream Life creative summit in Atlanta.)
On Facebook, Bennett responded to a fan’s remarks, adding more context behind the mention of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame performance.
“The mention about the Hall of Fame performance was only to satisfy the questions coming to me about it,” Bennett said. “The reason for our parting is much more nuanced than that.”
On Monday evening (Nov. 17), En Vogue released a statement in response to Bennett’s departure. “Out of due respect for our sisters @saltnpepaofficial and their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, we chose to refrain from addressing Rhona Bennett’s departure from En Vogue until now,” they wrote on Instagram.
The trio continued, “We are proud of En Vogue’s legacy, and for over 35 years have been committed to maintaining an open-door culture for members to pursue their individual aspirations while staying ‘true’ to our brand. As a group, we have the utmost respect for Rhona’s talents and have consistently supported her personal endeavors throughout the past 22 years.”
In the same statement, En Vogue teased what to expect from them next year. “Looking ahead to 2026, with founding member Maxine Jones, who returned earlier this year we are extremely blessed to celebrate two major milestones: the 30th anniversary of the EV3 debut and the 25th anniversary of the Masterpiece Theatre album. Thanks to our fans for your support!”
While one door may have closed, another has opened. In the same post, Bennett confirmed her plans to release new music in time for the holidays. “We’re in the giving season, and my next single, ‘It’s Christmas Time (For You and I),’ will arrive soon,” she said. Bennett’s upcoming Christmas track will follow her solo project Instant Classic, quietly released in October 2024.
Bennett joined En Vogue in 2003 with founding members Cindy Herron and Terry Ellis. She had previously released her debut album, Rhona, in 2001 via Rodney Jerkins’ Darkchild Records/Epic Records. In 2004, En Vogue — the trio consisting of Herron, Ellis and Bennett — released their album Soul Flower.
In late 2008, Bennett briefly stepped aside while all four original members, including Dawn Robinson and Maxine Jones, reunited for a series of 20th anniversary shows that extended into the following year.
Tour aside, since then, Bennett was a consistent member of the group, while Robinson and Jones would return, then depart. The trio released their latest album, Electric Café, in 2018, which included the Ne-Yo-penned “Rocket,” a top 10 hit on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart.
In a 2020 interview with YKIGS, Robinson shared one of the reasons she has not reunited with the group. “My problem is Rhona being there,” she said. “I think she’s great. She has never done anything to me. She’s not a bad person at all. I do know that she needs to step back if we are going to do a reunion at all. It just needs to be the four of us.”
In February, it was announced that Jones had returned to the group. The quartet spent the summer touring Europe.
At the time of this writing, En Vogue’s current roster consists of Cindy Herron, Terry Ellis and Maxine Jones. The group has not released any public statements since Bennett’s departure. Rated R&B reached out for a comment but did not receive a response by publication time.
Read Rhona Bennett’s statement announcing her departure from En Vogue below:
“A New Season”
There comes a time in every artist’s journey when the path changes — sometimes without full clarity, but always with purpose.
Over the years, I’ve done deep work to develop my voice — not just musically, but personally and spiritually. I’ve learned that honoring my values, creative expression, and truth must come before anything else.
I’m normally pretty private, but many of you reached out to ask why I wasn’t at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame performance. I was approved, during the summer, to facilitate my own event happening concurrently on November 8th, however I was not informed about the Hall of Fame performance and discovered it at the same time as the public. It could’ve been nice to attend had I been given the opportunity to adjust my schedule.
I’m stepping into a new season of creativity, freedom, and contribution. Growth can sometimes create discomfort — not only within ourselves, but in others, too. Don’t shrink. Keep going.
I’m deeply grateful for the years of connection with En Vogue and for the incredible work we’ve shared across the globe. Thank you, EV.
Though uncertainty is present, so is excitement. I trust that this next chapter is not a loss, but an evolution. God bless as I move toward the next frontier.
We’re in the giving season, and my next single, “It’s Christmas Time (For You and I),” will arrive soon — along with more music, coaching, and speaking projects that continue my mission to inspire and empower.
THANK YOU to everyone who has sent words of encouragement, support, concern, and love. It’s time to take the next bold step forward. I’m grateful that you’re along for the ride.
With love,
Rhona
