{
  "id": 523334,
  "title": "With Sophia Stepping Back From KATSEYE, Will the Global Girl Group Remain a Quartet?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/with-sophia-stepping-back-from-katseye-will-the-global-girl-group",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-11T01:05:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Billboard",
    "slug": "billboard",
    "url": "https://www.billboard.com/media/podcasts/katseye-sophia-hiatus-quartet-pop-shop-podcast-1236313394/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sophia has decided to take a break from the global girl group KATSEYE in order to focus on her mental health and wellness. This news follows a similar announcement from her fellow member Manon, who stepped back from the group in February. The six-person group is now reduced to a quartet, and it remains uncertain when either member may return. With their latest album \"Wild\" released and their first global tour set to begin in October, KATSEYE is facing an already busy period. This development has sparked speculation about whether both women will make a comeback or if the group will remain a quartet. Guests Katie Atkinson and Keith Caulfield of the Billboard Pop Shop Podcast discuss the ramifications of Sophia's hiatus for the future of the group. Other topics covered in the podcast include Ariana Grande's new album debuting at the top of the Billboard 200 chart, as well as Ella Langley's \"Choosin’ Texas\" holding onto the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for an extended 17th week.",
  "summary": "On the new Billboard Pop Shop Podcast , Katie & Keith are talking about the latest member taking a pause, following Manon's February exit.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}