Fans of Pentatonix were devastated after Avi Kaplan announced his departure from the band.
Kaplan shared the news via the official Facebook page of Pentatonix. He explained his reason for leaving the group via a video and a written statement. According to the group's bass vocalist, his departure is due to his struggle in juggling his career with his personal life. He said, "It's been extremely hard for me to not be able to see my family and friends when I need to, or when they need to see me. It's been really hard to not be able to escape into nature when I'm feeling overwhelmed or when I just need time to myself."
He said at a later part in the video, "I really just do not want to slow down this group. I believe in what we do, and I believe in what they will do, and I can never inhibit their success in any way. I would never ever want that."
He thanked fans for the support they gave the band, and said that he hoped they would understand his reason for leaving. He also assured them that he would continue to make music, but not at the same fast-paced level as Pentatonix.
In the text description, he said that he would still be performing at all the announced shows of Pentatonix. The last on the schedule listed on the band's official website is on Sept. 3, at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction in Vermont.
According to Variety, Kirstin Maldonado, the sole female member of Pentatonix, is currently working on her solo album. Her single, "Dose of You," which she made with Helena Legend, was released just a few days before Kaplan's announcement. However, she has not yet given word if her solo project will lead to her departure from the group.
Pentatonix is best known for their a cappella covers of popular songs. The group came to fame after winning in the third season of NBC's "The Sing-Off." They have won three Grammy awards since they started.
