Collabro: The Rise and Fall of a Musical Sensation

In 2014, a group of five talented singers took the world by storm with their breathtaking harmonies and powerful performances. Collabro, the British musical theatre group, captured the hearts of millions and quickly became a sensation. However, their journey was not without its ups and downs. In this article, we will explore what happened to Collabro and how they went from being the darlings of the music industry to fading into obscurity.

Collabro was formed in 2014 when the members, Michael Auger, Jamie Lambert, Matthew Pagan, Thomas J. Redgrave, and Richard Hadfield, auditioned for the reality TV show “Britain’s Got Talent.” Their stunning rendition of “Stars” from the musical Les Misérables during their audition left the judges and audience in awe. Simon Cowell, one of the show’s judges, famously said, “I have never heard a better version of that song in my life.” This praise set the stage for Collabro’s meteoric rise to fame.

Throughout the competition, Collabro consistently wowed the judges and viewers with their flawless performances. Their unique blend of classical and contemporary music, combined with their undeniable chemistry on stage, made them stand out from the competition. Week after week, they delivered show-stopping renditions of popular musical numbers, leaving audiences begging for more.

Finally, in the grand finale, Collabro was crowned the winners of “Britain’s Got Talent” season 8. Their victory was a testament to their talent and hard work, and it seemed like the world was at their feet. They signed a record deal with Syco Music, Simon Cowell’s label, and began working on their debut album.

Their first album, titled “Stars,” was released in August 2014 and debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart. It featured their signature style of reimagining musical theatre classics, including songs from Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, and West Side Story. The album was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies in its first week alone.

Following the release of their album, Collabro embarked on a sold-out UK tour, performing in prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the London Palladium. Their live performances showcased their incredible vocal abilities and stage presence, solidifying their status as musical sensations.

However, as the saying goes, “the higher you climb, the harder you fall.” In 2016, Collabro faced their first major setback when Richard Hadfield announced his departure from the group. Hadfield cited creative differences and a desire to pursue a solo career as the reasons for his departure. This news came as a shock to fans, who had grown accustomed to seeing the five members perform together.

Collabro continued as a quartet and released their second album, “Act Two,” in 2015. While the album received positive reviews from critics, it failed to replicate the commercial success of their debut. The album peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart but quickly dropped off the charts. This decline in popularity was a sign of things to come for Collabro.

In the years that followed, Collabro released several more albums, including “Home” in 2017 and “Road to the Royal Albert Hall” in 2018. However, these albums failed to make a significant impact on the charts, and their sales dwindled. The group’s once-thriving career seemed to be losing steam.

In addition to their declining popularity, Collabro faced internal conflicts and tensions within the group. Reports of disagreements over creative direction and musical choices began to surface, further straining their already fragile dynamic. These internal struggles, combined with their diminishing commercial success, ultimately led to Collabro’s downfall.

By 2020, Collabro had all but disappeared from the music scene. Their social media accounts went silent, and their once-packed concert venues were left empty. The group’s members pursued individual projects, with some venturing into acting and others releasing solo music. Collabro, as a collective entity, seemed to be a thing of the past.

So, what happened to Collabro? It appears that a combination of factors contributed to their decline. The departure of Richard Hadfield, internal conflicts, and a lack of commercial success all played a role in their downfall. Additionally, the music industry is notoriously fickle, and maintaining success in the long term is a challenge for any artist or group.

However, it is important to remember the impact that Collabro had during their prime. They brought musical theatre to a wider audience and showcased the incredible talent that exists within the genre. Their success on “Britain’s Got Talent” and subsequent rise to fame will forever be a part of their legacy.

As we reflect on what happened to Collabro, it is clear that their story is a cautionary tale of the fleeting nature of fame. While their star may have dimmed, their impact on the music industry and the hearts of their fans will not be forgotten. Collabro may no longer be in the spotlight, but their music and the memories they created will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come.