Joel Pimentel Announces His Exit From CNCO Boy Band

CNCO boy band's Mexican singer Joel Pimentel is leaving the group to pursue new opportunities.

The 22-year-old singer took to Instagram on Sunday to announce his exit from the band. He thanked CNCO owners for "truly being the best." He also appreciated his fans and wrote, "most loyal fans that anyone could wish to have."

"Without you, we wouldn't have accomplished all of the most amazing things we have over the past 5 years," he wrote. The music group, which was started in 2015, also consists of Richard Camacho, Erick Brian Colón, Christopher Vélez and Zabdiel De Jesús.

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce that May 14, will be my last day as a member of CNCO," Pimentel wrote. "It's time for me to grow and explore new artistic avenues, it's time to start building my own path and career. That's why I've decided to leave the band."

Thanking his fellow band members, he wrote, "I truly wish you the best as you continue on with the CNCO legacy. We've lived through so much together that we're family now."

The singer said the five members will perform for the last time on May 14 "for a global live stream concert event." "I can't wait to share my new project with y'all. This is just a new beginning," he said.

De Jesús, 23, also shared a joint emotional message on social media, reflecting on the five years they spent together.

"We know this news is saddening and is going to be as hard for all of you as it is for us, be we appreciate you sticking with us," the band's statement read. "While it will be different, we are so excited to continue into this new era of CNCO, and can't wait for all of you to see what we have in store for you!"

The band earned the Favorite Pop/Rock Album title at Latin American Music Awards in 2018 and the Latin Pop Album of the Year at Billboard Latin Music Awards in 2019. They released their latest music album, "Déjà Vu," on Feb. 5.