Mickey Guyton Was an Original 3LW Member!

You probably know 3LW as the iconic girl group featuring Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Naturi Naughton, and Kiely Williams. But what if I told you there was another Grammy-nominated artist who was part of the group’s very beginnings? Get ready for a throwback because Adrienne Bailon-Houghton just dropped a bombshell: country music star Mickey Guyton was an original member of 3LW!

The Original Lineup

In a recent interview with SiriusXM’s Page Six Radio, Adrienne shared the fascinating story. “The first song we ever cut, it was Kiely, Mickey Guyton and myself,” she revealed. This original trio even auditioned for Tommy Mottola and landed a record deal together. Can you imagine that version of 3LW?

Why Mickey Guyton Stepped Away

So, what happened to this original lineup? Adrienne explained that Mickey decided to leave the group at the last minute. “I think she just like, ‘Yeah, I think this isn’t gonna work out,’” Adrienne recalled. A major factor was the logistics: Mickey lived in Texas, making it challenging to commit to the New York-based music scene compared to Adrienne, who was closer in New Jersey.

Ultimately, Mickey and her parents made the tough decision that the group wasn’t the right path for her at that time. It’s understandable, especially for a young artist navigating a new and demanding industry far from home.

The Group’s Evolution

After Mickey’s departure, the group, then known as Little Women, brought in Naturi Naughton, who was already known for her powerful rendition of the national anthem. This lineup went on to release two albums, selling millions of copies and giving us hits like “No More” and “Playas Gon’ Play.”

While Naturi eventually left the group in 2002, Mickey Guyton has since forged an incredible solo career. She’s a four-time Grammy nominee, was named Time’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2022, and CMT’s Breakout Artist of the Year in 2021. Her 2024 album, “House On Fire,” is a testament to her talent.

A Lasting Connection

Despite their different paths, Adrienne and Mickey have remained in touch over the years. Adrienne even fondly recalled Mickey singing lead on the song “Only For You,” praising her incredible voice, especially considering she was only 15 at the time. It’s wonderful to see these artists support each other’s journeys.