R U The Girl - TLC Starts Search For A Third

Since the death of Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopez, Rozonda "Chili" Thomas, and Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins have deftly avoided questions about the future of TLC. Probably because they just didn't know. Both girls needed time to grieve the loss of their compadre who they often referred to as a sister. Like many siblings, the relationship between the young women was as complex as it was successful.

The three began their musical careers in Georgia, where their naivete left them subject to one of the most exploitative recording contracts in modern history. How exploitative? Their first two albums were both multi-platinum sellers, and TLC toured relentlessly to support them, yet the women had a net worth of below $100,000. Combined.

They managed to overcome that, as well as the various soap opera-like elements of their personal lives. T-Boz had several serious medical scrapes resulting from sickle-cell anemia. Chili finally found her birth father, a situation that wasn't as rosy as it initially appeared to be. And, among other things, Lisa Lopez had her infamously tempestuous relationship with pro-football player Andre Rison. So tempestuous that she ended up burning down his mansion at one point!

The trio seemed unstoppable, and undeniably unified. But, below the smiling faces there were deeper problems than any of us ever knew about. It seems unlikely that we'll ever really know how it started, but for prolonged periods, the trio wasn't speaking to each other except when work demanded it. There was obvious tension, but they denied it repeatedly. Lisa did make a solo album, reportedly making cryptic statements like, "nothing lasts forever," which suggested she was on the verge of breaking up the group. Though they tried to mend the fences, things weren't entirely resolved before Lisa's death. This seems to literally haunt T-Boz and Chili. It's also why this announcement is a bit surprising.

T-Boz and Chili are ready to go on with their careers, but NOT as TLC. "TLC was T-Boz, Left Eye, and Chili. Without Left Eye, there cannot be a TLC." Chili stated firmly. The new name of the group will be a decision made by the two of them and the third member who will be found via R U The Girl? "We want to find someone with the right chemistry and magic to work with us. We have been blessed with great success and this is a chance for our fans to join us as we give someone a once in a lifetime opportunity to fulfill their dream."

The contestants will be put through a number of challenges and performances to crown a winner. If you think you have the stuff to be the new member of one the most successful girl groups in music history, here's your chance to show it!

Auditions are being held as shown:

Saturday, Feb. 5 - New York
Location: Hilton New York
1335 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019
10:00am-6:00pm

Tuesday, Feb. 8 - Chicago
Location: TBD

Saturday, Feb. 12 - Dallas
Location: The Black Academy of Arts and Letters
Dallas Convention Center Theater Complex
650 South Griffin St.
Dallas, TX 75702
10:00am-6:00pm

Tuesday, Feb. 15 - Washington D.C.
Location: TBD

Saturday, Feb. 19 - Atlanta
Location: TBD

Saturday, Feb. 26 - Miami
Location: TBD

Sting7 has been a respected published writer for 16 years, as a music editor, entertainment critic, columnist, and interviewer. He also has a curious love for pro-wrestling! You can email Stinger at stingseven@yahoo.com.

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