New York – Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas and Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins are looking to collaborate with a new voice, but the TLC stars insist they’re not trying to replace the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes.
“Nothing has changed. We’re not replacing Lisa,” Thomas told The Associated Press in a recent interview. “We’re not looking for a new member.”
Last month, the pair announced they were launching a search to find a vocalist to perform with them in concert and for one track on TLC’s upcoming greatest hits project – a journey that will be the subject of a UPN reality show, “R U The Girl with T-Boz and Chilli.”
Some fans were concerned that Thomas and Watkins were seeking to fill the shoes of Lopes, who died in a car crash in Honduras in 2002.
But the duo said then that they would never try to replace Lopes – perhaps the most dynamic member of the trio, with her colorful personality and energetic raps. Instead, they say they’re simply looking for a fan to perform with them for a one-time performance and for a song on the greatest hits project.
“We started out with our fans and it’s all about our greatest hits,” Thomas said. “Basically, we are trying to give back to our fans and find one girl and give her a chance of a lifetime, to do one last performance with TLC.”
“We kind of call it, like, fan appreciation,” said Watkins. “We started together and we want to end it together, and that’s something that Lisa would have been fond of.”
TLC, which debuted in 1992, ranks as one of the best-selling girl groups in pop music history. Their multiple hits include “Unpretty,” “Waterfalls,” “Creep” and “No Scrubs.” Their last full album was 2002’s “3D.”
