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Adrienne Bailon-Houghton recalls Mickey Guyton’s surprising role in 3LW’s formation
The pop singer recalls how the original 3LW lineup almost included Mickey Guyton
Adrienne Bailon-Houghton has opened up about a little-known chapter in her early singing career and the surprising original lineup of 3LW.
The 42-year-old singer and television personality reminisced about the pop trio’s beginnings during her appearance on SiriusXM’s Page Six Radio, recalling how Mickey Guyton was initially part of the group before the lineup fans know today was solidified.
“The first time I ever went to the studio was in my old manager's house. It was the first time they put me on a mic. And I think it was a song called ‘Only For You,’” Bailon-Houghton recalled.
She continued, revealing the unexpected connection: “Do you know Mickey Guyton? Mickey Guyton was originally in 3LW.
That's who I got the record deal with. The first song we ever cut, it was Kiely, Mickey Guyton, and myself. And we auditioned for Tommy Mottola and we got the record deal — the three of us together.”
However, the collaboration didn’t last. Bailon-Houghton said it was ultimately Guyton’s decision to step away.
“At the last minute, Mickey was like… ‘Yeah, I think this isn’t gonna work out,’” she remembered. “She lived in Texas, and obviously, New York/New Jersey was super easy for me — my parents were driving me back and forth — versus she had to fly in and stay, not knowing the world. I think her parents just made a decision along with her that she wouldn't be part of the group.”
It was then that the lineup fans came to know Bailon-Houghton, Kiely Williams, and Naturi Naughton fell into place. Bailon-Houghton explained how Naturi was discovered through her national anthem performances at New Jersey sports games and joined at the last minute.
Despite the change, Bailon-Houghton said there are no hard feelings and remains in touch with Guyton today.
“Me and Mickey are always in touch. We have kids around the same age. I adore her. And, lowkey, Mickey Guyton sang lead on ‘Only For You’; her voice was insane and she was just 15 at the time. Thank you for the record deal,” she said.