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We’d like to take this time to announce that Chloe is taking a break from Celtic Woman to pursue solo projects. We are very happy for Chloe and wish her the very best. We look forward to working with Chloe again in the future.

http://www.celticwoman.com/2013/08/chloe/

I bet that explains the cancellation of the AUS tour.  They can't do it with 3 people.

WHAT?? :( :( :(

I fully expect to see a cancellation of the Christmas tour unless Meav is on it.

The European tour will probably get whacked as well.  Heck, I say this puts the 2014 tour in doubt.

Just saw this...and Eric, I was thinking the exact same thing....
It may take awhile to find a 4th girl...

It sounds like this got dropped on their out of the blue since everything up to a few days ago had Chloe in it or in promotional material.

Hopefully David has a list of potential replacements always ready.

I'm very sad about this. :( I hope the tour continues on, and I hope she comes back to CW eventually. I mean, we all say "Once a Celtic Woman, Always a Celtic Woman." ;)

I know... it's kinda random...

Although, part of me is still hoping one of the choir girls will get "moved up"
:D

I had thought that Sarah Gannon might be in line for a promotion if someone left.

When Lynn left, I was hoping for Helen or Sarah Burke.
Although either one of the Sarahs would be amazing... Plus, Sarah Burke has been kinda quiet lately too... Even her twitter.
I could totally see Sarah Gannon stepping in.. plus she already knows the music.... 

Picks jaw off carpet, looks outside to see if world has ended :'( Yay for solo projects but hope the christmas tour and DVD filming goes ahead ???

The DVD filming is for sure; Meav is replacing Chloe.

As for the Christmas tour, I fully expect it and the European tour to get the axe here shortly.

I....I... can someone PM me? Please? :'( :'( :'(

I thought the same thing... the world must be ending...

I am in shock.  After all of these years, our Chloe is saying goodbye.  I just wish it wasn't such short notice. :'(

Farewell, Chloe--best of luck on you solo career and I hope I'll get to see you perform again someday.  With a voice like yours, you'll go far. <3

I hate to say this, But I was kinda expecting it. I knew something was up when Meav said that she was gonna be on the New Christmas DVD.

I'm happy for her...She's been doing this a major part of her life... She will be fantastic what ever she does... Just stinks for the rest of us...So who will replace her during the US Christmas Tour... And how long before Mairead leaves?!? :-\

I love Chloe, and am so shocked to hear the news!
I think it was kind of expected though, she's been so quiet on twitter with the upcoming recording and whatever else... I was hoping I was wrong though.
But she'll always be one of our girls, and I wish her the very best of luck with whatever is in store for her next!
Just wish it didn't involve leaving so suddenly! </3

Bite your tongue.  That would be the equivalent of dropping a nuclear bomb.

WOW!  I am shocked and saddened. But I thought she was back in Ireland now for a little? I totally support her in what she does and looks forward to hearing her solo work. I think she will come back though I don't think it will be permanent, I am trying to stay optimistic. The Australian tour got moved ( and I they will go through w that because I saw on the ticket sight that they are exchanging for the new dates)  "due to unforeseen circumstances" and there wasn't many Christmas tour dates and w susan and lisa doing shows around those times for a few weeks I am sure those tour dates up until 2014 will be cut :( Which is also why I think she chose not do the rest of the years tours. She jst needs some time do do solo stuff and  I literally thought of this last night so its kinda not a surprise though. She wouldn't be able to get much done w  Germany, Australia and then back to the states w a week or two in between and in a short period of time. She prob felt she needed the full time to give complete attention to whatever she's doing and wouldn't be able to get it done w all the tours and limited time! Iam sure if she completely left they will have it figured out by that point just like adding susan and Lisa!  And we welcomed them w open arms and love them! Yes it is hard to accept change (I am in the medical field that is ever changing by the minute and even I still can't accept it but you just do!) I think chloe just wanted to work on solo stuff and needs time to do that. Unless she does her own concerts in 2014 like paul byrom and Keith Harkin (who actually does his own tour and w celtic thunder)  So I am happy that she is getting to do what she wants and fully support her and looking forward to seeing her next year hopefully! xx ooh and before I forget, wasn't this her sisters first year in the production team for the full tour?

I was expecting someone to leave. Chloe leaving is both as much of a surprise as it isn't because she's one of the first. Not only has she has been doing this for a huge part of her life, but she also grew up in CW.

Now we need to wait and see what she's going to do now.

oi on that one! That pretty much would mean the end right there! The girls always had her as the fiddler in the show, that's what celtic woman is! They always introduce the girls as ( How ever many soloist) and a fiddler! I would even think who would replace her I don't think anyone can!

I have heard both Sarah's live, and I listen to sarah burkes ep on my ipod sometimes when I walk very lovely!  They both have incredible voices! Edel is amazing to! The other choir members from what I hear on twitter and facebook they are all pretty busy! And Sarah Burke is pretty quiet though!  I know she got married last year and living in Indiana!! But I am not sure after that. And Helen just became a theatre teacher!! But they got some good choices to choose from if they choose from the choirs!  All of them are extremely talented!

I'm listening to Chloe's "Tears in Heaven" right now.  :'(

I'm shocked. I expected Chloe to stay around for another 5 - 10 years. I wish her the best and hope to see her perform again someday.


I think they can go on with the Christmas Tour. Just my opinion of course, but here is why. Firs, theres not a lot of dancing or stage movement involved. That's something a new member or substitute won't need to worry about. Second, Christmas music is sort of basic. We all learn some of the songs when we are in choir when we are kids. We all hear those songs over and over again as adults every year! Heck even some of us know ALL the lyrics. I would think a professional vocalist could quickly learn the required parts that she sings.  Third the Christmas Tour is very short. Its not like a sub would have to run away from other obligations for long. Even Meav was planning to do a few Divina concerts, and with those cancelled, this might be a chance for her to do a few shows, a short tour, and not be away from her daughters for very long.

I think the real question will be who gets the spot for the spring tour. They have time to find someone, but time goes fast. They always get someone great. I hope they start allowing autographs at meet&greets again. I'll need to get the new girl's signature for my collection!

that is a good point! I am hoping that she is out till the spring and will come back. Especially w Naomi and Dermot not officially leaving. I think it was the Europe and Christmas tour that where and issue and would have been difficult as the Australian one they rescheduled. And they haven't really seen each other since the tour ended in june so june till FEb. 2014 is a good amount of time off. (My friend was thinking about taking that same amount of time off her job and pretty worded it the same!)  But even if I think chloe is very talented and will be successful no mater what and the new person , or person coming back, whatever they decide I am sure they will be great! miss her and all the gils while they are taking a well deserve break! x

Kya! :o This information is making me insane! I just want to meet her again if you think she can really take a break. Are you saying that?!

I definitely didn't see this coming.  I'm so sad to see her go.  I'm excited about her solo career though.  I hope she'll be as active as Orla and releases lots of CDs and DVDs and tours a lot.  And I think the Symphony Tour will go on too.  The new girl can learn the songs.
And I hope Chloe comes back someday.

I wish Chloe the best of everything, she deserves it. She put her heart and soul into CW from the time she was still a little girl. I'm glad I got to see her live before she left. Her rapport with the audience and her amazing, infectious enthusiasm was one of a kind. As with all the others who left, she brought something unique that can never be duplicated. But I'm sure she'll do amazing things on her own, and I'm confident CW will go on to amaze us just like they always have. These are always such bittersweet days when this happens.

But who knows? Maybe the "new girl" won't really be "new"?  Hmmmm...

I hate to say this but I've been kinda expecting this to happen from the moment Lisa Kelly announced her full-time resignation. It just seemed to me like Chloe was also in the stages of preparing to leave too. I'm so saddened that I won't ever get the oppurtunity to meet her though. That was the one thing I wanted more than anything else out of this upcoming 2014 tour. Now it'll never happen.

Hey guys, here's a statement from Chloe:

http://www.celticwoman.com/chloe-statement/

That is so sweet!

Indeed, spoken like the true angel she is.  With a voice and personality like hers, I think she'll do just fine. :)

She'll do great things.

She's done.  It's definitely not "a break" as they described it yesterday.

And a lot of replies on FB are one variation or another of "I'm done with CW."

About the only thing that would soften this blow would be the return of marvelous Meav.  And don't even talk about losing Mairead.  Lovely Irish ladies who sing like angels may be rare, but David has always been able to find another one.  Can you think of another gorgeous violin virtuoso who dances?

So, there's only Máiréad left over. It feels awful. :( Really... Chloë is like the face of Celtic Woman, the symbol, the inofficial lead girl. :( Still I wish her the best for a huge, lucky and angelic on going solo career. She will be great! After all, once a Celtic Woman, always a Celtic Woman She will be doing great! For sure.

I hope they will find an adequate "replace" for her - or better (as you can't replace any of the girls) a lovely girl to fill the space. :) And please, a really Celtic as in Celtic Woman. ;) The current line up is to "pop"... Still wonderful, but I'd like it to be more Celtic.

I disagree.  Lisa Lambe is as "Celtic" as they get, and Susan is what I call a Celtic Broadway star!

I think she was referring more to the music.  I remember reading some reviews which criticized "Believe" for being more pop and less Celtic, and while this year's tour brought back a lot of old favorites, it still had a lot of elements of "Believe."

And with the description of the Emerald Tour being much more about Ireland, I think they want to move it back more toward what CW was originally.  Perhaps David sees next year as a reboot to borrow a current term that Hollyweird likes to use.  We know David is a very smart and talented guy and would not simply toss CW away if it is still very popular, which we know it is.  If CW can survive Meav, Orla, and Lisa Kelly leaving, it can survive Chloe leaving as well.  I'm sure there are plenty of talented Irish (and perhaps Scottish) vocalists out there who could step into CW and be a perfect fit.

I don't think they come any more irish as lisa! LOL! I heard her start off parting glass live and pretty much made the whole venue go silent with her lilting! It was cool! And as much as I will miss chloe I have a good feeling that I know who might step in next year! I am not saying yet but the person is on facebook and twitter we are all probably following or heard of her or her family in some form and is slightly younger than chloe! ALso this person is used to coming out to the states for "tours!" and would be more than happy and is familiar w both celtic woman and primarily celtic thunder!  An guesses?!  SOme people migiht have read 2 certain posts about her today to! oh and another clue!  she also has long red hair to and is still living in Ireland and occasionally comes to the states!  Not saying she will be the next celtic woman but a good possibility! 

    Don't make us wait too long for the answer, Barb, in case nobody comes up with the guess!  :D

lol! :) maybe tomorrow by the end of the day! Definitely by Friday!  I promise that!

    Chloe  is  at  that  time  in  her  life  where the  next  step  makes  sense .    As  we  know ,  Chloe  started  early and  is  already  a  seasoned  veteran at  the tender  age of  24.   I  know  she  will excel   at  whatever  she  does.  That  being  said...remember  that  CW   is  truly  "Greater than  the  some  of  its  parts. "   David  D.  sees  to  that.  The  idea  lives  on.   :) 

So true they are indeed greater than the sum of the parts. Nonetheless, it is hard to say goodbye. Wish Chloe the best. She's given us a lot of nice memories.
On to the next chapter. Before too long we will be saying, 'Wow!' where did they ever find that new girl.

As far as Mairead, please Mairead don't leave us.

Lester

Don't get me wrong here! I love Lil' Lambe and Susan and I think Lisa is pretty Celtic, plus a little pop. Still, I think they should replace Chloe with a nice classical girl and add a fourth singer - a totally Celtic one. As Celtic as Méav, Deirdre, Órlagh, Lynn, you know? That isn't meant to be a criticism. I just think CW does the best with four singer, instead of three and a mix of Celtic, Classical and Contemporary.

the next question is what is going on with the upcoming European tour in the fall where several of my closest friends where planning to attend in Holland and Germany.

I want to see them in Hamburg in October. I hope they have found a new girl then. :/

It doesn't usually take too long to find a new girl, I imagine David has a few ideas already and it's just a matter of who's best suited for what he has in mind and interfering with prior commitments. It took only a few weeks after Lynn left to announce Lisa and it wasn't long after they finished the 2011 X-Mas Tour when they introduced Susan. I can see why they postponed the Australian Tour, especially with Susan unavailable for rehearsal, but I imagine that, now they have a month and a half off (excluding Susan's time with Cats), they'll be able to find someone and train them.

I think we're all getting a bit flustered with Chloë's departure and understandably so. Nevertheless, it's more than likely they'll find a new member within the coming weeks. I think their priorities (especially David's) is the recording tonight for which there are fewer than 6 hours remaining! :)! :)! Once the recording's finished, I'd imagine David will turn his attention to restoring the line-up.

Well, that's my best guess anyway.

I think, you are right about that, Marcus! Definitely!

So exited for the recording, btw. Even without Chloe. (Though, I'd love to see her) Sadly, I have to wait, till' the DVD is out. :P  >:(

I wish her the best in her ne solo career, and will follow her wherever she may go (buying her record, and if possible, going to a concert or a play in which she would appear). I wish for her the same career that Orla got after leaving. After all, we can agree she deserves it.

And I pretty sure that the CW management will find somebody to replace her, as hard as it seems. After all, Meav's departure brought us Lyn, and later Lisa Lambe, and we were not disappoknted,were we ? I'm sure it will be the same for Chloe's replacement. Just like we won't be disappointed with Peter Capaldi as the Doctor  ;D

OK I think and this is only an opinion/guess observation but I think it might be Rebecca Harkin! Her brother is Keith from celtic thunder!  She has gone out on tour w the guys a few times and knows the girls as well! She had a q&a the other day and was asked 2x's if she would love to be in celtic woman and she said it would be a dream! And there fore shortly after that she had a regular tweet saying oh I can't wait to see if my dream came true (or something very similar). So I wonder if she contacted or knows David Downes or is going to the taping (as Lynn did w Acc before she joined) I am not sure!  But I think she would be perfect! She still lives in Ireland is a great singer has a great voice(from what I heard on youtube and the tracks she put up) and she is young and definitely looks the part! So we will have to wait and see! And I would definitely be very curious to see her sing live and see if she is as amazing as her brother! (which I'm sure she is!)
hmmm.. Just saw on facebook Deirdre updated her picture to all the girls?? Maybe that might be a slight hint? I wouldn't mind her or Maev though!  Am interested in hearing both of them! Never got to see them live! (Maev litererally the month I was going to see the concert and Deirdre was the tour that had finished prior to me seeing it) I am not sure though because I think she is in the lines up as a guest on the celtic thunder cruise if I am not mistaken? But her and Maev seem like they would be lovely to see/hear live!

Maybe Chloe could be on tv.  Soap opera? 

Or, maybe "The Chloe Agnew Show", where she lives in L.A. and various Irish people come to visit. ;)

Young lady, you have wisdom beyond your years.  I agree with the four singer format and your choice of musical styles.  I also wish they would go back to six choir members to give the music a richer sound.

I was watching the video below, and it brought back wonderful memories of Chloe and the original five (and those classic dresses), and it made me smile. I thought since it's been kind of a rough week, I would repost it here in case it does the same for someone else. :)

"You Raise Me Up" at Weinachts Show der Volksmusik, 2006:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QQqNroHwUY

 Thank  you  for  this  wonderful  and  beautiful  memory.     :)      :-* :-*

@Jim M.: No trash TV with Celtic Cuties! (Sorry, I don't want to be harsh... but... Chloe deserves better than soap operas and reality shows...)

@Hubert: Thank you so much, for saying that. :) I mean first they had one classical (Chloe) one contemporary/pop (Lisa) and two Celtic (Méav/Deirdre, Órlagh) plus Máiréad. Then they had one classical (Chloe), two contemporary (Lisa, Alex) and one Celtic (Lynn) plus Máiréad. And then one classical (Chloe), one and a half contemporary (Lisa K/Susan and Lisa Lambe 1/2) and a half Celtic one (Lisa Lambe 1/2) plus Máiréad. I think Celtic Woman would do good with one and a half contemporary, a classical and one and a half Celtic plus Máiréad.

I always loved that video! And that dress Méav is wearing. ;D

i hope Celtic Woman from europa tour i have 3 ticktes from Stuttgart,Cologne and Frankfurt with the
new girl i miss chloe she is my top favoriet from Cw :'(

Hi Julia!  Welcome to the forum!!   :)

 :oThe only one that could possibly take Chloe's place is Sarah Brightman !!! Lynn Hilary is brilliant live though. Weird timing on these departures. Chloe may well have an amazing solo career, if she isn't going to sing disposable pop music. VERY disappointing to see her leave CW. Hope Chloe keeps well. You can't get in any trouble in California can you ?? :o

Hi Julia!  Welcome to the forum!!   Smiley


thank you^^

Please don't shout. Sarah is 53 years old. As much as we love her, she's past her prime.  She also isn't Irish.  My own hope is that gorgeous, glorious Meav will stay with CW after the new Christmas DVD.  Now, if we could just have Orlagh back.  CW hasn't had an alto since she left.

Sarah Brightman is by all means, a gifted singer, but she is not the only singer capable of taking Chloe's place.  Ireland has a very long tradition of music and song, so there's no shortage of talented vocalists that would do a fine job in Celtic Woman.  David has always succeeded in finding an excellent singer to keep the spirit of Celtic Woman alive and this time won't be an exception.

I noticed that too!  I don't want to get excited of course because it may not mean anything, but it's interesting nonetheless.  If she were to come back, I don't think the Celtic Thunder cruise would be a problem since I think it's only for a week?  I checked on the website and it said Nov. 2-7.

Sarah Brightman is a great singer in her own right and it would be wonderful to have her collaborate with the group. BUT, she would really not fit in as a member. AND Celtic Woman is made to promode (right spelling) Irish singers. SB is the most succesful soprano of our time. She is of Irish descent (right spelling), tough...

I am sure, they will find a great replacement for Chloe!

I'm sad. Chloe isn't a replaceble person, she's very sweet and she has a very high voice. i will miss her very much. :'( But if she wants to pursue her carrer. I wish her the best! :)

I agree with you. Still, this counts for all of the girls, not just Chloe. But, the new girls are great as well, and that counts for Chloe too.

Yep. I wonder who will replace her?

lol guys :) chloe is chloe and not sahra brightman^^
i hope of the new girl from Celtic woman and pls not(meav ) sry ^^

Misha and I have been discussing possible replacements.....we sort of both agreed that it would be a stroke of genius if David chose BOTH Sarah and Edel  and they went back to 4 singers. What do you think?

Or even a single one of the choir girls for now

 :'( What when did this happen?As sad as I am, I had a feeling she wanted to pursue other things. It's the dreamer in her, the dreamer that's in all of us. I wish her the very best. We'll always love and support you Chloe!

Chloe is irreplaceable. I`m sure whoever David chooses will be amazing... Again, look at Lisa and Susan. I still have my dream that Sarah Burke will resurface as the new soloist, although that probably won`t happen. I could see Sarah Gannon as a soloist though. She has a strong and gorgeous voice and she already knows the music. :) I am curious to see who David chooses. Whoever it is, I`m sure she`ll be amazing :)

None of the ladies are replaceable, they're all unique individuals. I was almost done with CW when LisaK. left, (who is my most favorite with Méav & Órlagh. But I really love them all) but Susan left me astonished. She has personality, she is gracefull, has a powerfull and at the same time very sweet voice.

As Chloë said, there are no doubt 'exciting times' on their way.

I agree... I was almost too...

But I really warmed up to Susan after I met her last year in St. Paul... She really is a sweetie, and she is incredible! :)

CW will be never the same without her. :'(

   I  agree...but  I  also  trust  that    David  D.  will   find  an  excellent  new  lady. 

Agreed - each time one of our Celtic ladies leaves, I'm convinced I'll never feel the same again, only to fall in love with the next one as well. There's just something about a Celtic Woman.  :)

yeah me to. I will really miss Chloe. But I'm sure their going to find a lovely irish lass to take her place. ;)

I can't believe it!!  :'( But I do wish her luck and success in whatever she does! And I know whoever they find to be the new member will be great!

Someone who could take her place?

  Kimberly, Music Director David Downes will be finding a replacement.  We know from the past, David always does a great job and that we can rely on him this time as well.

   You had a special relationship with Chloe and so I know her leaving must be very hard for you. Maybe you can get to have a relationship with her replacement!  :)

Just remember, Chloe still holds the title of being from Celtic Woman. Once a Celtic Woman, always a Celtic Woman.

Chloe is a sweet irish lass, and I hope they find someone to replace her soon. :D Though she will always be in our hearts.

This is sad. She was my favorite member of the current lineup. I honestly didn't expect her to leave ever. But all good things must come to an end, or so the saying goes. At least this introduces us to the great singer known as Mairead Carlin.

Great news  as all of you know Mairead Carlin is taking Chloe's place.  ;D ;D Everything will be great now!

Lisa Kelly and Chloe were the resons my family, friends and I paid $$$ for front row seats over the years. It was a real blow when Lisa left and now that Chloe is leaving it is a fatal blow for us. Goodbye, it was fun while it lasted. So sad!

flags -- you're back. :)

While Lisa and Chloe leaving is not good, we still have the world's greatest (and prettiest) fiddler, the amazing Lisa Lambe and wonderful Susan, and now another talented Mairead (how can you go wrong with 2 Maireads?), a GREAT band and chorus, and David Downes still leading it all, I think we will still have great concerts to see.  I may not get to see as many as I want, but I will try to see what I can.

I'm happy CW found a new girl, she's lovely.

Btw, doesn't "taking a break" mean, that she will return?

All of the girls who have left in the past have called it "taking a break."  So, judging by that along with what was said in her farewell statement, it doesn't sound like she'll return.  HOWEVER, that does not mean she won't get involved in some way in the future like Meav did with Home for Christmas. :)

Ah, OK. I didn't realized that. >.>

I hope Chloe does. I hope she returns. Btw a friend of mine recieved a tweet from the sweet irish lass mairead Carlin. ;)

yes i hope tooooo^^

Well, it WAS a break.  Just longer than we would have liked. ;)

Well put Jim    :D

will be great to see Chloe on the big stage again.