After a U.S. search that lasted four months, 3LW have announced that Jessica ‘J’ Benson is their third member.

The 15-year-old from Severn, Maryland, replaces Naturi Naughton, who left the group eight months ago after having a falling out with the other two group members, Keily Williams and Adrienne Bailon.

“In the short time she has been with us we have become like family,” Williams and Bailon said of J. “She has proven that she is a hard worker and a fast learner ? the exact qualities we were looking for in a third member. We are also glad that with J we can move forward as a positive image for all girls of color.?

Their first public appearance was on Saturday at the Soul Train Awards.

“Just a few weeks ago I was just a high school student with dreams of a professional music career and now it’s happening so quickly,” said Benson. “I’m so happy that Kiely and Adrienne have so fully embraced me and are teaching me the ropes of how to handle this hectic, fast paced life.”

For the next few months, she will split her time between practicing with the group and completing Grade 11. The trio will tour this summer, reports MTV.






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