Top 10 Boy Band Members That Made it Big Solo

Boyzone burst onto the scene in 1994- releasing several well charting love ballads and commercial hits. Though disbanding in 1999, lead singer Ronan Keating initiated an impressive solo career. To date he’s sold over 20 million records, and even holds a world record as the only artist to have 30 consecutive top 10 singles on the UK chart. With Boyzone reuniting in 2007, he still continues to release memorable music soloand with the band. We could say it’s the luck of the Irish, but in this case it’s his trademark powerful vocals and versatile musical catalogue which see him truly get better with age.

#9: Nick Jonas Jonas Brothers

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For five years the Jonas Brothers were the musical family dominating the pop charts, with their string of catchy songs selling over 17 million albums worldwide. That is until Kevin, Joe, and Nick officially disbanded in 2013. While Joe released solo album Fastlife and formed pop/rock band DNCE, we have to award a spot on our list to Nick Jonas for consistently releasing popular songs all on his own, all while having a pretty impressive acting career. It just goes to show that being the youngest member in a boyband doesn’t mean you can’t have one hell of a solo career.

Westlife remains to this day one of the most successful Irish bands of all time, selling over eleven million albums over their fourteen year career. In 2004 and after six years in Westlife, Brian McFadden departed theband to launch a winner of a solo career. It got off to the perfect start, with his first single “Real to Me” reaching number one in the UK, Denmark, and Ireland. Songs like “Like Only a Woman Can” and “Just Say So,” catapulted him into the spotlight and deservedly so.

At a time when boybands thrived at the forefront of a musical revolution throughout the 90’s, B2K fit the bill perfectly as an R&B chart topping act. At age fifteen, Omarion became the band's lead singer. Though they disbanded in 2004, Omarion took the R&B genre and truly made it his own, seeing his solo career skyrocket to impressive levels of success. With hits like “Ice Box,” and “Know You Better” Omarion has collaborated with some of the best in the business. Whether it’s his on point dancing, always eye catching outfits, or memorable music, the former boyband member just keeps getting better and better.

#6: Lionel Richie Commodores

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American soul band The Commodores have been responsible for several grooves over time, fusing genres of R&B, pop, and funk to get you dancing. Though founding member Lionel Richie was a part of the bands most famous line-up, he departed in 1982 to create a brilliant catalogue of solo music. Between his solo work and the Commodores, he’s sold over 100 million albums, won four Grammys, and even taken home an Oscar. His music is memorable and appealing, with Richie’s soulful sound leaving us with some of the most unforgettable songs in history. With a voice that’s beyond groovy, Lionel Richie undoubtedly deserves a spot on this list.

#5: Ricky Martin Menudo

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This Puerto-Rican vocalist boasts one of the most recognised voices in music. He got his start as a thirteen year old in boy band Menudo, though unlike many other entries on this list he never sang lead. After leaving at age 17 to pursue a solo career, he went on to sell millions of records worldwide and record some iconic tracks that you no doubt have shaken your bon bon to at least a few times. Whether Ricky Martin is singing in English or Spanish, his versatility and strength as a performer ticks all the boxes. Did we mention his incredible dance moves? They’re on point each and every time.

His aspirations to become a professional singer from a young age earned Bobby Brown his start as a founding member of New Edition at just age nine. The band encountered well-deserved success, with classic tracks like “Candy Girl” earning them a loyal fan base. Brown exited the group in 1986, signalling the beginning of a solo career that would unfold with several top ten hits including the classic “Every Little Step.” Over time, his fusion of R&B and pop has enabled Brown to become a force in the music industry. He has also notably on and off performed with New Edition over the years, continuing to do so today.

When Robbie Williams asks to entertain you, there’s no denying him. Starting out in Take That in 1990, he remained a part of their enormous success until leaving in 1995. From there he kick-started a solo career, with his first seven albums hitting number one in the UK. His brief return to Take That saw their 2010 album Progress become the third fastest selling record of all time in the UK, proving his versatility of successsolo and in a band. Known for an energetic stage presence, dance inducing songs, and overall fun demeanour, he’s among the most successful British artists of all time.