MTV News Online

Five months after Farrah Franklin and Michelle Williams replaced LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson in Destiny's Child, Columbia Records says Franklin has left the platinum-selling R&B girl group.

The label did not reveal the reasons for the move, saying, "Destiny's Child and Farrah Franklin have parted ways. The group will continue as a trio for the time being with original members Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland and new member Michelle Williams."

Before the announcement, the road seemed to be taking its toll on Franklin.

"I'm still dead," Franklin said while on her way to the airport for a Destiny's Child show in George, Wash. "I have not been asleep in 26 hours. I went to the hospital yesterday for dehydration and a stomach flu, so I'm trying to get through this day. But I still can't wait to perform. That's the best thing out of everything. That's where I get my energy from, is performing."

Franklin did not perform at the George show. The group's "Say My Name" (RealAudio excerpt) single topped the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart earlier this year.

The remaining members of Destiny's Child were on their way to Australia at press time and were unavailable for comment. The trio will hit the road with Christina Aguilera, starting July 31 in Bonner Springs, Kan.

— Elon Johnson