Rozonda Thomas says on a British TV interview that she and bandmate Tionne 'T-Boz' Watkins would never replace their late friend who passed away in a car accident.
- Jan 26, 2020
AceShowbiz - TLC singer Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas has insisted her late bandmate Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes could "never" be replaced.
The late star passed away in a car accident in April 2002, aged 30, and speaking on Friday's January 24, 2020 instalment of U.K. breakfast show "Good Morning Britain", Chilli revealed there was "never ever a thought" between her and fellow star Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins to replace their pal.
When asked if they felt pressured to find another member for the group, Chilli responded, "We heard from so many people, in the business, that surprised us more than anything. The fans, not so much."
"It was never ever a thought to replace her, no one in TLC can be replaced," she said, adding, "Nobody can fill those shoes."
The "Waterfalls" star went on to explain that while she and T-Boz were adamant that Lopes would not be replaced, it "took a while" for people to see their point of view.
She added, "But through touring it keeps her memory alive, we never mute out her raps or anything."
The interview took an uncomfortable turn, however, when host Kate Garraway asked whether Lisa had recorded her parts of the "Crazy Sexy Cool" album during day release from prison - after she was sentenced to five years' probation in 1994 for setting fire to her ex-boyfriend's trainers and burning down their home.
"Did you say prison?" Chilli awkwardly asked, before adding, "We weren't able to record at the same time, but she was very much a part of that."
