En Vogue

In the late 1980s, when they were assembling their 1989 compilation project FM2 for Atlantic Records, Oakland-based production and songwriting duo Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy first conceived the idea of a modern-day girl group in the tradition of commercially successful female bands that flourished in the late 1950s and early 1960s.{{cite web|first=Julia |last=Szabo|title=Sound of Style|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/31/style/sound-of-style.html|work=The New York Times|date=January 31, 1993|access-date=February 24, 2018}} Foster and McElroy envisioned an entertainment unit with interchangeable but not identical parts in which every member would qualify to take the lead vocals on any given number. Thus, their plan was to recruit singers who possessed strong voices, noticeably good looks, and intelligence.{{cite web|first=Meredith|last=Berkman |title=En Vogue rise to the top|url=http://ew.com/article/1992/06/05/en-vogue-rise-top/|publisher=Entertainment Weekly|date=June 5, 1992 |access-date=February 24, 2018}} Approximately 3,000 women attended the auditions held in 1988, with Dawn Robinson, Cindy Herron, and Maxine Jones making the final cut.{{cite web|first=Guy|last=Trebay|title=Pillow Talk|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1SsEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22advertisement+%22+%22EN+VOGUE%22+%22AUDITION%22&pg=PA41|publisher=Vibe|date=April 1, 1994|access-date=February 24, 2018}}{{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Conceived as a trio, Foster and McElroy decided to create a quartet after hearing the audition of Terry Ellis whose plane had been late from Houston, Texas.{{cite web|title=Holding On|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oSsEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22EN+VOGUE%22+%22fm2%22&pg=PA117|publisher=Vibe|date=October 1, 1997|access-date=February 24, 2018}}{{Dead link|date=March 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} At first, they selected the band name 4-U but soon shifted to Vogue, ultimately settling on En Vogue, upon learning that another group had already claimed the Vogue name.{{cite web|first=Lisa|last=Capretto|title=En Vogue Are 'So Glad' They Didn't Use Their Original Name|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/en-vogue-original-name_us_57dc618be4b04a1497b4be31|publisher=Huffington Post|date=September 9, 2016|access-date=February 24, 2018}}

After forming, the group began working with their producers on their debut album. Recording began in August 1989 and wrapped up in December of the same year.{{cite web |url=http://www.faqs.org/copyright/dont-think-i-can-make-it-by-denzil-foster-thomas-mcelroy-2/ |title=Don't think I can make it. By Denzil Foster, Thomas McElroy, Will Townsend, Pharoah Davis, Warren Robinson & Andre Zachary part 2 – song, music – Copyright Info |publisher=Faqs.org |access-date=2012-05-11 |archive-date=2011-06-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629113948/http://www.faqs.org/copyright/dont-think-i-can-make-it-by-denzil-foster-thomas-mcelroy-2/ |url-status=dead }}

Born to Sing was released on April 3, 1990. The album peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard 200 chart and No. 3 on Billboard{{'}}s R&B Albums Chart. The first single, "Hold On", was released to radio in late February 1990 and became a crossover pop hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, and No. 1 on both the R&B singles and Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. It later went to No. 5 in the UK and became a hit in Europe. The next two singles, "Lies" and "You Don't Have to Worry", each went to No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart, while the fourth and final single, "Don't Go", charted at No. 3 on the Billboard R&B chart. The album was later certified platinum by the RIAA.

"Hold On" was awarded a Billboard Music Award for #1 R&B Single of the Year, a Soul Train Award for R&B/Urban Contemporary Single of the Year, Group, Band or Duo and were nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. In 1990, En Vogue signed an endorsement deal to appear in a Diet Coke commercial directed by Spike Lee.

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En Vogue's second album, Funky Divas, was released in the spring of 1992. The album debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and ultimately doubled the take of its predecessor, going triple platinum. The album's first two singles: "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" and "Giving Him Something He Can Feel" both went top 10 and peaked at No. 1 on the R&B chart. The next single, "Free Your Mind" also went top 10. The final two singles, "Give It Up Turn It Loose" and "Love Don't Love You", were both top-40 hits. The album went on to sell more than five million copies, won an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Album, and was nominated for five Grammy Awards. The music video for "Free Your Mind" earned the group three MTV Video Music Awards for Best Choreography, Best Dance Video, and Best R&B Video. They were honored with Soul Train's Entertainer of the Year Award. In addition to this, the group was featured in Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, and Essence, and other major publications. Riding on success of Funky Divas, a six-song EP titled Runaway Love was released in the fall of 1993, spawning the hit "Runaway Love".

The group was signed to an endorsement deal with Converse, and was featured as an opening act on Luther Vandross' 1993 "Never Let Me Go" Tour. England, Germany, the Netherlands, and France were among the numerous countries toured. However, according to an article in Vibe magazine, Vandross (by his own admission in interviews) and his entourage clashed with the members of En Vogue during the tour, and he vowed never to work with them again. En Vogue made numerous television appearances on such series as In Living Color, A Different World, Roc and Hangin' with Mr. Cooper (the latter two in which they also sang the shows' theme songs). In 1993, En Vogue was featured on Salt-N-Pepa's top-10 hit "Whatta Man", from Salt-N-Pepa's album Very Necessary. The track appeared (slightly edited) on En Vogue's Runaway Love EP.

In 1995, En Vogue was among numerous African American female vocalists featured on the song "Freedom" for the soundtrack to Mario Van Peebles's film Panther (1995).{{cite journal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YCwEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA132|title=Single File|journal=Vibe|date=August 1995|page=132|access-date=March 12, 2018}} Also in 1995, while band members Cindy Herron and Maxine Jones went on maternity leave, Ellis recorded and released a solo album titled Southern Gal, which spun off the top 10 R&B single "Where Ever You Are". The same year, the band made a cameo appearance in Joel Schumacher's superhero film Batman Forever. In 1996, En Vogue recorded "Don't Let Go (Love)" for the soundtrack to the motion picture Set It Off. Released as the soundtrack's lead single in the fall 1996, it became the group's biggest hit yet, selling over 1.8 million copies worldwide and becoming certified platinum by the RIAA.{{cite web|title=Holding On|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSPF0VG-zng| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/XSPF0VG-zng| archive-date=2021-11-17 | url-status=live|work=Vibe|date=1997-10-01|access-date=March 12, 2018}}{{cbignore}} In response to the large commercial success of "Don't Let Go (Love)", the group worked on their third studio album. As the album was nearing completion, Robinson chose to leave the group in March 1997 after contractual negotiations reached a stalemate. Despite Robinson's abrupt departure, Ellis, Herron, and Jones continued on as a trio.

Following Robinson's departure from the group, the remaining trio re-recorded several of her original lead vocals for their forthcoming album EV3, released in June 1997. A breakaway from previous projects, it marked En Vogue's first project to include a diverse roster of collaborators including credits from Babyface, David Foster, Diane Warren, Andrea Martin, and Ivan Matias along with regular contributors Foster and McElroy. Upon its release, EV3 received mixed reviews from critics, many of whom praised the band's vocal performances but were critical with overall production of the album. In the U.S., it debuted at number eight on both Billboard{{'}}s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and the Billboard 200 with sales of 76,500 units, the band's highest first-week numbers.{{cite web|first=Datu|last=Faison|title=Rhythm Section|publisher=Billboard|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iQ4EAAAAMBAJ&q=%22EV3%22+%22EN+VOGUE%22&pg=PA20|date=1997-07-05|access-date=March 12, 2018}} Two further singles released from the album, "Whatever" and "Too Gone, Too Long", entered the top 20 and top 40 the Billboard Hot 100, respectively.

In 1998, En Vogue recorded the song "No Fool No More" for the soundtrack to the film Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1998). A top 40 entry on the New Zealand Singles Chart, it was later included on the band's first compilation album Best of En Vogue, released in June 1999. A moderate success, the album reached the top 40 in Austria and the United Kingdom.

Masterpiece Theatre, the group's fourth studio album, was released in May 2000. Their first project with Elektra Records, the trio worked exclusively with their founders on the album who made heavy use of samples from classical music and traditional pop music to construct songs for recording. Preceded by leading single "Riddle", the album received a mixed reception from critics upon its release, who were divided by its overall sound, and became a commercial disappointment, reaching number 33 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number 67 on the US Billboard 200 only.{{cite web|first=Ana|last=Martinez|title=Arithmetricks|work=Vibe|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1SYEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22MASTERPIECE+THEATRE%22+%22FLOPPED%22+%22EN+VOGUE%22&pg=PA64|date=May 1, 2003|access-date=March 10, 2018|archive-date=October 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016020552/https://books.google.com/books?id=1SYEAAAAMBAJ&q=%22MASTERPIECE+THEATRE%22+%22FLOPPED%22+%22EN+VOGUE%22&pg=PA64|url-status=dead}} While Masterpiece Theatre and "Riddle" fared better in international territories, its poor performance resulted in the release of no further singles from the album and the band was soon dropped from the Elektra company.

In 2001, Jones had announced her desire to spend more time with her daughter and departed the group.{{cite magazine|title=Billboard Bits: En Vogue; Shaggy, Angie Martinez|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/73720/billboard-bits-en-vogue-shaggy-angie-martinez|magazine=Billboard|date=October 24, 2002|access-date=March 10, 2018}} With Ellis and Herron wanting to continue performing En Vogue, singer-songwriter Amanda Cole joined as a performing member after submitting a demo. The following year, Ellis, Herron, and Cole collaborated with Timothy Eaton on the holiday album The Gift of Christmas, featuring four original songs and eight cover versions of Christmas standards and carols. Released in fall 2002 through Discretion Records, it failed to chart.{{cite web|first=Quentin|last=Harrison |title=INTERVIEW: En Vogue's Cindy Herron-Braggs, Forever a Funky Diva |url=http://www.albumism.com/interviews/en-vogue-cindy-herron-braggs-forever-a-funky-diva|website=Albumism.com|date=March 23, 2017|access-date=March 10, 2018}} In December 2002, the trio gave a concert at the Alabama State Fairgrounds in Birmingham, Alabama which was recorded and released, along with bonus footage, on a DVD and live album through Charly Records in 2004. Cole, who felt increasingly limited vocally and creatively, decided to leave the band in favor of a solo career soon after,{{cite web|title=Veteran Vocalist Amanda Cole Talks Breaking the MoldMartinez|url=http://theindiegatormag.com/2015/03/10/veteran-vocalist-amanda-cole-talks-breaking-the-mold/2/|website=TheIndieFatorMag.com|date=March 10, 2015|access-date=March 10, 2018|archive-date=March 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311140620/http://theindiegatormag.com/2015/03/10/veteran-vocalist-amanda-cole-talks-breaking-the-mold/2/|url-status=dead}} with singer and actress Rhona Bennett joining after being recommended to Denzel Foster through a mutual friend and songwriting partner.

File:En_Vogue_2008_-_2642939352.jpg

With Bennett, the trio began work on their sixth album Soul Flower. Produced by Ellis and Herron, it was made independently through their own label Funkigirl Records as well as Foster and McElory's 33rd Street Records, and distribution was handled through an outside deal with Bayside Entertainment. Released to mixed reviews from critics, who noted its mellower tone, the album failed to chart on the Billboard 200, but reached number 47 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and number 15 on the Independent Albums charts. Its two singles, "Losin' My Mind" and "Ooh Boy", reached the top 40 on Billboard{{'}}s Adult R&B Songs chart.{{cite magazine|first=Trevor|last=Anderson |title=SZA's 'Love Galore' Hits No. 1 on Adult R&B Songs Chart|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8096462/sza-love-galore-adult-rb-songs-chart-number-one|magazine=Billboard |date=January 26, 2018|access-date=March 10, 2018}} During the latter part of 2004, En Vogue traveled three months in Europe as part of the Night of the Proms concerts series, with Jones rejoining the group to fill the place of Herron, who went on maternity leave.{{cite web|first=Chisom|last=Orakwusi|title=Rhona Bennett|url=https://issuu.com/missromain2009/docs/sideview_issue_5_with_bleed|work=Sideview |date=January 1, 2010|access-date=March 10, 2018}} The Ellis/Bennett/Jones performing incarnation of the group headlined Lifetime's fifth annual WomenRock! alongside Blondie, Angie Stone, and several others. Performing several of their hits, co-headliner Kelly Clarkson joined them for a rendition of "Free Your Mind."{{cite magazine|title='WomenRock!' Celebrates Lifetime, Cancer Awareness|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/66306/womenrock-celebrates-lifetime-cancer-awareness|magazine=Billboard |date=September 28, 2004|access-date=November 24, 2020}}

In 2005, Herron and Robinson rejoined En Vogue, and Bennett withdrew from the group.{{cite web|title=Look for a reunion of En Vogue in 2005|url=http://www.acappellanews.com/archive/2004_06.html|website=AcappellaNews.com|date=June 14, 2004|access-date=March 10, 2018|archive-date=October 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003060332/http://www.acappellanews.com/archive/2004_06.html|url-status=dead}} The original four signed with one of the industry's largest management firms, the Firm Management Group, and began soliciting material for a new studio album which was expected to be released through Los Angeles-based Movemakers and Funkigirl Records.{{cite web|title=News|url=http://envoguemusic.com|website=EnVogueMusic.com|access-date=March 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060909223318/http://envoguemusic.com/|archive-date=September 9, 2006}} That September, the band joined Salt-N-Pepa for their first joint public performance of their 1994 single "Whatta Man" at VH1 Hip Hop Honors, and briefly toured together. The quartet also collaborated with Stevie Wonder and Prince on the backing vocals and music video for "So What the Fuss" from Wonder's 2005 A Time to Love album, which received a Grammy nomination at the 48th award ceremony in 2006.{{cite web|title=Wonder-ful Harmony|url=http://bv.channel.aol.com/entmain/buzz_canvas?id=20050411090109990001|work=AOL|access-date=March 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050414043127/http://bv.channel.aol.com/entmain/buzz_canvas?id=20050411090109990001|archive-date=April 14, 2005}}

After failing to agree on business terms, Robinson once again chose to defect from En Vogue, and Bennett returned to complete the quartet. As a result, En Vogue was let go from the Firm and an album full of new original material did not materialize. En Vogue continued to perform with Ellis, Herron, Jones, and Bennett on selected spot dates in North America, Europe, and Japan. During this time, they teamed with Flemish singer Natalia Druyts on a remix version of her song "Glamorous" which featured lead vocals by Bennett. Released as the second single from Druyts's third studio-album Everything and More (2007), it reached number two on the Ultratop 50 of the Flemish region of Belgium and launched the six-part Natalia Meets En Vogue feat. Shaggy concert series at the Antwerps Sportpaleis in January 2008.{{cite news|title=Extra show voor Natalia Meets En Vogue Feat. Shaggy|url=http://www.frontview-magazine.be/nl/nieuws/extra-show-voor-natalia-meets-en-vogue-feat-shaggy#.WqRtDD8gnDc|newspaper=Frontview Magazine|date=November 29, 2007 |access-date=March 10, 2018|language=nl}}

File:En Vogue live.jpeg in 2009.]]

On June 24, 2008, the original lineup of En Vogue appeared on the BET Awards, where they performed a medley with Alicia Keys, SWV and TLC as a tribute to girl groups of the 1990s.{{cite web|url=http://www.bet.com/shows/bet-awards/2012/my-bet-awards/bet-awards-2008.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113141455/http://www.bet.com/shows/bet-awards/2012/my-bet-awards/bet-awards-2008.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 13, 2012 |title=Awards 2008 | BET Awards |publisher=BET |access-date=March 11, 2018}} Complimented by the media, who declared their performance one of the evening's highlights, and with people buzzing about the industry return of the original band,{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BVIrAQAAIAAJ&q=en+vogue+jet+20th+anniversary+tour|title=Essence Festival Adds Maxwell, Al Green, Ne-Yo |magazine=Billboard |date=February 7, 2009|access-date=March 11, 2018}} the quartet talked about being united on a permanent basis. In August, after performing during selected spot dates, the original members announced their reformation for their 20th Anniversary World Tour which coincided with the release of their debut album Born to Sing (1990) and led them to tour North America, Europe and Japan.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1OUGJazwzA | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/z1OUGJazwzA| archive-date=2021-11-17 | url-status=live|title=En Vogue My Lovin' You're Never Gonna Get It on KTLA | date=9 August 2008|publisher=YouTube |access-date=2012-05-11}}{{cbignore}} In 2009, En Vogue along with singers Beyoncé, John Legend, and Ne-Yo, performed at the Essence Music Festival, held at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W_IkqgYO0AYC&q=%22EN+VOGUE%22+%22ESSENCE+FESTIVAL%22+2009&pg=PT9 |title=Essence Festival Adds Maxwell, Al Green, Ne-Yo |magazine=Billboard |date=February 7, 2009|access-date=March 11, 2018}}

Again, new material with Robinson failed to materialize, and in 2010, Herron, Ellis, and Jones signed with René Moore's Rufftown Records in a deal that was to include two albums and touring.{{cite magazine|first=Marc|last=Schneider|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6472675/en-vogue-sued-for-millions-after-label-flip |title=En Vogue Sued for Millions After Label Flip |magazine=Billboard |date=February 13, 2015|access-date=March 11, 2018}} While the trio finished several songs for a new album, including promotional single "I'll Cry Later" which was sent to select urban adult contemporary radio stations on September 26, 2011,{{cite web |url=http://popaddicts.com/new-music-en-vogue-ill-cry-later-radio-rip/ |title=New Music: En Vogue – "I'll Cry Later" (Radio Rip) « Pop Addicts |publisher=Popaddicts.com |access-date=2012-05-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421064141/http://popaddicts.com/new-music-en-vogue-ill-cry-later-radio-rip/ |archive-date=2012-04-21 }} the comeback stalled and Jones left the band once more. In August 2012, Jones and Robinson announced that they would potentially record a group album together under the name Heirs to the Throne.[http://www.parlemag.com/2012/11/en-vogue-performs-at-b-b-kings/ En Vogue Performs at B.B. Kings in NYC] Parlé Mag Online. Retrieved on May 11, 2013 While Herron and Ellis continued to tour as En Vogue along with a rejoined Bennett,

Jones and Robinson added singer Shaunté Usual to their lineup.{{cite web|url=http://twitpic.com/awewjv|title=Twitpic – Share photos and videos on Twitter|work=TwitPic}} However, in 2013, Robinson chose not to begin a new group with her former band member and instead joined the cast of the TV One reality show R&B Divas: Los Angeles.[http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/1538847/kelly-price-chante-moore-en-vogues-dawn-robinson-among-rb-divas Kelly Price, Chante Moore, En Vogue's Dawn Robinson Among 'R&B Divas: LA' Cast] Billboard. Retrieved on May 11, 2013 Meanwhile, Jones began touring with singers Alison Carney and Maria Freeman as her new lineup of En Vogue, titled En Vogue to the Max.[http://www.sevenvenues.com/show/view/679/CANCELLED_En_Vogue_to_the_Max_starring_Maxine_Jones CANCELLED: En Vogue to the Max starring Maxine Jones] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130503031042/http://sevenvenues.com/show/view/679/CANCELLED_En_Vogue_to_the_Max_starring_Maxine_Jones |date=2013-05-03 }} Seven Venues. Retrieved on May 11, 2013[https://www.bet.com/article/isga6o/maxine-jones-appeals-en-vogue-decision Maxine Jones Appeals En Vogue Decision] BET News. Retrieved on May 11, 2013[https://twitter.com/MaxineJonesEV/status/312813643110678528 EnVogue performs half-time at the Detroit Piston's game on Monday March 18th] Twitter.com. Retrieved on May 11, 2013 Jones later lost the right to use the En Vogue name after Herron and Ellis had filed suit against her for unauthorized use of the name, and a judge ruled that Herron and Ellis, as holders of the group's LLC, had exclusive rights to the group's name. Jones went solo and began recording her own original material, releasing her debut single "Didn't I" and a new ballad version of the En Vogue hit "Don't Let Go (Love)" with Australian singer Greg Gould.{{cite web|last=TMZ Staff|title=Celebrity Justice: En Vogue Legal War Settled... Losers Stripped of Name|url=http://www.tmz.com/2013/04/01/en-vogue-lawsuit-name-settled/|publisher=TMZ.com|access-date=17 April 2013|date=1 April 2013}}

In July 2014, Bennett, Ellis, and Herron signed a new contract with Pyramid Records and began work on the album Electric Café with mentors Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz8fXsaG3Qw En Vogue Vocal Outtakes for New Album "Electric Café"]. Youtube.com. Retrieved on December 25, 2014 In November, the trio appeared on the Lifetime holiday film An En Vogue Christmas in which they played fictional versions of themselves, reuniting to perform a benefit concert to save the nightclub where they got their start.{{cite web|first=Michael|last=Schneider|url=http://www.tvguide.com/news/en-vogue-lifetime-1087721/html|title=Exclusive: En Vogue Reunites for Lifetime Christmas Movie|work=TV Guide|date=September 30, 2014 |access-date=March 12, 2018}} The original movie featured En Vogue's hit singles as well as two new tracks and a rendition of "O Holy Night", later released digitally through En Vogue Records. In February 2015, Rufftown sued Ellis and Herron for over US $300 million, claiming the duo violated an exclusive recording contract by signing with Pyramid, alleging breach of contract, negligence, interference and fraud. Settled out of court, it resulted in the release of the extended play Rufftown Presents En Vogue in April 2015, which contained four songs recorded during their time with Rufftown, including "I'll Cry Later".{{cite web|url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/rufftown-records-is-proud-to-announce-a-new-exciting-release-from-en-vogue-517450861.html|title=Rufftown Records Is Proud to Announce a New, Exciting Release from En Vogue|publisher=Rufftown Entertainment |date=April 17, 2015 |access-date=March 12, 2018}}

In 2016, En Vogue released "Deja Vu," the first promotional single from Electric Café, through their own label En Vogue Records after signing with Entertainment One Music.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/deja-vu-single/1132989108|title=Deja Vu - Single|date=4 April 2016 |publisher=ITunes.Apple Inc. (US)|access-date=March 12, 2018}} The following year, they embarked on the For the Love of Music Tour.{{cite web|url=http://envoguemusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/En-Vogue-2017-International-For-The-Love-of-Music-Tour-Release.pdf|title=For the Love of Music Tour release|website=Envoguemusic.com|access-date=2017-02-23|archive-date=2017-02-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216054133/http://envoguemusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/En-Vogue-2017-International-For-The-Love-of-Music-Tour-Release.pdf|url-status=dead}} The European tour launched on April 6, 2017 in Dublin, Ireland and concluded in Bremen, Germany on April 25.{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/envoguemusic/posts/1218144711572432 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/124836214236626/1218144711572432 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited| title=En Vogue announce For the Love of Music Tour|website=Facebook.com}}{{cbignore}} Also in 2017, the trio released three further singles from their forthcoming effort,{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/de/album/have-a-seat-feat-snoop-dogg-single/1309818942|title=Have a Seat - Single|date=17 November 2017 |publisher=ITunes.Apple Inc. (DE)|access-date=April 9, 2018}} including buzz singles "I'm Good" and "Have a Seat" featuring Snoop Dogg as well as Ne-Yo-penned lead single "Rocket", the latter of which became their first top 10 hit on Billboard{{'}}s Adult R&B Songs chart in over 20 years.{{cite web|url=https://www.essence.com/entertainment/en-vogue-rocket-video-premiere|work=Essence|title=En Vogue Premieres 'Rocket' Video Off Their Forthcoming Album|access-date=March 12, 2018}}

In April 2018, En Vogue began the second leg of their European Tour in support of their seventh full-length studio album Electric Café.{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/envoguemusic/posts/1528129413907292 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/124836214236626/1528129413907292 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=En Vogue|website=Facebook.com}}{{cbignore}} The same month, the album, their first studio project in 14 years, was released.{{Cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/en-vogueic-comeback-female-empowerment_us_584186aae4b0c68e04804f8e|title=En Vogue Dish On Their Music Comeback And Female Empowerment|last1=Williams|first1=Brennan|website=The Huffington Post|date=2016-12-02|access-date=2016-12-28}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/notes/en-vogue/platinum-selling-trio-en-vogue-signs-worldwide-deal-with-entertainment-one-new-a/1258587050861531|title=PLATINUM-SELLING TRIO EN VOGUE SIGNS WORLDWIDE DEAL WITH ENTERTAINMENT ONE NEW ALBUM, ELECTRIC CAFE, COMING SUMMER 2017 | Facebook|website=Facebook.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.essence.com/entertainment/en-vogue-new-single-rocket/|title=EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE: Listen To En Vogue's New Single, 'Rocket'|website=Essence.com|date=24 October 2020 }} A blend of neo soul, pop, and contemporary R&B with electronic dance music, the trio worked with Raphael Saadiq, Dem Jointz, Curtis "Sauce" Wilson as well as regular contributors Foster & McElroy on most of the album.{{Cite web|url=https://wgntv.com/2017/02/11/en-vogue-interview/|title=En Vogue interview|website=Wgntv.com|date=February 11, 2017}} Electric Café received mixed reviews from critics, many of whom praised the band for their vocal performances but found the material too generic and uneven.{{cite web|first=Andy|last=Kellman |title=AllMusic Review|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/electric-caf%C3%A9-mw0003149809|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=August 21, 2022}} In the United States, the album debuted at number 14 on Billboard{{'}}s Independent Albums and reached the Top Album Sales chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/en-vogue/chart-history/ind/| title=En Vogue, Chart History|website=Billboard.com|access-date=August 21, 2022}} A second and final single from the album, "Reach 4 Me" became a top 20 hit on US Adult R&B Songs Chart in August 2018.

In July 2019, the group performed on the song "I Got You (Always and Forever)" alongside Chance the Rapper, Kierra Sheard, and Ari Lennox on the rapper's album The Big Day.{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/5-takeaways-from-chance-the-rappers-new-album-the-big-day/|work=Pitchfork|title=5 Takeaways from Chance the Rapper's New Album, The Big Day|date=26 July 2019 |access-date=September 12, 2019}} In October 2019, original members Robinson and Jones reunited with Ellis, Herron, and Bennett for an on-stage performance to salute music industry executive Sylvia Rhone at the City of Hope Gala 2019, marking the first time all five members performed together.{{cite web|url=https://thatgrapejuice.net/2019/10/vogue-reunite-with-members/|website=Thatgrapejuice.net|title=En Vogue Reunite With ALL Members|date=11 October 2019 |access-date=October 11, 2019}} Plans to reunite permanently for another concert tour in support of their 30th anniversary in 2020, failed to materialize when the four original members could not agree on whether Bennett should once again step down as a non-original member.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXZqaywo8EY|via=YouTube|work=Halftime Chat|title=Halftime Chat with Dawn Robinson|date=22 January 2021 |access-date=August 21, 2022}}

In October 2020, the trio of Ellis, Herron, and Bennett closed out the 2020 Billboard Music Awards, performing "Free Your Mind". The following year, the group made a cameo in the romantic comedy sequel Coming 2 America alongside Salt-N-Pepa.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/22314289/coming-2-america-review|website=Polygon.com|title=Coming 2 America is a fine family reunion, with a whole lot of new additions|date=March 4, 2020|access-date=March 4, 2020}}

In 2022, En Vogue competed in season seven of The Masked Singer as the "Queen Cobras" of Team Bad. The trio narrowly missed out on a spot in the finale of the singing competition as they were eliminated on the week of May 4 alongside Shaggy as "Space Bunny" of Team Cuddly.{{cite web|first=Dana Rose|last= Falcone|url=https://people.com/music/en-vogue-masked-singer-as-queen-cobra-was-a-bit-intimidating/|website=People.com|title=En Vogue Reveals Why Going on 'The Masked Singer' as Queen Cobra 'Was a Bit Intimidating'|date=May 5, 2022|access-date=August 21, 2022}} The same year, the band embarked on the Mixtape Tour alongside New Kids on the Block, Salt-N-Pepa, and Rick Astley.{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/new-kids-on-the-block-mixtape-2022-tour-salt-n-pepa-rick-astley-en-vogue-1236377/|website=Rollingstone.com|title=New Kids on the Block Announce 'Mixtape 2022' Tour With Salt-N-Pepa, Rick Astley, En Vogue|date=October 4, 2021 |access-date=August 21, 2022}}

File:Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2023 New York City (53353509740).jpg in 2023.]]

In the summer of 2023, En Vogue joined TLC and Shaggy on the Hot Summer Nights tour,{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/tlc-shaggy-2023-tour-en-vogue-sean-kingston-1234695688/|website=Rollingstone.com|title=TLC and Shaggy Announce 'Hot Summer Nights' Tour With En Vogue and Sean Kingston|date=March 23, 2023 |access-date=October 18, 2024}} and performed as the headlining pop group for the 2023 Boston Pops Orchestra Fireworks Spectacular on July 4, 2023.{{cite web | url=https://www.boston.com/things-to-do/festivals-expos/2023-boston-pops-fireworks-spectacular-announces-lineup-special-guests/ | title=2023 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular announces lineup, special guests }} Later that year, they performed "Free Your Mind" in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.{{cite web|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/blog/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-2023-live-updates-rcna126389|website=Today.com|title=Here's everything you missed at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

|date=November 23, 2023 |access-date=October 18, 2024}}

In May and June 2024, the group returned to London, England for the first time since 2018 for performances at the Cross the Tracks and Mighty Hoopla 2024 festivals,{{cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/london/news/cross-the-tracks-2024-in-brockwell-park-timings-tickets-and-everything-you-need-to-know-052424|website=TimeOut.com|title=Cross The Tracks 2024 in Brockwell Park: timings, tickets and everything you need to know|date=May 24, 2024 |access-date=October 18, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.brixtonbuzz.com/2024/06/mighty-hoopla-festival-all-the-stage-times-and-brixton-after-parties-for-sat-1st-and-sun-2nd-june-2024/|website=BrixtonBuzz.com|title=Mighty Hoopla festival - all the stage times and Brixton after-parties for Sat 1st and Sun 2nd June 2024|date=June 1, 2024 |access-date=October 18, 2024}} also performing at summer festivals in the United States and in CNN's "The Fourth in America" in July.{{cite web|url=https://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/2024/06/18/cnns-the-fourth-in-america-special-returns-with-all-star-musical-lineup/|website=Today.com|title=CNN's "The Fourth In America" Special Returns with All-Star Musical Lineup|date=June 18, 2024 |access-date=October 18, 2024}}

In February 2025, En Vogue performed at the NBA All-Star Game 2025 halftime show alongside music acts E-40, Too Short, Saweetie and DJ Cassidy, with former member Maxine Jones rejoining the group.{{Cite web |date=February 11, 2025 |title=Raphael Saadiq, DJ Cassidy, E-40, Too $hort, Saweetie and En Vogue to lead musical tributes to Bay Area at NBA All-Star 2025 |url=https://pr.nba.com/nba-all-star-2025-music/ |access-date=February 17, 2025 |website=NBA}}{{Cite web |date=February 16, 2025 |title=Never say never... #NBAAllStar #PasstheMicLive |url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGKSVE-N-OR/?igsh=MWRvdTQ4aGY3NWhwMg== |access-date=February 17, 2025 |website=Instagram}} Jones is expected join the band on their European tour which will kick off on June 18 in Antwerp and conclude on July 6 in East Sussex, followed by a US summer tour.{{Cite web |date=March 4, 2025|title=Update: A Show-Stopping Reunion: Original En Vogue Member Maxine Jones Reunites With Group, Reviving Classic Lineup For New Era! |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/03/04/3036879/0/en/Update-A-Show-Stopping-Reunion-Original-En-Vogue-Member-Maxine-Jones-Reunites-With-Group-Reviving-Classic-Lineup-For-New-Era.html |access-date=May 28, 2025 |website=globenewswire.com}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}Current members

• Terry Ellis (1989–present)
• Cindy Herron (1989–2003; 2004–present)
• Maxine Jones (1989–2001; 2003–2012, 2025–present)
• Rhona Bennett (2003–2005; 2006–2008; 2012–present)

Former members

• Dawn Robinson (1989–1997; 2005; 2008–2011)
• Amanda Cole (2001–2003)

{{col-end}}

{{#tag:timeline|

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{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by En Vogue}}

{{Main|En Vogue discography}}

;Studio albums

• Born to Sing (1990)
• Funky Divas (1992)
• EV3 (1997)
• Masterpiece Theatre (2000)
• The Gift of Christmas (2002)
• Soul Flower (2004)
• Electric Café (2018)

• Born to Sing Tour (1991)
• EV3 Tour (1997)
• Masterpiece Theatre Tour (2000)
• En Vogue Live! (2005)
• En Vogue: 20th Anniversary Tour (2009–2011)
• For the Love of Music (2017)
• European Tour (2025)

• Funky Divas/Never Let Me Go Tour (1993) (with Luther Vandross)
• Mixtape Tour (2022) (with New Kids on the Block, Rick Astley, and Salt-N-Pepa)

• List of best-selling girl groups

{{Reflist|2}}

{{sister project links|d=Q1137304|c=Category:En Vogue|q=no|s=no|wikt=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|species=no|m=no|mw=no|n=no}}

• {{Official website}}
• {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p4191}}
• {{IMDb name|1622923|En Vogue}}
• {{discogs artist|21295}}

{{En Vogue|state=expanded}}

{{Navboxes

|title = Awards for En Vogue

|list =

{{American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group}}

{{MTV Video Music Award for Best R&B Video}}

{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Duo or Group}}

}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:En Vogue}}

Category:African-American girl groups

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Category:Atlantic Records artists

Category:Musical groups established in 1989

Category:Musical groups from Oakland, California

Category:American pop girl groups

Category:1989 establishments in California