Adrienne Bailon reveals that Solange was originally cast as Aqua in Cheetah Girls

Cheetah Girls were an American girl group formed in 2003, consisting of Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams Sabrina Bryan, and Raven-Symoné as a member only on soundtrack albums. The group was created by Disney, and were the first multi-ethnic girl music group to come out of the Disney Channel.

In an interview with We Said What We Said podcast, Bailon has revealed that Solange Knowles was originally cast to play the role of Aqua.

"At the time, I was told that the other girls were chosen were Raven-Symoné as Galleria, Sabrina Bryan as Dorinda, myself as Chanel, and Solange as Aqua". After the presenters expressed their shock at the revelation, she continued: "The character is supposed to be from Houston, Texas, and she has the Texas accent and the hot sauce!"

Adrienne Bailon reveals on Spotify’s #WeSaidWhatWeSaid podcast that Solange was originally cast as Aqua in ‘Cheetah Girls’ before the role ended up going to Kiely Williams.pic.twitter.com/oXn4Je0eXs

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 12, 2023

Bailon goes on to explain that Solange was originally the cast member, but "at the last minute" ended up not doing the film. It has been speculated that this was due to the promotion and release of her debut album, Solo Star.

"I remember I was in dance rehearsal with 3LW, and we got a phone call that said 'Is there any way that Kiely could jump into the role for Aqua?'," she continued. Subsequently the role was then given to Kiely Williams, who was in the girl group 3LW with her at the time.

3LW were an group formed in 1999 by Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams, and Naturi Naughton. Their debut single, "No More (Baby I'ma Do Right)", was released in the fall of 2000, and was followed by their second hit "Playas Gon' Play" in early 2001. They were originally signed to Epic Records before moving to So So Def, and eventually disbanded in 2007.