Singer-songwriter Kristen Hall is leaving Sugarland to concentrate on her songwriting. In a statement posted Tuesday (Jan. 17) on the trio's Web site, remaining members Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush said, "Kristen has decided that she wants to stay home and write songs, and we support her in that decision."

A source at the group's record label, Mercury Nashville, told CMT.com that Hall's departure from the band takes effect immediately. Sugarland's next performance is scheduled for Feb. 11 at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Nettles and Bush are expected to continue carrying the Sugarland banner as the opening act for Kenny Chesney's upcoming tour that kicks off March 23 in Dayton, Ohio.

Hall released two solo albums for High Street/Windham Hill before teaming with Nettles and Bush to form Sugarland. With Nettles and Bush, Hall co-wrote the trio's debut single, "Baby Girl," and "Something More." Both tracks peaked at No. 2 on Billboard's country singles chart. Hall is the sole write of Sugarland's current single, "Just Might (Make Me Believe)," currently at No. 12 on the country chart. All three singles are from the platinum debut album, Twice the Speed of Life, released in October 2004.

The Atlanta-based trio received the favorite new artist trophy at the 2005 American Music Awards. They are also nominated for a Grammy for best new artist in an all-genre category that includes Ciara, Fall Out Boy, Keane and John Legend. The Grammy Awards will be announced Feb. 8 in Los Angeles.

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