Fifth Harmony gave Camila Cabello a Top Five Billboard hit, three MTV Video Music Awards and a fandom that would defend her to the death. What it didn't give her, according to Seventeen's newest cover story, is a path to genuine artistic expression.

Cabello, who quit the group in December 2016 after five years, expanded on her move in the magazine's latest issue. She said part of the reason why she left was feeling stifled by the direction in which the band was moving.

"Fifth Harmony wasn't the maximum expression of me individually," she said. "My fans are really going to know me from the music I'm writing. My goal is to be brave and open up my soul."

Still, Cabello says she eagerly supports 5H's remaining four ladies.

"I'll continue to wish them all the best, and I'm happy they are continuing their journey as Fifth Harmony," she said. "I'm also looking forward to hearing new music from the group and their solo endeavors."

And as for her own solo pursuits, Cabello said finding love is a top priority, and having a friend like Taylor Swift has made navigating the complicated world of romance a little bit easier.

"Taylor is always the person that I go to for boy advice. The reason we became friends was purely because we think the same way about a lot of things: We're both really sensitive and emotional when it comes to love. We love love, and we love writing songs about love."

Fifth Harmony Through the Years:

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