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Sugababes were formed in 1998 by All Saints manager Ron Tom. Siobhan Donaghy and Mutya Buena, both aged just 13, had been signed as solo artists, but decided to work together after performing at the same showcase. While working in the studio, Mutya invited her best friend Keisha Buchanan to come and watch them. Manager Tom decided the three girls were to be a trio, likening their different appearances to the United Colours of Benetton campaign. Originally dubbed the Sugababies, the group's name was tweaked to Sugababes when they were signed by London Records in order to give the group a more mature image.
The group's debut single, "Overload", peaked at number 6 on the UK Singles Chart in 2000 and was nominated for a BRIT Award for Best Single. The group co-wrote most of the tracks on debut album One Touch with the help of All Saints producer Cameron McVey. One Touch peaked at number 26 on the UK Album Chart. The sales of One Touch did not meet London Records' expectations, and they dropped the group in 2001.
During a Japanese promotional tour in August 2001, Siobhan left the group. She stated initially that she wanted to pursue a fashion career, but was eventually diagnosed with clinical depression amid. Former Atomic Kitten member Heidi Range was announced as her replacement. Having already started work on a second album with new member Heidi, the trio looked for a new record label, eventually signing to Island Records. Their first single on the new label, "Freak like Me" scored the group their first UK number 1 single.
The Sugababes released their thirteenth single, "Push the Button" in October 2005. It debuted at number 1 in the UK, giving the group their fourth UK chart topper.
Following an apparent illness that prevented Mutya from promoting follow-up single "Ugly", it was announced on 21 December 2005 that she had left the Sugababes. According to an announcement on their official website, Mutya's decision was based purely on personal reasons following the birth of her daughter.
Amelle Berrabah joined the Sugababes in late December 2005, having been chosen by the group's management to replace Mutya Buena.
In 2007, the group recorded the official Comic Relief single with fellow UK girl group Girls Aloud. The single became the band's fifth UK number 1 single. Mattel teamed up with the Sugababes to create a new themed Barbie doll collection, which hit stores in May 2007.
In January 2009, the Performing Right Society named Sugababes the fourth hardest-working band of 2008 due to the number of concerts they had performed during that year.
In September 2009, Keisha, the sole original member of group, left the Sugababes. Her place was filled by Jade Ewen, the UK's 2009 Eurovision Song Contest entrant. Keisha used her official Twitter account to clarify it was not her decision to leave the band, resulting in a storm of controversy in which the media described Keisha as having been "sacked" from the group.
In the 2010 edition of FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World", the Sugababes were listed at number 82, the first time the group has appeared in the list, although Heidi Range had once featured at 94. In April 2010, it was announced that the Sugababes had begun recording the group's eighth studio album. On 10 January 2011, it was announced that the group was releasing their second compilation album, Push the Button: The Collection and follows a thirteen year career by the group which has included three line-up changes, seven studio albums and eighteen top-ten UK singles.
In August 2010, it was revealed that the Sugababes will be releasing their own fragrances named Tempt, Tease and Touch.
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