G.R.L’s Simone Battle Dies At Age 25

Christina Lee | September 6, 2014 8:06 am

Simone Battle, member of girl group G.R.L., was found dead the morning of September 5, according to her father Anthony Battle. “She will be greatly missed and loved,” he said to The Daily Mail. “She was a very exuberant person and a very loved person.” Battle was 25.

Battle first appeared as a 2011 contestant of the The X Factor, U.S. edition. “What I like about you is that you really are fearless,” Simon Cowell said at the time she auditioned. He went on to mentor her as she became a finalist. When she was eliminated, Battle released the video for a solo single, “He Likes Boys.” Then in 2013, she re-emerged as one of five members of G.R.L., helmed by Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin.

Antin confirmed news of Battle’s death in a joint statement with Kemosabe Records, RCA Records and G.R.L’s management team, Reign Deer Entertainment. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the loss of Simone Battle of G.R.L.,” it reads. “Simone was an exceptional young talent and human being, and we are all devastated to learn of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones at this time.”

While the cause of death is still being investigated, producer Derek Butler alludes to suicide in a new Instagram post dedicated to Battle, a childhood friend. “As I sit here with tears streaming down my face from the pain another victim who was hurting and afraid. Broken but still so beautiful. Who’s [sic] talent is endless and heart filled with endless dreams and possibilities.”

Dancer Taylour Paige echoes Butler’s statements, by imploring followers to “BE FUCKING KIND AND TELL PEOPLE YOU FUCKING LOVE THEM WHILE THEYRE FUCKING AROUND.”

Revisit Battle’s X Factor audition below.

Get an eyeful of even more pop music coverage, from artist interviews to exclusive performances, on Idolator’s YouTube channel.

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