GRL singer Simone Battle dead: Former X Factor hopeful singer dies aged 25
Simon Cowell has paid to tribute to Battle, who was part of a five-piece girl band called G.R.L.
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Singer Simone Battle has been found dead in her West Hollywood home aged 25.
The musician was found by her father in her on Friday, officials said, though the circumstance surrounding her death is still unclear.
Californian singer Battle rose to prominence in 2011 after an appearance on the US version of X Factor, during which she made it through to the final 17.
Upon her elimination from the competition, Battle released her own song and then joined a girl group called G.R.L., which was initially supposed to be a reboot of Pussycat Dolls – with the same name – after those members disbanded in 2010.
G.R.L. is a five-piece girl group founded by Robin Antin, the choreographer who also formed the Pussycat Dolls.
The group began as their new incarnation G.R.L. in the beginning of 2013 and featured on rapper Pitbull’s song Wild Wild Love earlier this year, reaching number six in the UK charts in May.
G.R.L.’s record labels, RCA and Kemosabe, described Battle as an exceptional young talent and human being.
A further statement on the band’s Facebook group read: “Words cannot express the depth of our loss. Simone's incredible talent was only surpassed by the size of her heart. We will carry her memory with us in everything we do.”
In the beginning of her career she also had small acting parts in a handful of shows and films including Everybody Hates Chris and Zoey 101.
Simone was then judged on the X Factor by Cheryl Cole, LA Reid, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, who posted a tributes to Battle on Twitter yesterday.
Abdul said: "My heart & prayers go out 2 @GRLSimone's family, band mates, & loved ones. Such a beautiful sweet promising star. May she rest in peace. xoP," while Cheryl said: "Such tragically sad news to hear of the passing of Simone battle.. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones #RIPSimone."
Coroner's Department Lt David Smith said an autopsy is scheduled to take place today.
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