G.R.L. has entered the UK singles chart at No 11, two days after its member, Simone Battle, was found dead at her home in Los Angeles.
Simone Battle, 25, who joined G.R.L. after being a finalist on The X Factor USA in 2011, was found dead at her home on September 5.
Her death, which has since been ruled a suicide, came as their full debut track Ugly Heart is starting to take off.
G.R.L.’s only previous UK chart appearance was as guest performers on Pitbull’s number six hit Wild Wild Love in May.
G.R.L. has entered the UK singles chart at No 11, two days after Simone Battle was found dead
The four remaining members of the group said in a statement that “words cannot express the depth of our loss” and “we will carry her memory with us in everything we do”.
Meanwhile, X Factor judge Simon Cowell said Simone Battle’s death was “such a loss”.
G.R.L. were put together by Pussycat Dolls creator Robin Antin and were originally intended to be a new version of the Pussycat Dolls after that group split up.
Simone Battle’s death was ruled a suicide by hanging by Los Angeles authorities on September 7.
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G.R.L. member Simone Battle was found dead in the bedroom of her apartment in a West Hollywood neighborhood.
She was only 25 years old.
Simone Battle’s father told TMZ the singer’s home was a guest house in a larger residence.
Her death appears to be a suicide, a law enforcement source told TMZ.
Simone Battle’s death appears to be a suicide (photo Getty Images)
According to new reports, Simone Battle was found hanging in a closet in her bedroom around 8:30 a.m. on September 5.
An autopsy is planned for Simone Battle but hasn’t been completed yet.
A close friend who declined to be named told E!: “It’s shocking. Simone was full of life. Accomplishing all of her goals and dreams.
“She was so talented, a star in every sense of the word. I’ve never encountered such fierce drive. You just knew she would be a star, and she was so gracious. It’s hard to grasp she’s gone. She will be incredibly missed.”
Simone Battle’s father told to the Daily Mail: “She will be greatly missed and loved. She was an exuberant person and a very loved person.”
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G.R.L’s singer and former X Factor contestant Simone Battle has died at the age of 25.
Simone Battle’s death was confirmed in a joint statement from Reign Deer Entertainment, Robin Antin, Kemosabe Records, and RCA Records.
The statement read: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the loss of Simone Battle of G.R.L.
“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.”
G.R.L’s singer and former X Factor contestant Simone Battle has died at the age of 25 (photo Getty Images)
The cause of Simone Battle’s death is not yet known and there’s so far been no word from her bandmates. She was found dead at her West Hollywood home.
Simone Battle was originally part of the line-up for the new version of the Pussycat Dolls, put together by the Dolls’ original creator Robin Antin.
However, after a few line-up changes, that group eventually became G.R.L.
G.R.L. is on course to enter the top five of the UK’s Official Chart with their single Ugly Heart.
In 2011, Simone Battle appeared on the first series of The X Factor USA, performing in front of judges including Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul.
She progressed to the live finals of the show.
Cheryl Cole’s among those who’ve paid tribute. She tweeted: “Such tragically sad news to hear of the passing of Simone Battle. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones.”
Another tribute came from former member of the Pussycat Dolls Kimberley Wyatt who tweeted: “In disbelief… My heart hurts for her friends, family, and bandmates.”
One of Simone Battle’s friends, Derek Butler, posted a picture of her on Instagram with the comment: “I’m still in shock and in disbelief to have confirmed the death of my childhood friend Simone Battle.
“Her heart was pure gold and her star power limitless.”
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