Simone Battle, an X Factor finalist and member of the band G.R.L has reportedly passed away. The 25-year-old artist rose to fame thanks to her appearance on the US singing competition and was a part of the group G.R.L, a reboot of the Pussycat Dolls. The group had just been signed by a major record producer and had recently toured Australia with their double platinum hit “Ugly Heart” when news of her death broke this week.
According to unofficial reports, the singer was found dead in her West Hollywood apartment by her father Anthony Battle early Friday morning. The cause of death at this time is still unknown. Battle’s band and management company have released statements expressing their sorrow over the loss of the talented young singer and celebrities, including Simon Cowell, former Pussycat Doll member and X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger and pop icon Paula Abdul took to Twitter to mourn the sudden passing of their friend:
Dedicating my performance tonight in South Africa to @GRLSimone & any1 struggling w/a hard time
Please #NeverGiveUp #Madiba #Don’tLooseFaith— Nicole Scherzinger (@NicoleScherzy) September 6, 2014
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
— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) September 6, 2014
I am so sad to hear about the news Simone Battle has passed away. She was such a fun nice person. It's such a loss. Rest in peace Simone.
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) September 6, 2014
