It's been confirmed that GRL's Simone Battle has died, aged 25.
A joint statement from Reign Deer Entertainment, Robin Antin, Kemosabe Records, and RCA Records reads:
“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.”
The news was broken overnight via an Instagram post by Simone's friend, the producer Derek Butler.
After scoring a number of small TV roles, Simone made it through to the live finals of the 2011 season of US X Factor. The following year Pussycat Dolls creator Robin Antin picked Simone for an all-new Pussycat Dolls lineup; by 2013 the band had been rebranded as GRL.
GRL's first major UK release, 'Ugly Heart', was released this week and is amazing.