Simone Battle

Simone Sherise Battle (June 17, 1989 – September 5, 2014) was an American singer, dancer and actress. Beginning her career after appearing in the American series ''Zoey 101'' and ''Everybody Hates Chris,'' she also starred in several music videos and in the film '' We the Party'' (2012) alongside Snoop Dogg. Battle garnered attention after auditioning for the American version of ''The X Factor'' in 2011, and was eliminated at the first live show.

In 2012, she joined the original line up for American girl group G.R.L, and the group rose to prominence in 2014 for their single " Wild Wild Love", with American rapper and singer Pitbull. The song reached the top ten in Australia, Belgium, Norway, Scotland, United Kingdom and became their first chart entry on the US Billboard Hot 100. In June 2014, "Ugly Heart" was released to critical acclaim and became the group's second consecutive hit and reached the top ten in Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, and Australia.

Three months after the success of "Ugly Heart" Battle died by suicide at the age of 25, after struggling with depression. Following her death, the group dedicated their single "Lighthouse" to her.

Career

2006–2011: Career beginnings and ''The X Factor''

Battle made her television debut in 2006, having small roles on shows including ''Zoey 101'' and ''Everybody Hates Chris''. In 2008, Battle was featured as the main character in the Mary Mary music video " Get Up". Battle also appeared as a background dancer in the Cali Swag District music video " Teach Me How to Dougie" in 2010.

In 2011, Battle auditioned for the American singing competition ''The X Factor'' in front of judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Cheryl and L.A. Reid. Battle sang " When I Grow Up" by The Pussycat Dolls. After receiving three yeses from the judges, Battle had made it through to Bootcamp. She was mentored by Cowell after becoming one of the top 32 contestants in the girls category. Battle chose to be part of the live shows with Melanie Amaro, Rachel Crow, Drew, and Tiah Tolliver. After making it to the top 17, Battle and Tolliver were eliminated from the girls category during the first week by Cowell. He had also noted Battle as being one of his favorite contestants that he has mentored.
Battle's performances on ''The X Factor'' were:

2012–2014: Solo success, acting roles, and formation of G.R.L

In 2012, Battle starred opposite Mandela Van Peebles, Moisés Arias, and Snoop Dogg in her film debut '' We the Party''. The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics. We the Party was Battle's only full-length film. In 2012, Battle played Olivia in the short film ''Meanamorphosis''. The film was released on April 27, 2012.

Upon Steve Jones' announcement that she had been eliminated from the competition, Battle promoted the online release of her debut music video "He Likes Boys".

In August 2012, Battle was initially part of The Pussycat Dolls' proposed new lineup after their previous members disbanded in 2010. The announcement of her joining the group was made during the opening of the Pussycat Dolls Dollhouse at the Keating Hotel in San Diego, California. Antin later announced in February 2013 that they would continue instead as the "next generation" of the Dolls as a group called G.R.L.

Death

Battle was found hanging in her bedroom closet on September 5, 2014, at the age of 25. The cause of death was ruled as suicide. A spokesperson for Battle stated that she suffered from depression due to financial issues.

Tributes

Simone's death led to a wide amount of media coverage and responses from fellow entertainers, co-workers, fans, and friends on social media. Many of Battle's co-workers and fellow entertainers including Robin Antin, Nicole Scherzinger, Simon Cowell, Pitbull, Cirkut, Dr. Luke, Mel B, Cheryl, and fellow G.R.L. members Natasha Slayton, Emmalyn Estrada and Lauren Bennett paid tribute to Battle by writing about her on their social media. The hashtag #RIPSimone was commonly used in posts about her, which trended worldwide on Twitter, as well as "Simone Battle".

Musical tributes

Battle's band G.R.L. released the single "Lighthouse" as a tribute to Battle. The music video features clips and photos of Battle throughout her life.

Discography

Battle released four singles and one music video as a solo artist and released one extended play, two singles (including one as a featured artist), two promotional singles, and three music videos with G.R.L.

Singles

Music videos

Covers

Filmography

Film

Television

Music videos

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Battle, Simone
1989 births
2014 deaths
20th-century African-American women singers
20th-century American women singers
20th-century American singers
The X Factor (American TV series) contestants
American film actresses
American television actresses
Actresses from Los Angeles
Singers from Los Angeles
Suicides by hanging in California
21st-century African-American actresses
21st-century American actresses
Participants in American reality television series
21st-century American women singers
21st-century American singers
2014 suicides
G.R.L. members
21st-century African-American women singers