Shocking and saddening news today. TMZ has reported that X-Factor contestant Simone Battle has been found dead in her Los Angeles residence of an apparent suicide. She was 25.
Simone competed on the first season of The X-Factor USA, where she won a spot on Simon Cowell’s girls team, but was eliminated in the first week. After leaving the show, she joined girl group GRL, which was supposed to be a remake of The Pussycat Dolls.
This is still a developing story, but our hearts go out to her friends and family at this time.
UPDATE: I’d never heard of GRL until now, but it has another reality show fave, Paula Van Oppen from So You Think You Can Dance. Paula famously declined a Top 20 spot in favor of shooting a role in Cher’s Burlesque.
UPDATE: TMZ reports that Simone was found hanging on a rod in the closet of her bedroom around 8:30 AM on Friday. She was living in the guest house of a large residence in West Hollywood. Also, GRL’s new single, “Ugly Heart” was about to hit the chart.
I sitting here … In utter disbelief… A contestant from my season of @TheXFactorUSA the beautiful Simone Battle took her own life.
— Stacy Francis (@stacyfrancis) September 6, 2014
R.I.P to the beautiful. @GRLSimone — Broke Homie Astro (@AstronomicalKid) 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
Devastated & upset to hear about the passing of @GRLSimone. My prayers go out to her family @robinantinpcd @GRL & my ReignDeer family.
— Nicole Scherzinger (@NicoleScherzy) September 6, 2014
Incredibly saddened to hear about Simone Battle’s passing. I remember watching her on my tv the 1st season of X Factor. Many prayers. — Carlos Guevara (@carlosgu14) September 6, 2014
My thoughts and my prayers are going out to @GRLSimone‘s family and friends. rest in peace beautiful.
— Willie Jones (@ThatKiddWill) September 6, 2014
We are greatly saddened to learn the tragic news about Simone Battle. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends. — THE X FACTOR (USA) (@TheXFactorUSA) 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 — The Real Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) September 6, 2014
Simone sings “Just Be Good to Me” on X Factor USA
“He Likes Boys” Official Video
