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 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, 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". A spokesperson for Battle stated that she suffered from depression due to financial issues. She was interred at Inglewood Park Cemetery.

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.

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 Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album US AUS IRE NZ KOR CAN FRA UK "Rain" 2008 — — — — — — — — "Just a Boy" 2009 — — — — — — — — "Material Girl" — — — — — — — — "He Likes Boys" 2011 — — — — — — — — "Vacation"(as of a member of G.R.L.) 2013 — — — — 97 — — — The Smurfs 2: Music from and Inspired By "Show Me What You Got"(as of a member of G.R.L.) 2014 — — — — — — — — G.R.L. "Wild Wild Love"(Pitbull featuring G.R.L.) 30 10 30 25 — 22 90 6 ARIA: Platinum MC: Platinum Globalization "Ugly Heart"(as of a member of G.R.L.) 107 2 2 3 — — — 11 ARIA: 4× Platinum BPI: Silver RMNZ: Platinum G.R.L.

Music videos Song Year Director "He Likes Boys" 2011 Shane McLafferty "Vacation" 2013 Hannah Lux Davis "Wild Wild Love" 2014 David Rousseau "Ugly Heart" Chris Marrs Piliero

Covers Year Title2008"Like a Star""Saving All My Love for You"2010"Tik Tok""Speechless""Teenage Dream"2011"Rolling in the Deep""Someone Like You""Santa Baby"2012"Take Care""Starships"

Filmography

Film Year Title Role Notes 2012 We the Party Cheyenne Davis Feature film debut; lead role Meanamorphosis Olivia Short film 2014 What We Need Linda Short film

Television Year Title Role