Simone Sherise Battle, known simply as Simone Battle, was an American singer, dancer and actress from Los Angeles, California. She was a finalist on The X FactorU.S. in 2011 and a member of the girl group G.R.L. from 2012 until her death in 2014. The group was best known for their singles "Vacation", "Ugly Heart" and "Wild Wild Love" with Pitbull. Following her death, the group dedicated their single "Lighthouse" to Battle. Outside of her music work, she has starred in several music videos and the film We the Party alongside Snoop Dogg.
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 Marymusic 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 finalists 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:
2012–14: 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 debutWe the Party. The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics. We the Party was Simone's first and final full-length film. In 2012, Battle played Olivia in the short film "Meanamorphosis" The film was released on April 27, 2012. in 2013 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, Simone Battle was initially part of The Pussycat Dolls' proposed new lineup after their past members disbanded in 2010. Her addition to the group was announced during the opening of the Pussycat Dolls Dollhouse at the Keating Hotel in San Diego. Robin 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..
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 Simone 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
Simone Battle's band G.R.L. released the single "Lighthouse" as a tribute to Simone Battle. The music video features clips and photos of Simone throughout her life.
