Hot News: GRL singer Simone Battle dies at 25

Photograph: Casey Curry/AP

Girl band singer Simone Battle has been found dead in her West Hollywood home.

Battle gained notoriety through performances on the television show X Factor. Her five-member band G.R.L., originally a reboot of the Pussycat Dolls, had been signed by mega-hit maker Dr Luke.

Battle, 25, was found on Friday morning, the Los Angeles county coroner's department said on Saturday.

'Words cannot express the depth of our loss. Simone's incredible talent was only surpassed by the size of her heart,' the band said in a statement.

The singer was found by her father, Anthony Battle.

Battle attracted a strong following in the countries she toured. Only last month she visited Australia, where G.R.L. had a double platinum hit with Ugly Heart.

X-Factor judge and Pussycat Girl Nicole Scherzinger tweeted that she was dedicating her performance in South Africa to her friend Battle.

X-Factor creator Simon Cowell posted: '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.'

In a statement her management company Reign Deer Entertainment released: 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic 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.'

Paula Abdul tweeted, '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'.

Post By http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/07/grl-singer-simone-battle-dies-at-25