'X Factor' Contestant Simone Battle Dead: GRL Singer Dies From Apparent Suicide? [VIDEO]
Simone Battle, a former X Factor USA contestant, was found dead in her Los Angeles home on Friday at the age of 25.
Battle was also part of the female group G.R.L., which was formed by Pussycat Dolls creator Robin Antin. The group, which also includes Lauren Bennett, Emmalyn Estrada, Natasha Slayton and Paula van Oppen, is featured on Pitbull's Wild Love.
According to TMZ, Battle's death is the result of an apparent suicide. "She was found hanging on a rod in the closet of her bedroom around 8:30 AM on Friday," the website noted.
The news of her death was also confirmed by her record company and management team on Saturday.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Simone Battle of G.R.L," a joint statement from Reign Deer Entertainment, Kemosabe Records, RCA Records and Antin reads. "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."
Battle appeared on the first season of X Factor USA in 2011. She performed Pussycat Dolls' When I Grow Up at her audition and was praised by judge Simon Cowell, who also ended up being her mentor.
"You interest me, Simone. What I like about you is that you really are fearless. I think that you are ambitious, which I love. I think you are going to work hard. I think you'd be fun to watch as a performer. I really, really like you," he said of the top 17 contestant.
British singer Cheryl Cole, who appeared as a judge for a brief period that season, commented on Battle's death via Twitter.
"Such tragically sad news to hear of the passing of Simone battle.. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones #RIPSimone," she wrote.
