Girlband G.R.L. split nine months after suicide of fellow member and X Factor USA finalist Simone Battle

By MAILONLINE REPORTER

PUBLISHED: 01:18, 3 June 2015 | UPDATED: 21:09, 3 June 2015

The girl band G.R.L. has broken up.

The US group, whose member Simone Battle died in September, confirmed the split through their record label, according to Billboard.

Battle, 25, who rose to fame as a finalist on the X-Factor USA in 2011, committed suicide last year and was mentioned in the statement explaining the group's split.

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Disbanded: Lauren Bennett, Natasha Slayton, Emmalyn Estrada and Paula van Oppen of G.R.L., pictured in February, have split nine months after the death of Simone Battle 

'Nearly 9 months following the tragic death of band member Simone Battle, girl group G.R.L. announces today that they are disbanding,' said the statement from Kemosabe Records, RCA Records, manager Larry Rudolph and the group's founder, choreographer Robin Antin.

'We wish them continued success in each of their next creative endeavors.'

G.R.L. consisted of Battle, Lauren Bennett, Paula van Oppen, Natasha Slayton, and Emmalyn Estrada.

Battle's death was ruled a suicide after she hanged herself.

Flashback: Battle, 25, stepped out in NYC on August 20, two weeks before her shock suicide 

The five-piece continued as a four-piece after Battle's death but only ever released a self-titled EP since their formation in 2013.

Their only top 40 hit in the US came as a featured artist on Pitbull's Wild Wild Love.

However, their song Ugly Heart did well in Australia and came in at No.10 in the ARIA top 100 singles of 2014.

Antin is the choreographer who founded the Pussycat Dolls and G.R.L. was her idea to reboot the format. 

The stunning ladies of G.R.L. before they split (archive)

You go girl! She performed on the X-Factor USA in August 2011, rising to fame as one of the finalists  

Simone Battle talks about her X factor audition

The four remaining women spoke out about Battle's death in January.

'You can never prepare yourself for something like this, ever,' Bennett told People.

'We'd just been in rehearsals the day before, learning choreography for our show, and the next day we were starting the morning as usual when we got the call.

'I still can't believe it. I don't think any of us can. It's weird that we're even sitting here, talking about it.'

Flashback: Slayton, Battle, Bennett, van Oppen and Estrada posed as a group of five in July 2014 

The band spent time in therapy, both individually and together.

'She was such a strong woman, and very independent, and we had no idea what she was going through, or her pain,' van Oppen added.

'We admire how prideful she was, but now we just wish she'd let us in a little bit so maybe we could have helped her.'

The ladies dedicated their song Lighthouse to Battle, using footage from her childhood and time with the band in the accompanying music video.

*Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. 

Read more:

• G.R.L. Breaks Up: Girl Group Disbands Following Member's Death | Billboard
• G.R.L. Opens Up About Simone Battle's Suicide : People.com

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Simon Cowell confirms his return to The X Factor judging panel after three year absence... while the US version will NOT return for a fourth season this year

'I'm absolutely thrilled': Simon Cowell confirms his return to The X Factor judging panel after three year absence... while the  US version will NOT return for a fourth season this year

By JASON CHESTER

PUBLISHED: 16:58, 7 February 2014 | UPDATED: 21:02, 7 February 2014

ITV and Simon Cowell have confirmed that he will return to The X Factor UK when the show returns this Autumn. 

The talent show mogul will lead an otherwise uncertain judging panel when the long-running show returns to ITV for an 11th series. 

Cowell, the creator of The X Factor, returns after three years in America, where he developed the US version of the globally syndicated show - which will is not expected to return for a fourth season this year, sources tell MailOnline 

Plenty to smile about: Simon Cowell has confirmed his return to The X Factor after a three year absence

Cowell, whose entertainment company Syco co-produces The X Factor with Fremantle Media UK, said: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be returning to The X Factor UK.

'It’s been three years since I last judged the competition and I’m excited to find a global superstar again.’

‘The UK X Factor has set the benchmark in finding worldwide superstars over the years – including One Direction, Leona Lewis, Cher Lloyd, Olly Murs , JLS and Little Mix.’

He added: 'Despite all the rumours, ITV and the producers have not decided on the rest of the judging panel quite yet. You’ll just have to wait and see.'  

Cowell is now believed to be putting the show on hold after bosses at US network Fox wanted him to continue to star on the show - but he told them it was not feasible.

Comeback: Cowell hasn't features on UK version of The X Factor since 2011

The American version has suffered a consistent drop in rating during its three year run - despite marquee additions to the judging panel in the form of Britney Spears and Demi Lovato.

Cowell quit the UK panel in order to establish the series across the Atlantic, but US audiences have not met expectations and viewing figures at home have also slumped since he left with the show regularly beaten by BBC rival Strictly Come Dancing.

A TV source said: 'The UK show needs him this year especially after losing out to Strictly last year.

'Simon is incredibly competitive and this show is Simon's baby. There's a certain magic for Simon on this show because this is where it all started for him - so it was always going to be his priority.

'The other three seats are a long way from being decided so far. But everyone knows Simon attracts a higher calibre of singers to audition. 

Old friends: Cowell and Cheryl Cole were regular sparring partners on the UK version of the show, and with the rest of the judging panel yet to be confirmed she may well reunite with the music mogul later this year

'Contestants have seen what he has done for Leona Lewis and One Direction as well as artists like Olly Murs and Cher Lloyd. They know he can spot real star potential.'

The source confirmed that series of 'stumbling blocks' hampered further development on the fourth series of The X Factor USA - paving the way for his full time commitment to the UK. 

'X Factor producers had been meeting with Fox to discuss the fourth season of the US show,' the source added. 

'Format changes were discussed as was the issue of how to overcome the sports scheduling clashes, which sees the World Series of baseball break-up the show's run. That was a big stumbling block for Simon.

'But, most importantly, the US producers wanted Simon back in the US full-time or to have him fly between Los Angeles and London. Simon had previously said he didn’t want to do that.  In the end, it appears that will probably prove decisive.'

How it was: Straight talking Cowell, seen here with Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Dannii Minogue, was a hit with fans during his tenure on The X Factor UK

The source added: 'ITV waited patiently and made it clear they would make him an offer he couldn’t refuse. 

'When they found out he was to become a dad, they knew they might be able to achieve their goal because he now wanted to be closer to his family.' 

Cowell's baby son with girlfriend Lauren Silverman, due to be named Simon Jnr, is due on February 28 and will be born in New York.

Of his return, Peter Fincham, ITV’s director of television, said: 'It's fantastic news that Simon is returning to The X Factor.  We are all very much looking forward to him re-joining the judging panel later this year.'

Sara Geater, CEO Fremantle Media UK, continued: 'We’re delighted to welcoming Simon back to the panel for this year’s X Factor and are looking forward to what is sure to be a great series.’

A welcome return: Cowell says he is 'absolutely thrilled' to be returning to Thew X Factor

Referring to The X Factor USA last year Cowell admitted it 'might return,' but was unsure about his future participation.

'I think the show will be coming back next year,' he said. As to my role on it, I might have a different kind of role, we haven't discussed that yet.' 

The show will return to TV in Autumn with auditions from June.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2554079/Simon-Cowell-confirms-return-The-X-Factor-three-year-absence.html#ixzz2sgFzGwAL
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Selena Gomez takes to the X Factor stage in racy leather ensemble for performance of new hit single Slow Down

Worth the wait! Selena Gomez takes to the
X Factor stage in racy leather ensemble for rescheduled performance of new hit single Slow Down

By JULIET PAYLOR

PUBLISHED: 07:51, 15 November 2013 | UPDATED: 11:11, 15 November 2013

A week overdue, Selena Gomez finally took to the X Factor US stage to perform new hit single Slow Down on Thursday night.

Fans were up in arms when a glitch in the voting system the previous week meant that the star's performance had to be rescheduled, though they were rewarded for their patience when the singer made her long-awaited showstopping appearance.

The 21-year-old looked amazing clad in a sexy black leather and sequinned layered ensemble featuring a leather fringed skirt that exposed her leotard underneath and thigh-high boots.

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Better late than never: Selena Gomez finally took to the X Factor stage a week after her original scheduled performance for a rendition of her new hit single Slow Down on Thursday night 

In the spotlight: The singer was joined by a bevy of male and female back-up dancers as she performed the high-energy routine on the reality competition

She wore her long brunette tresses in voluminous curls with a towering quiff, and kept her make-up bronzed and complementary, with a slick of plum on her lips.

The star was accompanied by a bevy of black-clad male and female dancers for the energetic routine.

While the boys sported pants and leather T-shirts, the pretty girls were a little more scantily-dressed to match the singer, in crop tops and high-waisted knickers.

Selena Gomez makes overdue appearance on X Factor USA

The mane attraction: The star wore her long brunette locks in voluminous curls with a towering quiff and donned complementary bronze make-up with plum lipstick

First pump! The 21-year-old kept up with her dancers as she sung into her gold microphone with no hint of being out of breath

At one stage, the songstress told the audience to 'jump!' before sparkly silver ticker tape exploded into the air and rained down on the stage.

The performance saw the former Disney star reunite with her best friend, Demi Lovato, who of course is a mentor and judge on the singing competition.

The pair posed for a photo together backstage the week prior, before Selena's appearance was postponed, which she later posted to her social media accounts.

Va-va-voom! The former Disney star looked all grown up in her sexy black leather and sequinned outfit with sheer sleeves, which featured a fringed skirt that exposed her leotard underneath, and thigh-high boots

A-list support: The hitmaker got to perform in front of her best friend from childhood, Demi Lovato, who is a mentor and judge on the show

'It's just the evidence of forever. No Matter what @ddlovato,' Justin Bieber's former love tweeted her bestie. 

The Heart Attack singer responded with her own touching message, writing, 'Love you SO much.. #14yrsStrong.'

Well-received: Selena beamed her megawatt smile for the cameras as she wrapped up her song, to rapturous applause from the audience

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2507703/Selena-Gomez-takes-X-Factor-stage-racy-leather-ensemble-rescheduled-performance-new-hit-single-Slow-Down.html#ixzz2krhNdzMJ
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Explicit nude photos of Demi Lovato 'being shopped around' online ahead of new X Factor USA

Explicit nude photos of Demi Lovato 'being shopped around' online ahead of X Factor season three premiere

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

PUBLISHED: 15:46, 19 August 2013 | UPDATED: 15:49, 19 August 2013

Scandal: Nude photos of Demi Lovato are allegedly being shopped around the internet, according to RadarOnline, pictured last week in LA

Nude pictures of Demi Lovato nude are allegedly being shopped around online. 

'Multiple X-rated and self-shot pics' apparently of the singer were reportedly offered for sale to RadarOnline.com.

The website says it received more than 20 emails purportedly of the X Factor judge.

The pictures show a dark-haired woman who allegedly looks like Lovato 'in a raft of compromising positions', including naked in a bathtub and topless on a bed, among other racy shots.

The website says it was unable to verify whether the pictures were indeed of the pop star, although the woman did apparently have the same tattoos as Lovato, including 12 black birds on her right forearm.

Lovato's spokesperson did not respond to MailOnline's request for comment.

The person who supplied Radar with the images told the website: 'These are Demi. The collection I have show some nude, including face, some including parts of the body Demi is known for — tattoos, butt, chin. Then, I have pictures of her getting rowdy...I can guarantee you these photos are legitimately of Demi.'

Radar has chosen not to run the images. 

It's unclear where the photos came from, and whether they are linked to the hacker who was arrested last year after it was discovered her had nude photos and videos of more than fifty female celebrities, including Scarlett Johansson and Selena Gomez.  

Good publicity? Demi will be resuming her position as judge on The X Factor USA, pictured with fellow judges Simon Cowell, Paulina Rubio and Kelly Rowland 

Meanwhile, Lovato - who is currently preparing for the third season of US X Factor - recently made an emotional plea to the public following Glee star Cory Monteith's death following a heroin and alcohol overdose in July.

Reflecting on her own time in rehab, Lovato said she hopes people now realise the dangers of addiction.

'All it takes is one moment of vulnerability to get slipped into your addiction,' she told People. 'It's not a choice. Nobody chooses to use. He didn't choose to die. It was the disease.'

Let's try this again: This will mark Demi's second stint as judge on the reality singing competition

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2397161/Demi-Lovato-Explicit-nude-photos-X-Factor-judge-shopped-online.html#ixzz2cV3WIzJO
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Kelly Rowland admits her envy at Destiny's Child cohort Beyonce's success

'I want things to pop for me too!' Kelly Rowland admits her envy at Destiny's Child cohort Beyonce's success

By MIKE LARKIN

PUBLISHED: 07:49, 8 August 2013 | UPDATED: 09:00, 8 August 2013

She has often been left in Beyonce's shadow.

And Kelly Rowland has admitted she has been envious of her Destiny's Child cohort's success.

But with solo success and a spot as a judge on X Factor USA under her belt, the 32-year-old is happier in her own skin than ever.

Green with envy: Kelly Rowland admitted she is envious of her old friend Beyonce's success in the new issue of Essence

Speaking in this month's Essence magazine, the Talking A Good Game star said: 'For a long time I wasn't happy, but that had nothing to do with Beyonce. 

'That had to do with me trying to get my life in order and make better decisions for myself.

'I'm seeing all these wonderful things happen for her and I am happy for her.

'But I want a path. I want things to pop off for me, too.'

Child-ish comparison: But Kelly said she will be happy to achieve her own level of success on her own terms

But given her old bandmate has sold 118 million records worldwide as a solo artist, with more than  13 million albums shifted in the US alone, Kelly said she has more modest goals.

She admitted: 'Not on her level but whatever my level is supposed to be.'

The dapper dresser also shared some tips, insisting it is vital everyone finds their own look.

She said: 'I'm constantly inspired by fashion but I don't necessarily like to always follow directions.

'I don't think that you should—I think that you should do whatever works for you, whatever works for your body type.'

Talking a good game: Kelly's sudden candidness was appropriate given the title of her new album

Earning her keep: Kelly's role as a new X Factor USA judge has seen her act as a wingman for troubled mogul Simon Cowell at press events in recent weeks

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2386669/Kelly-Rowland-admits-envy-Destinys-Child-cohort-Beyonces-success.html#ixzz2bMj4n4ya
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Demi Lovato will return as judge on X Factor USA for season three

Back by popular demand! Demi Lovato will return as judge on X Factor for season three

By KAILEY HARLESS

PUBLISHED: 20:36, 28 March 2013 | UPDATED: 20:38, 28 March 2013

Her future on The X Factor was in limbo after her first season on the talent show.

But Demi Lovato, 20, has confirmed that she will be making her return to the judges’ panel for season three.

Back for more! Demi Lovato confirmed on Thursday that she will be making her return to the judges' panel for season three of The X Factor

In a statement she shared with Us Weekly, the singer said: ‘I am so excited to return as judge and mentor on The X Factor.

‘Last season was an unbelievable experience and I really enjoyed developing personal relationships with the contestants and the panel,’ she continued. ‘I look forward to taking my previous experience and applying it to make this season even better!’

The bubbly pop star’s welcome return comes after Simon Cowell said he was eager to keep her on board. 

X-tra pride! The pop singer proved that she has what fans and contestants like, her very own X factor

High five for fashion: The 20-year-old was not only a great mentor, but also kept audiences entertained by mixing up her beauty and fashion looks

‘We’d be crazy not to have her back,’ he admitted in an interview long before ever announcing her official return.

‘I liked having Demi on the show,’ he said. ‘She’s fun to work with.’

Though Demi and Simon’s returns have been confirmed, there are still two spots that must be filled.

Britney Spears announced her exit in January, while L.A. Reid left the show in December of 2012.

That leaves the shoes of a pop legend and an industry bigwig to fill, and whether Simon follows suit or shakes it up, fans are at least ensured to love Demi’s return.

Last woman standing! Only Demi and Simon remain from last season's judges' panel, leaving rumors to swirl as Simon casts the remaining two judges

‘I couldn’t be happier that Demi wants to come back this year,’ Simon told Us Weekly. ‘She’s a superstar in her own right and was a fantastic mentor last year.’

Never one to sugar coat, the 54-year-old added: ‘Even though she can be really, really annoying – I truly enjoyed working with her and so did the artists.’

Back to business! The singer has been busy recording her own music and shooting music videos, but she'll soon head back to the busy schedule of an X Factor judge

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2300668/Demi-Lovato-make-return-judge-The-X-Factor-season-three.html#ixzz2Ot2ikAIa
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Demi Lovato admits she 'dived into work really quickly' with X Factor USA job after rehab

'Maybe I should have waited': Demi Lovato admits she 'dived into work really quickly' with X Factor USA job after rehab

By EMILY SHERIDAN

PUBLISHED: 01:25, 6 February 2013 | UPDATED: 07:47, 6 February 2013

She made an impact on X Factor USA due to her feisty opinions and arguments with her boss Simon Cowell.

However, despite being a determined mentor on the talent TV show, Demi Lovato admits perhaps she should have waited to accept such a high-profile job following a difficult few years.

The 20-year-old singer spent time in treatment in 2011 for bulimia and self-harming, which she has openly spoken about in a bid to help others.

Moving on: Demi Lovato admits she should have waited before joining X Factor USA

She was offered the job to join Simon, LA Reid and Britney Spears on the X Factor USA panel in autumn 2012 and jumped at the chance.

Speaking to the new Spring term issue of Cosmo On Campus, Demi concedes she wasn't ready for the role.

She said: 'I don’t think I was ready when I started on The X Factor. In an ideal situation I would have maybe waited a year or more.

In a good place: Demi speaks about her battle with bulimia and self-harming

The full interview appears in the Spring 2013 issue of Cosmo on Campus, available from 6th February across universities in the UK

'I dived into work really quickly and maybe that wasn’t the best idea at the time, but the place I am in today is so much better than I could have ever imagined, so I’m really glad.'

After conquering her demons, the Camp Rock star is now in  healthier state of mind and admits she's finally ready to start dating again.

She explained: 'It is very unhealthy when girls devote all of their time to a guy and forget their friends and family. I did that. I was always looking for distractions because I was so afraid of being alone.

'I have spent the last year focusing on myself and it’s been incredible. More has come out of the past year than in my entire career so far, and I truly believe it was because I was taking care of myself and not focusing on guys.'

In the past, the young star admitted she used to 'self-sabotage' her romantic relationships.

However, now she insists: 'I’m in a place where I can finally trust and love and be a better person for the man I am in a relationship with, instead of being a clingy girlfriend or getting jealous.'

The full interview appears in the Spring 2013 issue of Cosmo on Campus, available from 6th February across universities in the UK.

Cosmo on Campus is also available to purchase on Apple Newsstand (download the Cosmo UK app to access).

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2274177/Demi-Lovato-admits-dived-work-really-quickly-X-Factor-USA-rehab.html#ixzz2K6jJKx5i
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Britney Spears quits The X Factor USA ... after learning Simon Cowell was about to sack her

• Singer's contract worth $15million and she lasted just one season
• Judging style was heavily criticised and she was dubbed 'boring'
• Insiders say she didn't 'connect  with her acts and could barely look at them onstage'

By SARA NATHAN and LIZZIE SMITH

PUBLISHED: 06:27, 10 January 2013 | UPDATED: 09:12, 10 January 2013

Britney Spears has left The X Factor USA after just one season, as it has been claimed show boss Simon Cowell was about to fire her for being 'boring'.

The 31-year-old singer jumped before she was pushed as Cowell, 53, made plans to terminate her $15million contract after her judging style on the show had been heavily criticised, sources close to the show confirmed to MailOnline.

'Disconnected': Insiders complained Britney would barely look at her contestants on stage during the live round of the show

A source close to production explained: 'Britney and her team knew it was unlikely she'd be asked back as a judge.

'The producers have already been making other plans for next season over the holidays. 

'The reality is that toward the end of last season the main players knew they wanted to replace both Britney and LA Reid. LA Reid wasn't at the top of his game in second season and he knew that.'

Britney's judging was heavily criticised throughout the last season, with critics dubbing her 'boring'.

His golden girl: Simon Cowell poses with Britney Spears at an X Factor event; she has quit as a judge on the show after learning her contract would not be renewed

And show insiders complained that she insisted on having breaks every few contestants during auditions and was often unengaged in the whole process.

Troubled: Britney heads out in Los Angeles on Friday; sadly the fascination with the star did not translate into viewing figures

It was felt Britney didn't connect with her contestants, despite being employed to mentor them. Insiders complained that she would barely look at them on stage during the live round of the show. 

'Most people didn't expect Britney to make it through the season as its a demanding role but she did her best,' said a source.

Although the mother-of-two only lasted on the judges panel for one season it was an incredibly lucrative one. 

A previous report in Us Weekly pointed out that her $15milllion contract had a lot to do with Cowell's decision, with one insider telling the publication: 'They paid all that for her to say 'amazing' and offer half-claps.'

At one time Cowell had  intimated to E! that he'd have Britney back despite telling them he's 'pro change,' he told them: 'I don't know yet, to be honest with you. I haven't had the conversation with her whether she'd want to, what other commitments she's got.'

Fellow judge L.A. Reid  - a long-standing judge - already announced his departure to focus on his record label.

Midas-alike Cowell has struggled to repeat the success of the smash hit British show since it debuted across the Atlantic in the autumn of 2011.

After the initial disappointing season, Cowell fired judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones in January.

Uncomfortable fit: Mid-way through this last series, Britney was moved from beside Simon so Demi Lovato could sit next to the X Factor mogul

Barrier: Lovato (next to Cowell here) brushed off her move, claiming it was nothing to do with Spears and more to do with her annoying her and L.A. (far left) by shouting over them to Simon

He then went all out to get a big name signing; and nobody could argue with Britney's pedigree when she signed on the dotted line for the svengali. 

Not only is she one of the biggest pop stars in the world; but her soap opera past lends the blonde an inherent fascination lacking in other stars. 

But sadly that never translated into her on-screen presence, and Cowell's coup became a damp squib. 

The blonde flubbed lines and often seemed disconnected from the the show's narrative. 

The December 20 second season finale was watched by 9.6 million viewers, down 18 percent from the first season finale.

Teens: Britney worked with an appropriate group and even got close to winning with Carly Rose Sonenclar (far right) but her connection with (L-R) Diamond White, Arin Ray and Beatrice Miller was questioned

Despite the setbacks, Cowell himself is unlikely to be looking for another job anytime soon.

Artists discovered by the X Factor have sold more than 100 million records worldwide, including 110 No. 1’s, 270 Top 10, and 501 Top 50 releases - and the show has been commissioned in 41 territories.

Cowell - who according to Forbes made $90 million last year alone - also sawhis  TV production business, Simco, boosted by 138 per cent last year, mainly due to the launch of the Fox TV talent show.  

Cowell's company also reported that total turnover almost doubled to £54.6m ($87.89m) in the year to 31 March 2012. 

Pop pedigree: Britney is still one of the most talked about stars in the world, but her pedigree never translated to good television

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2259995/Britney-Spears-quits-The-X-Factor-USA-just-season-learning-Simon-Cowell-her.html#ixzz2HYy9zLy0
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