Simon Cowell has paid tribute to former 'X Factor' contestant Simone Battle, following the news that she had been found dead in her home in Los Angeles, aged only 25.
Simon with Simone Battle during her audition round on the US 'X Factor' in 2011
Simon took to Twitter to reflect on the tragedy of the contestant he mentored on the US version of the show in 2011.
"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."
Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, who has returned to the show this year, and who also met Simone during her stint on the US show, shared her own sadness, saying, "Such tragically sad news to hear of the passing of Simone battle.. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones #RIPSimone
Simone Battle
A joint statement from Reign Deer Entertainment, Robin Antin, Kemosabe Records, and RCA Records confirming the sad news was then released on Saturday afternoon, which said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the 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.”
Simone first became famous after making it through to the live shows of the first series of ‘The X Factor’ in America in 2011, where she was mentored by Simon Cowell.
She later received praise for her ‘Clueless’-inspired solo music video, ‘He Likes Boys’, which she posted online following her elimination from the competition.
Simone with the other members of G.R.L.
A year later, she was chosen by the original founder of the Pussycat Dolls, Robin Antin, to join her new five-piece girl group G.R.L., alongside Lauren Bennett, Emmalyn Estrada, Natasha Slayton and Paula van Oppen.
The band released their first major release, ‘Ugly Heart’, in the UK last Sunday.
Simone's father Anthony described his daughter to MailOnline as "an exuberant person and a very loved person. She will be greatly missed and loved".
The death of the young singer is still being investigated, although TMZ report that law enforcement officers have indicated it was suicide.
