Pop star Simone Battle dead at 25

Simone Battle of pop group G.R.L. has died at the age of 25.

Friend Derek Butler posted a message on his Instagram account, saying he was "in shock" at the news.

Music news website Popjustice has published a statement from Reign Deer Entertainment, Robin Antin, Kemosabe Records, and RCA Records.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the loss of Simone Battle of G.R.L.," it read.

"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."

Tributes to the young performer have swept Twitter.

G.R.L. was originally intended to be a new-look formation of the Pussycat Dolls, but in 2013 it was announced they would become a new band.

Battle was also a finalist in the 2011 series of The X Factor in the US.

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