Simone Battle
A vibrant performer whose bright spirit and talent shone on stage and screen before her life was tragically cut short.
1989–2014 (age 25)·American singer·Birthday: June 17·Millennials
Biography
Simone Battle's career was a burst of light, fueled by a triple-threat talent for singing, dancing, and acting. She first caught attention with guest spots on popular teen shows like 'Zoey 101' and 'Everybody Hates Chris,' displaying a natural charisma. Her big break into music came via the massive platform of 'The X Factor' USA in 2011, where she advanced to the live shows as part of Simon Cowell's groups category. Though eliminated early, the exposure was pivotal. It led to the formation of the girl group G.R.L., a project backed by major label RCA Records. With G.R.L., Battle found her musical footing; the group scored a hit with the single 'Ugly Heart' and toured with Meghan Trainor. Her potential was immense, making her sudden passing in 2014 at age 25 a profound loss that resonated through the entertainment community, silencing a voice that had only just begun to be heard.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Simone was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Simone Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Simone's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2014Died at 25
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
Key Achievements
- Was a founding member of the pop girl group G.R.L., which achieved international success with the single 'Ugly Heart'.
- Performed as a touring dancer for artists like Iggy Azalea early in her career.
- Appeared in several television series, including a recurring role on the Nickelodeon show 'Zoey 101'.
- Advanced to the live shows of 'The X Factor' USA in 2011 as part of a formed group.
Did You Know?
She was a trained dancer and attended the prestigious Los Angeles County High School for the Arts.
Battle appeared in a 2012 music video for will.i.am's song 'This Is Love'.
She was cast in the 2012 film 'We the Party', directed by Mario Van Peebles.
The music video for G.R.L.'s 'Ugly Heart' has garnered over 300 million views on YouTube.
“I'm not just a singer; I'm a performer, an entertainer.”
