[reece(:]

Girl group G.R.L have split up nine months after the tragic death of Simone Battle.

The Ugly Heart hitmakers, made up of Paula Van Oppen, Natasha Slayton, Lauren Bennett and Emmalyn Estrada, announced the news through their management.

A statement from their labels Kemosabe Records and RCA Records, their manager Larry Rudolph and choreographer Robin Antin said: "Nearly nine months following the tragic death of band member Simone Battle, girl group G.R.L. announces today that they are disbanding.

"We wish them continued success in each of their next creative endeavours."

Band member Natasha took to Twitter to say she was feeling "emotional" and added if it was up to her, she would keep going.

She said: "Words can't describe how much I appreciate all of these posts from all of you. Me = emotional. If it were up to me, we would keep going."

The death of their bandmate Simone, on the eve of the girlband's chart success, sent shockwaves through the world of pop in September.

The former US X Factor finalist, 25, took her own life the day before the band's single, Ugly Heart, roared up the charts.

The group previously vowed to stay together following the tragedy and released their song Lighthouse in her memory.

Lauren Bennett said in January: "There was never a question that we weren't going to break up. We didn't know what was going to happen - we really didn't even think about it.

"We just got back together and just continued to do what we're doing today, to stay close, and that's just how it is."

Yesterday she took to the social media site to thank fans for "riding through the tough times" with them.

Lauren said: "Thank u all for ridin with GRL thru the tough times.. I know it's all a bit confusing but I love you all, and care never forget.(sic)"

She continued: "Thank you for all the messages angels."

http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrit...lit-up-5812804

Girls </3

They will be remembered due to their EP full of bops, Simone's legacy >> Lighthouse didn't deserve the flop either.