X Factor's Simone Battle Found Dead at LA Home

Former X Factor contestant Simone Battle has died at her home in Los Angeles, California, aged 25.

Tributes have been pouring in for the singer from celebrities and friends, including from X Factor judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini. Cheryl tweeted: "Such tragically sad news to hear of the passing of Simone Battle… My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones #RIPSimone".

The 25-year-old G.R.L. group singer and former X Factor USA contestant was found dead around 8am, her father Anthony E Battle told MailOnline.

"She will be greatly missed and loved," Mr Battle said. "She was an exuberant person and a very loved person."

He says the death is still under investigation, but law enforcement sources told TMZ it was an apparent suicide.

Although cause of death is sill unconfirmed, Perez Hilton on his celebrity news blog also claims the star committed suicide.

Battle's friend and fellow musician Derek Butler broke the news on his Instagram account. He posted a picture of the singer with the message: "I'm still in shock and in disbelief to have confirmed the death of my childhood friend.

"Her heart was pure gold and her star power limitless."

Battle appeared on the first series of the US X Factor in 2011, performing in front of judges including Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul. She progressed to the live finals of the show.

Simone's record company and management company issues a joint statement that reads: "We are deeply saddened by the traffic loss of Simone Battle of GRL.

"Simone was an exception young talent and human being."

So far there has been no word from Battle's bandmates as to her passing.

GRL is an all-female American pop band formed by Robin Antin of The Pussycat Dolls. They are on course to enter the top five in the UK's Official Chart in the coming weeks with their single, Ugly Heart.