Girls Aloud announce new single ‘I’ll Stand By You’ featuring Sarah Harding

The record, which will benefit the BBC Children in Need charity and will be the first in 12 years, will feature a posthumous appearance from Harding, who died in 2021.

The BBC Children in Need charity brought Girls out loud together again in a musical capacity for the first time in over a decade. On November 15, the British girl group will release a charity single “I’ll Stand by You (Sarah’s Version)”, dedicated to the first member. Sarah Hardingdeceased 2021.

“It’s a really special celebration of Sarah and Girls Aloud’s long-standing involvement with Children In Need,” singer Nadine Coyle told the BBC.

Coyle with Cheryl Cole Nicola Robertsand Kimberley Walsh spotlighted Harding on an updated version of the song, which was originally released by Pretenders in 1994. Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde, who wrote the record, said: “It’s wonderful to hear ‘I’ll Stand by You’ with beautiful vocals. Sarah Harding paving the way for BBC Children in Need“

The November 15 release date for “I’ll Stand By You (Sarah’s Version)” will coincide with the 20th anniversary of “I’ll Stand by You”, which was originally released as a single from the Girls Aloud album. What will the neighbors say? in 2004. The record topped the UK Singles Chart for two weeks after debuting at number one.

“I’ll Stand by You (Sarah’s Version)” marks Harding’s first posthumous musical performance since her death from complications related to breast cancer. It is also Girls Aloud’s first full release in 12 years. Their latest project, a compilation Tenarrived in 2012.

Girls Aloud were formed from a television series. Popstars: The Rivals in November 2002. The band played their last gig as a five-piece in March 2013, effectively breaking up until the four remaining members embarked on a reunion tour of the UK and Ireland earlier this year. When Girls Aloud performed “I’ll Stand by You” during the tour, footage and images of Harding were projected onto the stage screen.

The remastered music video for “I’ll Stand By You (Sarah’s Version)” will premiere during the BBC Children in Need concert special on the BBC on the same day as the single’s release.

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