S Poddar
Girls Aloud are set to release a deeply emotional single, their first since 2012. This version of their celebrated cover of the Pretenders’ I’ll Stand By You will feature the solo vocals of their late bandmate, Sarah Harding. The single is titled I’ll Stand By You – Sarah’s Version, and all proceeds will go toward funds for BBC Children in Need. Fans caught a glimpse of the heartfelt rendition when it premiered on Radio 2 today, and the official release is for November 15th. The glittering career of Girls Aloud began in 2002 when they were formed on the reality show Popstars: The Rivals. One highlight of their success was that song, and soon they emerged as one of Britain’s biggest girl groups, competing with the fame of the Spice Girls, and winning fans over with their unique, daring pop sound. During this span of ten years, this band managed to record four No. 1s; the group did so all these while building an extremely passionate fan base. They later separated in 2013 and pursued other individual musical endeavors. Sadly, in 2020, Harding announced she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and died in September 2021. Her bandmates have paid tributes to her legacy in many ways, and this release stands out as one of the most heartfelt commemorations yet.
It is a celebration of the history of the group, but also an homage to the memory of Harding. Preparations for the tour entailed sifting through a lot of past materials that might seem tossed around. The group, Girls Aloud, found a solo recording of Harding’s performance of I’ll Stand By You. It felt like the perfect moment to honor her.
Said Pretenders icon Chrissie Hynde, co-writer of the original hit when it reached the UK Top 10 in 1994, “How wonderful to hear I’ll Stand By You with lovely Sarah Harding on vocals raising the roof for BBC Children in Need.”
This is a really special celebration of Sarah but also Girls Aloud’s involvement with Children in Need over the years,” Nadine Coyle said during their introduction of the song on Radio 2. In the course of saying it, one could tell they have truly taken to this project to the core of their being.
The 2024 tour was a fitting tribute: the staging and visual elements designed to draw attention to Harding’s irreplaceable presence.
The Guardian review of the opening night in Dublin encapsulated this poignancy, describing how Harding’s spirit is still woven into the group’s story. The review noted: “Harding remains in view through screens that function as massive, digital scrapbooks of their videos … the biggest reception of the night is reserved for the encore of The Promise, a song which has a sparkle that – as with the tenacious, tender group singing it – never really dimmed.”. This release, I’ll Stand By You – Sarah’s Version, can never be forgotten as a reminder of the impact Harding had within Girls Aloud and in the hearts of listeners. It’s more than just a song; it’s a heartfelt tribute to a voice and a friend that will never fade away.
