Girls Aloud fans have been in floods of tears as they listen to a new song from the hit band featuring recordings of the late Sarah Harding.
2024 marks the twentieth anniversary of the band’s Children in Need single I’ll Stand By You, and in celebration of their late band member, Girls Aloud is releasing a new version of the 2004 hit.
The band, consisting of Cheryl, Kimberley Walsh, Nadine Coyle and Nicola Roberts, decided to use old recordings of Sarah singing to create the song, meaning it is her voice on lead vocals for the entire song.
Sarah passed away in 2021 at the age of 39 after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Girls Aloud revealed: ‘‘I’ll Stand By You (Sarah’s Version)’ features Sarah on lead vocal throughout using vocals we discovered in the Girls Aloud vault from the original recording sessions.
‘The track played a key part in our ‘The Girls Aloud Show’ arena tour this summer and was an emotional moment for us all.’
The song played for the first time on Wednesday morning on BBC Radio 2 and left listeners in bits after listening to the tune.
‘9:15 AM and sobbing at I’ll stand by you Sarah’s version so so so beautiful so glad it’s the official children in need song #girlsaloud,’ said Cassies_care on X.
‘In floods of tears listening to the @GirlsAloud I’ll Stand By You (Sarah’s version) Thank you for letting us another opportunity to hear this song again,’ said KellieLou.
‘The girls aloud “I’ll Stand By You” for @BBCCiN this year is just perfect. What a lovely tribute. Very emotional but just beautiful,’ said Choccieclare.
‘Just listened in and had a little cry for some reason hearing this version now hit me even more than seeing it on tour! Such a beautiful tribute to Sarah and celebration of the ISBY anniversary,’ said Daintyditsy.
‘Hearing new Girls Aloud music for the first time in 2024 of all years is actually so cool. ♥️,’ said Neremik who was delighted to hear a new tune.
The song has been played by the band during their reunion tour to over 300,000 people across the UK and Ireland in May and June.
The original song went to number one in 2004 and is a huge hit and still a favourite with fans.
The song is available to download from 1 November 15 in support of Children in Need.
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