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Girls Aloud

From Alfawiki
Girls Aloud
Company typePop girl group
IndustryMusic
Founded2002
Headquarters
United Kingdom and Ireland
ProductsMusic albums, singles, tours
Number of employees
5 (members)

Girls Aloud is a British-Irish pop girl group that originated from the ITV talent competition Popstars: The Rivals in 2002. The ensemble consisted of Cheryl, Nadine Coyle, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts, and Kimberley Walsh. By 2012, they had become the best-selling girl group in Britain for the 21st century, having sold over 4.3 million singles and 4 million albums within the UK. Their achievements include twenty UK top-ten singles, four of which reached number one, alongside seven albums certified by the BPI, two debuting at the chart summit. They earned five nominations at the Brit Awards, winning Best Single in 2009 for "The Promise".

Primarily known for their pop sound, Girls Aloud explored genres such as electropop, dance-pop, and dance-rock. Their partnership with producer Brian Higgins and the production collective Xenomania garnered critical praise for their fresh take on mainstream pop music. By May 2010, their accumulated wealth was estimated at £30 million. They hold notable distinctions as the "Most Successful Reality TV Group" and for achieving the "Most Consecutive Top Ten Entries in the UK by a Female Group."

After completing the Ten: The Hits Tour in March 2013, the group disbanded. Tragically, Harding died of breast cancer in September 2021. The remaining members reunited for a 2024 arena tour titled The Girls Aloud Show, which became the highest-grossing UK arena tour of that year.

2002: Popstars: The Rivals

Girls Aloud was assembled on 30 November 2002 during ITV's Popstars: The Rivals, hosted by Big Brother presenter Davina McCall. The program's objective was to form rival boy and girl bands to compete for the coveted 2002 Christmas number one single. From thousands of hopefuls, judges Pete Waterman, Louis Walsh, and Geri Halliwell shortlisted ten girls and ten boys as finalists. Two contestants were disqualified prior to live broadcasts—Hazel Kaneswaran due to age restrictions and Nicola Ward for declining contractual terms—and were succeeded by Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts.

During October and November, finalists performed live weekly with eliminations determined by public telephone voting. The final female lineup comprised Cheryl Tweedy, Nicola Roberts, Nadine Coyle, Kimberley Walsh, and Sarah Harding; singer Javine Hylton narrowly missed out. Initially managed by Louis Walsh until 2005, management duties were then transferred to Hilary Shaw. Girls Aloud competed against the male group One True Voice for the Christmas number one position.

Their debut single "Sound of the Underground", produced by Brian Higgins and Xenomania, secured victory and dominated charts for four consecutive weeks. It achieved platinum certification in March 2003 and was lauded by critics; The Guardian highlighted it as a reality pop record that distinguished itself from typical manufactured acts.

2002–2005: Sound of the Underground and What Will the Neighbours Say?

Following their initial hit "Sound of the Underground," Girls Aloud dedicated five months to recording their first album, which was finalized in April 2003 and released in May. The album entered the charts at number two and attained platinum status from the British Phonographic Industry. Subsequent singles like "No Good Advice" and "Life Got Cold" enjoyed chart success, with "Life Got Cold" reaching number three. In November 2003, they issued a rendition of the Pointer Sisters' 1980s track "Jump," which peaked at number two alongside a re-release of their album.

In June 2004, Girls Aloud unveiled "The Show," the lead single from their sophomore album What Will the Neighbours Say?, debuting at number two on the charts. Follow-up singles "Love Machine" and a cover of The Pretenders' "I'll Stand by You"—the official single for Children in Need charity—also achieved high chart placements. Despite mixed reviews, "I'll Stand by You" became their second number one hit.

Entirely produced by Xenomania, What Will the Neighbours Say? was released on 29 November 2004, just missing a top-five chart position but quickly earning platinum certification. The album's last single, "Wake Me Up," launched in February 2005, peaked at number four—the first single from them not to reach the top three. Early in 2005, Girls Aloud received a nomination for Best Pop Act at the BRIT Awards. Building on their momentum, they embarked on their inaugural tour, the What Will the Neighbours Say...? Tour, in May 2005 and released their first DVD titled Girls on Film.

2005–2007: Chemistry and The Sound of Girls Aloud

After completing their initial tour, Girls Aloud commenced production on their third studio album, Chemistry. The record reached number eleven on the UK Albums Chart and earned a platinum certification. Its lead single, "Long Hot Summer", launched in August 2005, ended their streak of top five hits by peaking at number seven. The next single, "Biology" (released November 2005), garnered widespread critical praise; Peter Cashmore from The Guardian described it as "the best pop single of the last decade". Later that year, during the Christmas season, they released a cover of Dee C. Lee's "See the Day". Additionally, Girls Aloud hosted a one-off ITV special titled Christmas Mania, featuring performances from their Christmas album. The group was honored with the Heart Award for the single at the O2 Silver Clef Lunch.

In early 2006, Girls Aloud promoted "Biology" and the Chemistry album in Australia and New Zealand; however, "Biology" only reached number twenty-six on the ARIA Singles Chart, failing to establish a foothold in the Australian market despite a short promotional stint. The fourth single from Chemistry, "Whole Lotta History", released in March 2006, achieved a peak position of number six.

In 2005, Girls Aloud filmed a documentary entitled Girls Aloud: Home Truths for ITV2, which paved the way for the six-episode fly-on-the-wall series Girls Aloud: Off the Record on E4. They also featured on Ghosthunting with... towards the end of 2006. May 2006 marked the start of their first arena tour, Chemistry: The Tour, coinciding with their transition to Fascination Records, a Polydor Records subsidiary.

October 2006 saw the release of their inaugural greatest hits compilation, The Sound of Girls Aloud: The Greatest Hits, which debuted atop the UK Albums Chart and sold over one million copies. This collection was supported by the single "Something Kinda Ooooh", making them the first British act to enter the top five based solely on download sales; it eventually peaked at number three after its physical release. The subsequent single was a rendition of "I Think We're Alone Now", which climbed to number four.

In March 2007, Girls Aloud teamed up with fellow UK girl group Sugababes for a cover of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way", credited as "Sugababes vs. Girls Aloud". Issued as the official charity single for Comic Relief, it became their third chart-topping hit. Their third tour, The Greatest Hits Tour, commenced in May 2007.

2007–2009: Tangled Up and Out of Control

In November 2007, Girls Aloud released their fourth studio album, Tangled Up. The lead single "Sexy! No No No..." reached number five on the UK Singles Chart. Following this, "Call the Shots" secured a spot within the top three, while the final single "Can't Speak French" upheld their consistent presence in the top ten. The release coincided with their second television series, The Passions of Girls Aloud, which highlighted individual members exploring personal ambitions beyond the group.[1] In 2008, they received their second Brit Award nomination for Best British Group.[2] May 2008 marked the beginning of their Tangled Up Tour, encompassing 34 shows across the United Kingdom.

Girls Aloud contributed two songs to the soundtrack of the 2007 film St Trinian's and made a cameo appearance as the school band. The soundtrack was released on 10 December 2007,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name with "Theme to St. Trinian's" debuting its music video that same month.

Their fifth studio album, Out of Control, arrived in November 2008, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart. It became their most commercially successful album and achieved double platinum status.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name The lead single "The Promise" earned them their fourth UK number one and won Best British Single at the 2009 Brit Awards, where they also performed.[3] To promote this release, they starred in a variety show titled The Girls Aloud Party, broadcast on ITV in December 2008.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Produced by Xenomania, the second single "The Loving Kind" reached number ten, marking their twentieth consecutive top ten entry.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Their final single from this album, "Untouchable", peaked at number eleven—breaking their streak by missing the top ten. Supporting this album was the Out of Control Tour, running from April through June 2009; alongside it they issued a singles box set collection.

In February 2009, Girls Aloud renewed their contract with Fascination for an additional three studio albums.[4] However, by July 2009 they announced an extended hiatus to focus on solo ventures, with intentions to reunite for a new album in 2010 that ultimately did not come to fruition.[5] They briefly reunited in September 2009 to support Coldplay and Jay-Z during concerts at Wembley Stadium.[6]

2012–2013: Ten

Following a three-year break, Girls Aloud came back together to commemorate their tenth anniversary. On 16 November 2012, they launched the single "Something New," which served as the official charity track for Children in Need and reached number two on the UK Singles Chart. Their second greatest hits album, Ten, was released shortly after on 23 November 2012. The subsequent single, "Beautiful 'Cause You Love Me," released on 17 December 2012, did not manage to enter the top forty. Additionally, a documentary titled Girls Aloud: Ten Years at the Top was broadcast on ITV1 on 15 December 2012. In February 2013, the group embarked on the Ten: The Hits Tour, which concluded with their final performance at Echo Arena Liverpool on 20 March 2013. Following this concert, Girls Aloud announced their disbandment via Twitter.

2021: Death of Sarah Harding

On 26 August 2020, member Sarah Harding disclosed her diagnosis of advanced breast cancer. By March 2021, she had publicly confirmed that her condition was terminal. Harding passed away on 5 September 2021 at the age of 39. On 24 July 2022, Girls Aloud reunited at an event in Hyde Park, London aimed at raising funds and awareness for breast cancer research; Tweedy, Roberts, and Coyle attended in person while Walsh joined remotely.

2023–present: The Girls Aloud Show and Re-Releases

In November 2023, Girls Aloud announced a reunion tour titled The Girls Aloud Show, dedicated to honoring Sarah Harding’s legacy and celebrating the band's music. The extensive 30-date tour began in Dublin, Ireland in May 2024 and wrapped up in Liverpool, England in June, becoming the largest UK arena tour of that year. Following the main leg, the group performed at Shepherd's Bush Empire in London on 2 July and appeared at Brighton Pride one month later. On 17 November 2024, they released "I'll Stand By You (Sarah's Version)" as the official single for the 2024 BBC Children in Need, featuring previously unheard lead vocals from Harding and serving as a standout moment in their setlist. Official recordings from the tour were made available in June 2025 as both a live album and video release.

This touring activity coincided with a series of reissues celebrating each album’s twentieth anniversary. Every re-release includes rare tracks, alternative versions, demos, unreleased songs, and remixes. The campaign kicked off in December 2022 with a limited-edition 7" vinyl of "Sound of the Underground", featuring an unreleased vocal take; proceeds supported The Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal. In June 2023, the full Sound of the Underground was reissued on vinyl as a picture disc alongside a deluxe three-CD edition containing rarities.

What Will the Neighbours Say? received a vinyl and three-CD deluxe reissue in March 2024 that included three previously unreleased tracks: a cover of British pop duo Mania’s "Baby When You Go," the original "Disco Bunny," and a rendition of Chris Isaak’s "Wicked Game," which had been intended for a cancelled reissue planned for 2005. In August 2025, Nicola Roberts promoted her West End role in Hadestown by releasing "Singapore (Definitive Edition)," featured on the September 2025 twentieth-anniversary edition of Chemistry. This expanded release also contained unreleased songs "Naked in the Shower" and "You Go Too Fast (Demo)."

In October 2025, Girls Aloud announced a standalone release of their 2005 festive collection titled Christmas 'Round at Ours. This edition was issued across several formats with remastered audio, fresh sleeve notes, and included a new "Christmas Party" remix of "Not Tonight Santa."

Additional Ventures

In 2005, Girls Aloud collaborated with Mattel to create the Fashion Fever Barbie doll collection, where each member designed a doll inspired by her own likeness. The group also issued DVDs of their live tours, compilations of their television appearances, and official yearly calendars from 2004 through 2009, with the exception of 2005. They co-authored the autobiography Dreams That Glitter – Our Story, which was published by Bantam Press in October 2008 and featured in serialized form by OK! magazine.

Girls Aloud secured a one-year endorsement contract worth £1.25 million with Sunsilk in 2007, appearing in television commercials and magazine campaigns where each member promoted a distinct shampoo formula. That same year, they partnered with Samsung UK to endorse mobile phones and MP3 players, participating in product launches and promotional events. The Samsung F210 Purple model included exclusive content featuring Girls Aloud. In 2008, they appeared in adverts for the Nintendo DS. In March of that year, they led a campaign for Nestlé's low-calorie KitKat "Senses," which resulted in a 6.8% increase in UK sales.

Beginning in 2009, Girls Aloud worked with Eylure to release five different styles of false eyelashes designed individually by each member. This was followed by festival-themed lashes in 2010 and a limited edition "10th Anniversary" collection in 2012. To celebrate their tenth year together, every member designed a charm bracelet for Pandora, offered both as complete sets and starter bracelets.

Charitable Activities

Each member of Girls Aloud has been actively involved in philanthropic efforts. Their 2004 rendition of The Pretenders' "I'll Stand by You" served as the official Children in Need single, with all proceeds donated to the charity. Nicola Roberts emphasized the single’s potential for substantial fundraising. In 2007, their collaboration with the Sugababes on Aerosmith and Run DMC's "Walk This Way" became the official Comic Relief single after being requested by co-founder Richard Curtis. Kimberley Walsh noted its importance in generating funds to assist individuals facing hardships worldwide. In March 2009, Cheryl, Walsh, and other celebrities undertook a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro to support Comic Relief initiatives. Walsh also acts as an ambassador for Breast Cancer Haven, contributing to the opening of a £2.2 million breast cancer centre in 2008 and participating in a "heel-a-thon" event during 2009. In February 2011, Cheryl Cole launched the "Cheryl Cole Foundation with The Prince's Trust" aimed at supporting projects that help disadvantaged young people from her home area. To commemorate their tenth anniversary, Girls Aloud released another Children in Need single titled "Something New", which they performed on the Children in Need television special in November 2012.

Musical Style

Girls Aloud worked closely with producer Brian Higgins and his Xenomania team, who were responsible for producing nearly all their albums and singles. Former manager Louis Walsh commended Higgins for crafting memorable hits suited for radio play. Critics frequently praised the group's inventive approach to pop music; The Guardian described their debut single "Sound of the Underground" as an exceptional example of reality TV pop music. Reviews consistently highlighted the blend of catchy melodies and experimental production across albums such as What Will the Neighbours Say?, Chemistry, and Tangled Up. Tracks like "Biology" and "Sexy! No No No..." showcased unconventional pop arrangements that prioritized hooks alongside innovative elements.

Though primarily rooted in pop, Girls Aloud infused rock influences into singles including "Sound of the Underground", "Graffiti My Soul", and "Sexy! No No No...". Their sound combined accessible chart-friendly tunes with avant-garde experimentation, pushing the boundaries of mainstream pop music.

Influences

The band found creative motivation from musicians such as Ne-Yo and Oasis. Their first album combined elements of 1980s genres like synthpop and new wave with 1990s influences including big beat and UK garage. Critics often likened their sound to groups and artists like Bananarama, The Bangles, Spice Girls, Kylie Minogue, and Madonna. Prominent use of guitar alongside electronic rhythms highlighted an indie-rock inspiration that merged mainstream pop with indie sensibilities.

Later releases showcased a variety of musical styles: Chemistry featured French chanson, blues, and R&B; Tangled Up adopted dance and electropop tones; and Out of Control returned to 1980s electropop and vintage sounds. Working with producers such as Xenomania enabled the group to experiment with changes in tempo, shifts in mood, and blending multiple genres.

Legacy

Girls Aloud’s inaugural single "Sound of the Underground" is widely regarded as a pivotal UK track that shaped pop music throughout the 2000s. It earned both critical praise and commercial triumph, securing top positions on decade-defining song rankings by publications like The Telegraph and NME. Albums including Tangled Up and Chemistry are frequently cited among the decade’s standout pop records.

Distinguished from many reality TV acts by their enduring success, the group accumulated an estimated wealth of £30 million by 2010. Their consistently high-quality productions set them apart from typical reality show participants. Renowned figures in the music industry such as Bono and Chris Martin have commended Girls Aloud for their originality and influence on contemporary pop. Their tracks have been interpreted by prominent bands like Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party, and Coldplay.

Members

Discography

Tours

See also

External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named digitalspy.co.uk
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