RLY
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Founder | Nicole Scherzinger (creator via The X Factor: The Band) |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom, Ireland |
| Products | Music recordings, singles, EPs |
| Parent | Real / Darco Recordings (since August 2022) |
RLY (Real Like You) was a pop girl group with English and Irish roots, created through the competition The X Factor: The Band. They emerged as winners of the show and initially signed with Syco Music, before transitioning to Real / Darco Recordings in August 2022. The group was composed of Halle Williams, Virginia Hampson, Kellimarie Willis, Jess Folley, and Kyra West. Their first single, titled "Love Me Or Not," debuted on 3 August 2023.
History
In November 2019, all future members auditioned for ITV's The X Factor: The Band and advanced to the bootcamp stage. The original selection included Jess Folley, Luena Martinez, Seorsia Jack, Halle Williams, and Kellimarie Willis; subsequently, judge Nicole Scherzinger added Virginia Hampson to the lineup. On 15 December 2019, RLY secured victory in the competition and earned a contract with Syco Music. During the show, they performed an original track called "Be Like Them." Unlike previous British winners, RLY did not release a winner’s single following their triumph.
Following their win, Folley revealed plans for a "new and original" album with songwriting commencing in January 2020. On 29 August 2020, Seorsia Jack exited the group to pursue her solo ambitions. Martinez left on 9 August 2022 as the band signed with Warner Records. Kyra West joined the ensemble on 2 January 2023.
On 6 January 2023, RLY previewed new material by sharing an unreleased demo titled "Love Me Or Not" on SoundCloud. This song was polished and officially released as their debut single through Real / Darco Recordings on 3 August 2023. They followed up with singles such as "Superpower" (released 21 September 2023), "Safe & Sound," and "Ring The Alarm." Their first EP, Generation, was released on 18 April 2024, accompanied by the single "Restroom Booth Confessions" on 28 May 2024. In June 2024, Hampson announced that the group would disband to allow members to focus on solo careers.
Members
Seorsia Jack hails from Dublin, Ireland, born to Zimbabwean parents. She began her solo career in 2019 and departed from the group on 29 August 2020 to concentrate on individual projects.
Luena Martinez originates from East Finchley, England. She reached the six chair challenge during her audition for the thirteenth series of The X Factor in 2016. Martinez trained at SoundSkool in Enfield. She left RLY on 9 August 2022 and later adopted the stage name FranQi while joining KYNO and Loud LDN.
Halle Williams was born in Cambridge, England. She has formal training in dance and musical theatre from Urdang Academy.
Virginia Hampson comes from Chelmsford, England. Although she lacked formal vocal training and initially failed to join the band, she was later invited by Nicole Scherzinger following a second audition.
Kellimarie Willis was born in Coventry, England. At age thirteen, she advanced to the semi-finals of the second series of Got What It Takes? after winning a sing-off in 2017. Currently, she is studying songwriting in Birmingham.
Jess Folley is originally from Essex, England. She won the inaugural series of The Voice Kids in 2017.
Kyra West was born in London, England, joining RLY as a new member in January 2023. Previously, she reached the semi-finals of the 2017 series of Got What It Takes?.
Extended plays
| Title | Information |
|---|---|
| Generation |
|
Singles
| Title | Year | Associated album |
|---|---|---|
| "Love Me or Not" | 2023 | Generation |
| "Superpower" | ||
| "Safe & Sound" | 2024 | |
| "Ring The Alarm" | ||
| "Restroom Booth Confessions" | Standalone single |