G.R.L.: The Pop Group's Journey of Resilience and Hit Singles
G.R.L. is an American-British-Canadian pop girl group formed in 2013 under the guidance of producer and songwriter Dr. Luke. The group, originating from a collaboration with the Pussycat Dolls brand, achieved international success with their platinum-certified single Ugly Heart and their feature on Pitbull's global hit Wild Wild Love.
Early career
G.R.L. was assembled in 2013 as a successor project to the Pussycat Dolls, conceived by Robin Antin and signed to Kemosabe Records and RCA Records. The original lineup consisted of Lauren Bennett, Emmalyn Estrada, Natasha Slayton, Paula van Oppen, and Simone Battle. Their debut single, Vacation, was released in 2013 and served as the lead track for the soundtrack of the film The Smurfs 2.
Breakthrough
The group's commercial breakthrough arrived in 2014 with two major releases. First, they were featured on Pitbull's single Wild Wild Love, which charted in the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. Their own defining moment came later that year with the release of Ugly Heart, a pop anthem that reached number two on the UK Singles Chart and was certified platinum in Australia.
Key tracks
Ugly Heart — This 2014 single became the group's signature hit, achieving multi-platinum status internationally and peaking at number two in the United Kingdom.
Wild Wild Love — G.R.L.'s collaboration with Pitbull provided their first major chart entry on the US Billboard Hot 100, introducing them to a wide mainstream audience.
Lighthouse — Released in 2015, this poignant ballad was dedicated to the memory of member Simone Battle and showcased the group's vocal harmony and emotional depth.
Show Me What You Got — This track, featured on the Pretty Little Liars soundtrack, exemplified the group's energetic and confident pop-R&B style.
The group faced profound tragedy in September 2014 with the death of member Simone Battle. After a period of hiatus and mourning, the remaining members officially disbanded in 2015. However, in a move demonstrating resilience, Bennett, Estrada, and Slayton reformed G.R.L. in 2016 with new member Jazzy Mejia. This new iteration signed with East West Records and released the single Kiss Myself in 2017.
Fans of G.R.L.'s brand of catchy, empowered pop music might also enjoy the sounds of Fifth Harmony, another chart-dominating girl group formed around the same era. Little Mix shares a similar trajectory of powerful vocals and pop-R&B fusion. For listeners drawn to the collaborative dance-pop element, Pitbull remains a key figure. The earlier influence of the Pussycat Dolls is also evident in the group's performance style and pop sensibility.
The music of G.R.L. maintains a steady presence on contemporary pop and hit radio stations featured on this website. Their catalog, from the anthemic Ugly Heart to their later releases, is regularly featured in rotations on top 40 FM stations and dedicated pop music online streams, ensuring their songs continue to reach listeners.
Listeners can explore the dynamic pop catalog of G.R.L. through the various radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to hear their defining hits and discover their musical journey across our featured pop and contemporary music radio stations.
