Girls Aloud release emotional new version of I’ll Stand By You with the late Sarah Harding featuring on lead vocals for BBC Children In Need

Girls Aloud release emotional new version of I'll Stand By You with the late Sarah Harding featuring on lead vocals for BBC Children In Need

As a dedicated fan who has followed Girls Aloud since their inception, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions upon hearing about the release of the brand-new version of “I’ll Stand By You” featuring Sarah Harding. It’s been 20 years since they first graced our airwaves with their enchanting harmonies and captivating performances, and it’s heartening to see them come together once more for a cause as noble as BBC Children in Need.


2004 saw Girls Aloud releasing their touching chart-topper “I’ll Stand By You” as the main single for BBC Children In Need. It held the top spot on the UK Singles Chart for a fortnight.

20 years down the line, I can hardly believe my luck! My favorite band is coming out with an all-new take on our cherished track, and none other than the incredible Sarah Harding will be leading the charge on the vocals. I’m absolutely thrilled to revisit this classic tune with a fresh twist!

The well-known girl group consisted of Nadine Coyle, Cheryl, Nicola Roberts, Kimberley Walsh, and Sarah, until Sarah passed away due to cancer in 2021.

During the process of compiling archival materials for their successful The Girls Aloud Show arena tour earlier this year, previously undiscovered talent in Sarah’s vocals was unearthed within the group’s vault.

On November 15, a brand new studio recording will come out as a charitable single, specifically for BBC Children In Need.

Girls Aloud release emotional new version of I'll Stand By You with the late Sarah Harding featuring on lead vocals for BBC Children In Need

Girls Aloud release emotional new version of I'll Stand By You with the late Sarah Harding featuring on lead vocals for BBC Children In Need

I’ll Stand By You – Sarah’s Version premiered on Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 breakfast show on Wednesday.  

Zoe announced, ‘The charity single for 2024 by Children in Need has arrived! Throughout the years, some incredible songs have been released. Let’s hope this one generates significant funds. It’s been a while since we last had a new release, so I’ll pass it on to Nadine Coyle.’

Good morning Zoe! I’ve got some fantastic news for you today – and trust me, it’s worth waking up early for! We’re thrilled to announce that we’re sharing with you the extraordinary Children In Need single this fine morning. Enjoy!

We’ve released a fresh rendition of “I’ll Stand By You,” which serves as a heartfelt tribute to Sarah, while also commemorating the impact Children In Need has made throughout its existence.

Following the broadcast of the song, Zoe commented: “Everyone has teary eyes; that was truly heartwarming. I’m thrilled it’s Girls Aloud.

‘You are hearing Sarah’s voice and thinking about those children that need support.’

During the BBC Children in Need Appeal Show on November 15th, a fresh version of the initial video incorporating previously unrevealed archival footage will be unveiled as well.

The money raised from this singular act will aid BBC Children in Need initiatives, which are helping kids residing in different regions throughout the United Kingdom who encounter numerous difficulties, including those offering assistance to children battling cancer.

Girls Aloud release emotional new version of I'll Stand By You with the late Sarah Harding featuring on lead vocals for BBC Children In Need
Girls Aloud release emotional new version of I'll Stand By You with the late Sarah Harding featuring on lead vocals for BBC Children In Need

Initially, “The Song” was composed as a solo release by The Pretenders’ bandleader Chrissie Hynde, in collaboration with Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly.

Upon learning about this fresh rendition, Chrissie exclaimed: “What a delight to know that Sarah Harding will be leading the vocals on ‘I’ll Stand By You’ for BBC Children in Need! Merry Christmas everyone!

Girls Aloud reunited this year for their anniversary tour and honoured Sarah throughout each show.

In August 2020, when Sarah was diagnosed with cancer, she later passed away a year later. To remember Sarah, Cheryl, Nadine, Kimberley, and Nicola played a video of her singing one of their most popular songs, “The Promise,” which she had performed solo. As they watched, Sarah was singing to them.

During our latest tour, a track with Sarah’s vocals stood out as particularly moving – stirring emotions not just among the band members but also for our audience.

In conversation with TopMob, Kimberley expressed that honoring Sarah was a healing experience for her following their collaboration where they sang Sarah’s vocals on the song “I’ll Stand By You.

I must admit, paying tribute to Sarah was incredibly therapeutic; it truly was a challenge, especially with the initial preparations and rehearsals sans her presence, which felt excruciatingly painful.

Girls Aloud release emotional new version of I'll Stand By You with the late Sarah Harding featuring on lead vocals for BBC Children In Need

However, witnessing her being honored once more, hearing her voice echo through the arena, and the heartfelt affection from the crowd, observing the joy it brought to her mother, and much more, filled us with an incredible sense of joy.

Simultaneously, it was disclosed by Cheryl that she yearns for the lively and electric personality of her late bandmate Sarah, who passed away due to breast cancer.

During a dedicated two-hour broadcast on Radio 2, Cheryl mentioned that there were intimate moments she’d often share with her on stage during tours. (This sentence aims to simplify the original and make it easier for readers to understand.)

In that specific instant, there is no one else who truly understands or knows Sarah as intimately as the four of us do.

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2024-11-06 12:34

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