Viewers of The Girls Aloud Show: Live At The O2 were left in tears on Sunday as the concert featured a heartfelt tribute to late bandmate Sarah Harding, marking what would have been her 43rd birthday.
Sarah tragically passed away in 2021 at the age of 39 after a battle with breast cancer.
In her honour, Nadine Coyle, Cheryl, Nicola Roberts, and Kimberley Walsh reunited earlier this year for a UK tour, which culminated in the O2 performance now broadcast on ITV.
During the show, the group delivered a moving rendition of I'll Stand By You, featuring Sarah’s vocals and a montage of her on-screen. As they sang, the four held hands, visibly supporting one another in an emotional moment.
The tribute also included black-and-white footage of Sarah performing, followed by a touching video montage celebrating her life.
The segment concluded with the poignant message: "The darkest nights produce the brightest stars."
Following the emotional performance, fans took to social media to applaud the tribute.
One penned: “Sobbing at Stand By You, RIP Sarah Harding” while another shared: “Isn't this a lovely tribute to Sarah Harding”.
A third wrote: “Girls Aloud singing with Sarah Harding got me”.
“If you're not crying you're not human! Incredible tribute to Sarah,” another commented. A fourth remarked: “The Girls did Sarah proud! The song was absolutely amazing”.
A fan wrote: “Aww Sarah Harding would have been 43 today happy heavenly birthday,”
“Watching Girls Aloud...Well done girls tribute to Sarah Harding was so emotional,” another echoed.
Twenty years after Girls Aloud first released I'll Stand By You for BBC Children In Need, the iconic group is set to unveil a brand-new version of the track, featuring their late bandmate Sarah exclusively on lead vocals.
Her previously unreleased vocals were discovered in the Girls Aloud archives while the group was curating material for their sold-out The Girls Aloud Show arena tour earlier this year.
Now reimagined with fresh production, the special charity single, titled I’ll Stand By You – Sarah’s Version, was released on November 15 in support of BBC Children In Need.
The heartfelt track made its debut on Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 Breakfast Show.
Zoe said: “The official Children in Need single for 2024 is here. If we look over the years some massive hits. Hopefully this one will raise lots of money. This year, we've waited long enough, so over to you Nadine Coyle.”
Nadine introduced the track saying: “Good morning Zoe, it's Nadine here from Girls Aloud. We have something really special to share with you this morning. This is the official Children in Need single for 2024.
Sobbing at stand by you, RIP Sarah Harding 💜💜
— James (@james_dc03) November 17, 2024
Isn't this a lovely tribute to Sarah Harding. 🤍🕊🤍
— Hels ⁷⁷⁷ ♓ 🦋 Liverpool ❤💙 🏴 🎵 🍒 (@HelintheHeavens) November 17, 2024
Actual goosebumps during I'll stand by you performance. Happy 43rd birthday in heaven Sarah! #TheGirlsAloudShow pic.twitter.com/NSDgEMhjSD
— ... (@Legen_dary93) November 17, 2024
“We've made a new version of I'll Stand By You which features our wonderful Sarah on lead vocals throughout. It really is a special celebration of Sarah and also Girls Aloud's involvement with Children in Need over the years.
“So, for the first time, here on Radio 2, this is the Children in Need single for 2024, I'll Stand By You.”
After the song played, Zoe shared: “We all have watery eyes, that was so special. I'm so glad it is Girls Aloud.
“You are hearing Sarah's voice and thinking about those children that need support.”
