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| '''Girls Aloud''' were an English-Irish<ref></ref> ] ], which was created through the ] talent show '']'' in 2002. The group comprised singers ], ], ], ] and ]. The group achieved a string of twenty consecutive top ten singles in the United Kingdom, including four number ones. They also achieved six certified albums, of which two reached number one. They have been nominated for five ], winning the 2009 Best Single for "The Promise". | '''Girls Aloud''' were an English-Irish<ref></ref> ] ], which was created through the ] talent show '']'' in 2002. The group comprised singers ], ], ], ] and ]. The group achieved a string of twenty consecutive top ten singles in the United Kingdom, including four number ones. They also achieved six certified albums, of which two reached number one. They have been nominated for five ], winning the 2009 Best Single for "The Promise". | ||
| The group's musical style is ], but throughout their career they had experimented with ] and ]. Girls Aloud's collaborations with ] and his songwriting and production team ] earned the group critical acclaim,<ref></ref> due to an innovative approach to ] pop music. The group became one of the few UK reality television acts to achieve continued success, amassing a fortune of ]30 million by May 2010. '']'' lists them as "Most Successful Reality TV Group" in the 2007 edition. They also hold the record for "Most Consecutive Top Ten Entries in the UK by a Female Group" in the 2008 edition, and are credited again for "Most Successful Reality TV Group" in the 2011 edition. The group was also named the United Kingdom's biggest selling girl group of the 21st century, with over 4.3 million singles sales and 4 million albums sold.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/girls-aloud-crowned-the-biggest-selling-girl-group-of-the-21st-century-1652/ |title=Girls Aloud crowned the biggest selling girl group of the 21st Century.|publisher=Officialcharts.com |date=18 October 2012 |accessdate=27 December 2012}}</ref><ref name=sales>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/1554238/girls-aloud-a-whole-lotta-chart-history|title=Girls Aloud: A Whole Lotta Chart History|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=21 March 2013|accessdate=21 March 2013|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|work=Billboard}}</ref> In March 2013, after the ], the group announced their split.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.girlsaloud.com/news/6543 |title=Girls Aloud / Thank You!|accessdate= 21 March 2013|date= 21 March 2013|author= Girls Aloud}}</ref> | |||
| ==History== | |||
| ===2002: ''Popstars: The Rivals''=== | |||
| {{Main|Popstars: The Rivals}} | |||
| The group Girls Aloud was formed on 30 November 2002, in front of millions of viewers on ITV's '']''. The concept of the programme, hosted by '']'' presenter ] was to produce a ] and a ] who would be "rivals" and compete for the 2002 Christmas number one single. Following the initial success of ] (winners of the original ''Popstars'' show), several thousand applicants attended auditions across the United Kingdom in hope of being selected. Ten girls and ten boys were chosen as finalists by judges ], ] and Spice Girls member ]. However, two of these were disqualified before the live shows began: Hazel Kaneswaren was found to be too old to participate<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.showbizireland.com/news/october02/02-kaneswarren02.shtml | title=Hazel is no longer a Popstar Rival... | publisher=ShowBiz Ireland | date=10 October 2002 | accessdate=20 April 2008 }}</ref> while ] refused to sign the contract, claiming the pay the group would receive was too low.<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/tv_film/newsid_2324000/2324519.stm | title=Popstar Rivals' Nicola quits show | publisher=]'' | date=13 October 2002 | accessdate=20 April 2008 }}</ref> ] and ], who had made it into the final fifteen but not the final ten, were chosen as their replacements. | |||
| During October and November, the finalists took to the stage participating in weekly Saturday night live performances (alternating week-by-week between the girls and boys). Each week the contestant polling the fewest phone votes was eliminated, until the final line-ups of the groups emerged. The five girls who made it into the group were (in the order announced by the host) Cheryl, Nicola, Nadine, Kimberley and Sarah; ] missed out on a place in the group, despite previous expectations that she would be placed in the line-up.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/2532667.stm |work=BBC News | title=Popstars 'vote blunder' denied | date=2 December 2002 | accessdate=3 May 2010}}</ref> The group was named Girls Aloud and were managed by Louis Walsh <!-- given that one of the band members has the surname "Walsh", care is needed to distinguish which "Walsh" is meant --> until 2005 when Hilary Shaw replaced him.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/x_factor/article71381.ece | location=London | work=The Sun | first=Derek | last=Robins | title=Sarahs dig at Louis | date=17 May 2007}}</ref> | |||
| The two groups competed to become 2002's ] single. Girls Aloud won the battle with their single "]", produced by ] and ]. The song spent four consecutive weeks at number one and was certified platinum in March 2003.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.chartstats.com/songinfo.php?id=30515 | title=Sound of the Underground | work=ChartStats.com | accessdate=28 February 2009 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/66SXG6Z2B|archivedate=26 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=30821 | title=Certified Awards – Sound of the Underground | work=] | date=14 March 2003 | accessdate=24 February 2008 }}</ref> The song received critical acclaim; Alexis Petridis of '']'' stated that "it proved a first: it was a reality pop record that didn't make you want to do physical harm to everyone involved in its manufacture".<ref>{{cite news | url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2003/may/23/popandrock.artsfeatures1 | title=Girls Aloud: Sound of the Underground | author=Alexis Petridis |work=The Guardian |location=UK | publisher=Guardian Media Group | date=23 May 2003 | accessdate=28 February 2009 }}</ref> | |||
| ===2002–05: ''Sound of the Underground'' and ''What Will the Neighbours Say?''=== | |||
| After the success of their first single "Sound of the Underground", Girls Aloud spent five months recording the follow-up single and their debut album. '']'' was completed in April 2003 and released the following month.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.digitalspy.com/popstars/a11004/girls-aloud-prepare-for-album-release.html | title=Girls Aloud prepare for album release | author=Neil Wilkes | work=] | publisher=] | date=30 April 2003 | accessdate=31 July 2009 }}</ref> The album entered the charts at number two and was certified platinum by the ].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/platinum/platinumright.asp?rq=search_plat&r_id=32027 | title=Certified Awards – Sound of the Underground (Platinum) | publisher=] | date=28 November 2003 | accessdate=24 February 2008 }}</ref> The second single, "]", was also released in May 2003 to similar success. Girls Aloud's third single, "]", charted at number three in August 2003. In November 2003, Girls Aloud released a cover version of ]' 1980s dance hit "]". The single, which charted at number two, accompanied a new edition of ''Sound of the Underground''. | |||
| After a brief hiatus, Girls Aloud released "]" in June 2004, the first single from '']'', the group's second album. The single entered the charts at number two. The next single, "]", also peaked at number two in September 2004. Girls Aloud then recorded a cover of ]' "]" which was released as the official ] charity single. The song was not well received by critics;<ref name="guardianwwtns">{{ cite news | url= http://arts.guardian.co.uk/reviews/story/0,11712,1359307,00.html | title=Girls Aloud, What Will The Neighbours Say? |work=The Guardian |location=UK | date=26 November 2004 | accessdate=7 May 2006 | first=Alexis | last=Petridis}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.virginmedia.com/music/reviews/albumreviews/girlsaloud_whatwilltheneighbourssay.php | title=Girls Aloud – What Will The Neighbours Say? | work=] | publisher=] | accessdate=28 February 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/bwqv/ | title=Girls Aloud, What Will The Neighbours Say? | author=David Hooper | accessdate=28 February 2009 }}</ref> however, the cover became Girls Aloud's second number one single, holding the position for two weeks.<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/nolpda/ukfs_news/hi/newsid_4030000/4030705.stm | title=Girls Aloud seize number one slot |publisher=BBC News | date=21 November 2004 | accessdate=28 February 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/all_singles_song.php?id=998 | title=Girls Aloud – I'll Stand By You | publisher=] | date=27 November 2004 | accessdate=28 February 2008 }}</ref> | |||
| The album ''What Will the Neighbours Say?'' was entirely written and produced by ]. Upon its release on 29 November 2004, the album charted just outside of the top five and was quickly certified platinum. The final single from the album, "]", was released in February 2005. It charted at number four, making it their first to miss the top three. In early 2005, the group was nominated for a ] for Best Pop Act. Following the album's success, Girls Aloud announced their first tour ''What Will the Neighbours Say? Live'', which took place in May 2005. The group also released its first DVD, '']''. | |||
| ===2005–07: ''Chemistry'' and ''The Sound of Girls Aloud''=== | |||
| ] | |||
| Following their first tour, Girls Aloud began work on their third studio album, '']''. The album peaked on the UK Albums Charts at number eleven and received platinum certification. The first single from the album, "]" was released in August 2005. The single ended Girls Aloud's run of top five singles when it charted at number seven.<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4193272.stm |title=Oasis single hits number one spot |publisher=BBC News | date=28 August 2005 | accessdate=28 February 2008 }}</ref> The follow-up single from the album, "]" was released in November 2005. The song was critically acclaimed; Peter Cashmore of '']'' labelled it "the best pop single of the last decade".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguide/music/story/0,,1925924,00.html |title=New releases |work=The Guardian |location=UK |publisher=Guardian Media Group |date=21 October 2006 |accessdate=28 February 2008 |first=Peter |last=Cashmore }}</ref> The release was followed by a cover of ]'s "]", released in the Christmas week of 2005.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/showbiz/article-21086648-details/A+formula+one+pop+act/article.do | title=A formula one pop act | author=Adrian Thrills | work=This Is London | publisher=] | date=2 December 2005 | accessdate=12 February 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{ cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/4547974.stm | title=Hometown launch for X Factor song |publisher=BBC News | date=21 December 2005 | accessdate=28 February 2009 | quote=Other contenders include See the Day by Girls Aloud... }}</ref> Girls Aloud won the Heart Award for the single at the O<sub>2</sub> Silver Clef Lunch. The group travelled to Australia and New Zealand in February 2006 to release "Biology" and ''Chemistry''. Despite, a one-week promotional tour, "Biology" peaked at number twenty-six on the ], failing to break the group in the Australian market.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://acharts.us/song/7223 | title=Biology | work=aCharts.us | accessdate=28 February 2009 }}</ref> "]", the fourth and final single to be taken from ''Chemistry'', was released in March 2006 and charted at number six.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/59042/orson-rae-lead-new-uk-charts | title=Orson, Rae Lead New U.K. Charts |work=Billboard | publisher=] | date=20 March 2006 | accessdate=9 March 2008 }}</ref> | |||
| In 2005, Girls Aloud filmed a one-off documentary entitled '']'' for ]. The success of the show later made way for '']'', a six-part ] documentary series for ]. Girls Aloud then appeared in an episode of '']'' (without Nadine) towards the end of 2006, in which ] guided them through haunted locations.<ref>{{IMDb title|0913956| Ghost Hunting with Girls Aloud}}</ref> In May 2006, Girls Aloud embarked on their first arena tour, the ]. In the same month, Girls Aloud were moved to ], a sub-label of ]. | |||
| In October 2006, Girls Aloud released their first greatest hits collection, '']''. It debuted at number one on the UK album chart and went on to sell over one million copies.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.chartstats.com/albuminfo.php?id=766 | title=The Sound Of – The Greatest Hits | work=ChartStats.com | accessdate=13 February 2009 |archiveurl=http://archive.is/dd4p|archivedate=23 July 2012}}</ref><ref name="million">{{cite web | url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1036788&c=1 | title=Take That shine among IFPI Platinum elite | work=] | publisher=] | date=29 January 2009 | accessdate=30 January 2009 }}</ref> The album was accompanied by the single "]". Girls Aloud became the first British act to reach the top five purely on download sales;<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6075238.stm | title=US punk band retains chart lead |publisher=BBC News | date=22 October 2006 | accessdate=9 March 2008 }}</ref> the single peaked at number three following its physical release.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.chartstats.com/songinfo.php?id=32783 | title=Something Kinda Ooooh | publisher=ChartStats.com | accessdate=17 April 2008 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/66SXSb8gs|archivedate=26 March 2012}}</ref> The next single was a cover of "]" which peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart.<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6208115.stm | title=X Factor's Leona has festive No 1 |publisher=BBC News | date=25 December 2006 | accessdate=13 March 2009 }}</ref> In March 2007, Girls Aloud collaborated with fellow British girl group ] for the cover of the song "]" by ]. Billed as "Sugababes vs. Girls Aloud", the song served as the official single for '']'' which became the group's third number one.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/news/13032007/babes_aloud_at_no_1 | title=Babes Aloud at No 1 | publisher=] | author=Sarah-Louise James | date=13 March 2007 | accessdate=20 April 2008 }}</ref> In May 2007, Girls Aloud embarked on their third tour, ]. | |||
| ===2007–09: ''Tangled Up'' and ''Out of Control''=== | |||
| Girls Aloud released their fourth studio album, '']'', in November 2007. The first single from the album, "]" peaked at number-five on the UK Singles Chart. The second single, "]" entered the top three. The third and final single from the album, "]", continued Girls Aloud's top ten streak.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://acharts.us/song/33857 | title=Girls Aloud – Can't Speak French | publisher=aCharts.us | accessdate=1 April 2008 }}</ref> The release of the single coincided with Girls Aloud's second television series, '']''.<ref name="digitalspy.co.uk">{{cite web | url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/a75551/girls-aloud-star-to-dance-in-compton.html | title=Girls Aloud star to dance in Compton | author=Alex Fletcher | publisher=] | date=13 September 2007 | accessdate=20 February 2008 }}</ref> The show revolved around each member achieving aspirations outside of the group.<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article2715781.ece | title=Why it's OK to love Girls Aloud | work=The Times | date=27 October 2007 | accessdate=20 February 2008 | location=London | first=Johnny | last=Davis}}</ref> Girls Aloud also received their second ] nomination in 2008, nominated for the Best British Group award.<ref name="brits2008">{{ cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7188029.stm | title=Take That lead Brit nominations |publisher=BBC News | date=18 January 2008 | accessdate=20 April 2008 }}</ref> In May 2008, Girls Aloud embarked on the ] which consisted of 34 concerts around the United Kingdom. | |||
| ] during the ] (2008).]] | |||
| Girls Aloud then recorded two tracks for the soundtrack to the movie, '']''. They also made a ] in the film as the school band. The ] was released on 10 December 2007,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/3515599/-/Product.html|title=St. Trinians: Original Soundtrack|accessdate=22 November 2007|date=22 November 2007|publisher=Play.com}}</ref> and the video for "Theme to St. Trinian's" premiered in December 2007. | |||
| In November 2008, Girls Aloud released their fifth studio album and would be their final studio album '']'', which entered the ] at number one and<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/albums.shtml|title=Top 40 Albums : 09.11.2008 |publisher=BBC News |date=9 November 2008|accessdate=9 November 2008}}</ref> became their most successful studio album to date, being certified double platinum.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2008.pdf| title=UK Year End Chart 2008 (lists ''Out of Control'' as 2× Platinum)|work=]/]/]| accessdate=27 March 2009 }}</ref> The album's lead single, "]", became the group's fourth number one on the ].<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1035978&c=1 | title=Retail find a Hero in SyCo | author=Stuart Clarke | work=] | date=28 October 2008 | accessdate=1 November 2008 }}</ref> The single also returned the group to the top two on the ].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://acharts.us/song/38513 | title=Girls Aloud – The Promise | work=] | accessdate=1 November 2008 }}</ref> Girls Aloud performed at the ] for the first time in their careers, with "The Promise" being awarded Best British Single.<ref name="bestsingle">{{cite web | url=http://www.brits.co.uk/news/the-promise-by-girls-aloud-is/ | title=The Promise by Girls Aloud is the 2009 British Single | work=] | publisher=] | date=18 February 2009 | accessdate=26 November 2009 }}</ref> For the promotion of the album, Girls Aloud appeared in a variety show entitled '']'' which aired on 13 December 2008 on ITV.<ref name="party">{{ cite news | url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article1915335.ece | title=Girls on film | author=Jen Blackburn |work=The Sun |location=UK | publisher=News International | date=11 November 2008 | accessdate=11 November 2008 | location=London}}</ref> | |||
| The second single from ''Out of Control'' was "]", the track was produced by Xenomania and the Pet Shop Boys. The song peaked at number ten, becoming Girls Aloud's twentieth consecutive top ten single.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/a143432/lady-gaga-grabs-second-week-at-no1.html | title=Lady GaGa grabs second week at No.1 | author=Nick Levine | work=] | publisher=] | date=18 January 2009 | accessdate=20 January 2009 }}</ref> The final single from the album, "]" was released in April 2009. It peaked at number-eleven on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the first single of Girls Aloud to miss the top ten. Girls Aloud embarked on the ], which ran from April to June 2009. Their label, Fascination Records released a singles boxset collection to coincide with the tour.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.girlsaloud.co.uk | title=The Girls Aloud Singles Boxset | date=19 May 2009 }}</ref> | |||
| In February 2009, Girls Aloud signed a new record deal with Fascination that would see the group release another three studio albums.<ref name="3more">{{ cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7889067.stm | title=Three more albums for Girls Aloud |work=BBC News | date=13 February 2009 | accessdate=13 February 2009 }}</ref> However in July 2009, Girls Aloud announced that they were taking a year-long ] to pursue solo projects, but would reunite for a new studio album in 2010 which didn't happen.<ref name="nme.com">{{cite web | url=http://www.nme.com/news/girls-aloud/46150 | title=Girls Aloud deny split rumours |work=NME |location=UK | publisher=IPC Media | date=16 July 2009 | accessdate=3 September 2009 }}</ref> Two months later, Girls Aloud briefly interrupted the hiatus to do two shows supporting ] along with ] at ].<ref name="coldplay">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/entertainment/newsid_7762000/7762708.stm|title=Girls Aloud to support Coldplay|date=3 December 2008|accessdate=3 December 2008|publisher=BBC Newsbeat}}</ref> | |||
| ===2012–13: ''Ten''=== | |||
| After three years of hiatus, Girls Aloud reunited for the group's 10th anniversary. On 16 November 2012, the group released their new single, "]" which was the official charity single for ]. The single peaked at number-two on the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/archive-chart/_/1/2012-12-01/ |title=Top 40 Official UK Singles Archive |work=] |accessdate=26 November 2012}}</ref> The group released their second greatest hits compilation, '']'' on 23 November 2012. The second single taken from ''Ten'', "]" was released on 17 December 2012. The single failed to chart in the top-forty.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a437776/girls-aloud-premiere-new-single-beautiful-cause-you-love-me-listen.html|title=Girls Aloud premier new single, 'Beautiful 'Cause You Love Me' – Listen|publisher=]|date=13 November 2012|accessdate=14 November 2012}}</ref> A documentary special entitled ''10 Years of Girls Aloud'' aired on ] on 15 December 2012.<ref name="royalvariety">{{cite web | url=http://www.dailystar.co.uk/posts/view/263448 | title=Girls Aloud to sing for Queen | last=Ingham | first=James | work=] | publisher=] | date=22 July 2012 | accessdate=19 November 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.itvmedia.co.uk/10-years-of-girls-aloud | title=10 Years of Girls Aloud | work=] | publisher=] | accessdate=19 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.itv.com/presscentre/tenyearsofgirlsaloud/week51/default.html | title=Girls Aloud: Ten Years At The Top | work=] | publisher=] | accessdate=1 December 2012 }}</ref> In February 2013, the group embarked on ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501368_162-57536077/girls-aloud-to-make-comeback/ |title=Girls Aloud to make comeback |last= |first= |work=] |publisher=CBSnews.com |accessdate=19 October 2012 |date=19 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-20001884 |title=Girls Aloud reveal reunion plans |last=Savage |first=Mark |work=] |publisher=BBC.co.uk |accessdate=19 October 2012 |date=19 October 2012}}</ref> On 20 March 2013, the group performed their final concert at ].<ref>https://twitter.com/girlsaloud/status/314528635996479488</ref> | |||
| ==Artistry== | |||
| ===Musical style=== | |||
| Girls Aloud worked closely with ] and his songwriting and production team ] throughout their career. Xenomania produced all of Girls Aloud's albums and singles, excluding nine songs from their debut album '']'', the charity single "]" and two songs from '']''. Of Higgins and Xenomania, Girls Aloud's former manager ] says, "He just makes great songs for radio. They just jump out at you and stay in your brain."<ref name="bbcxeno">{{ cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4562375.stm | title=The Hitmakers: Xenomania | author=Mark Savage |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC | date=24 May 2005 | accessdate=23 November 2009 }}</ref> In a review of the group's debut single "]", '']'''s Alexis Petridis exclaimed it "proved a first: it was a reality pop record that didn't make you want to do physical harm to everyone involved in its manufacture."<ref>{{ cite news | url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2003/may/23/popandrock.artsfeatures1 | title=Girls Aloud: Sound of the Underground | author=Alexis Petridis |work=The Guardian |location=UK | publisher=] | date=23 May 2003 | accessdate=28 February 2009 }}</ref> In response to Girls Aloud's debut album, Jacqueline Hodges of ] said that "Higgins injects an element of instant-catchy-cool to the songs without going overboard in trying to shape uber-chic dance floor hits."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/r4jw/ | title=Girls Aloud, Sound of the Underground | author=Jacqueline Hodges | work=] |publisher=BBC | date=11 June 2003 | accessdate=28 February 2009 }}</ref> | |||
| Petridis of ''The Guardian'' described '']'' as "a great album: funny, clever, immediate, richly inventive."<ref name="wwtnsguardian">{{ cite news | url=http://arts.guardian.co.uk/reviews/story/0,11712,1359307,00.html | title=Girls Aloud, What Will The Neighbours Say? | author=Alexis Petridis |work=The Guardian |location=UK | publisher=] | date=26 November 2004 | accessdate=7 May 2006 }}</ref> He later wrote that '']'' is "a record that dispenses with the tiresome business of verses and instead opts for songs apparently constructed by stitching eight different choruses together."<ref name="chemguardian">{{ cite news | url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2005/dec/02/popandrock.shopping5 | title=Girls Aloud, Chemistry | author=Alexis Petridis |work=The Guardian |location=UK | publisher=] | date=2 December 2005 | accessdate=12 February 2009 }}</ref> Talia Kraines of ] exclaimed that Girls Aloud "have resuscitated corpse by wedding chart-friendly melodies to experimental avant-garde sounds".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/wqf9/ | title=Girls Aloud – Chemistry | work=] |publisher=BBC | accessdate=9 March 2008 | author=Talia Kraines}}</ref> "]" was described as "about as far from tired formula as you can possibly get. It sounds like three separate melodies condensed into one."<ref name="musicomh"/> ] referred to the song as "pop music which redefines the supposed boundaries of pop music."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://girlsaloudmedia.com/smf/index.php?topic=3196.0 | title=Let's get 'physics'-al: It's the new Girls Aloud album! | author=Peter Robinson | work=] | date=9 November 2005 | accessdate=13 February 2009 | authorlink=Peter Robinson (journalist) }}</ref> In a review for 2007's "]", Nick Levine of ] complimented Xenomania's work on the song: sacrificing "conventional song structure in the name of keeping hooks coming thick and fast – and quite right too."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a75051/girls-aloud-sexy-no-no-no.html |last=Levine |first=Nick |date=3 September 2007 |title=Music – Singles Review – Girls Aloud: 'Sexy! No No No...' – Digital Spy |publisher=] |accessdate=11 June 2010}}</ref> | |||
| ===Influences=== | |||
| The band members themselves are known to be fans of artists such as ],<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a133926/girls-aloud-want-to-work-with-ne-yo.html |title=girls aloud want to work with ne-yo | publisher=Alex Fletcher | date=28 October 2008 | accessdate=8 May 2009 }}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/popstars/a11413/new-girls-aloud-track-borrowed.html | title=New Girls Aloud track borrowed | work=] | publisher=] | date=24 July 2003 | accessdate=5 August 2009 }}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/showbiz/xs/381334/Stars-line-up-for-single-in-memory-of-the-King-of-Pop.html | title=Stars Title For King of Pop | date=27 June 2009 | accessdate=11 July 2009 | author=Dan Wootton | publisher=News of the World }}</ref> | |||
| The group's debut album '']'' takes influence from a number of 1980s genres, such as ], ], and ], and 1990s styles like ], ], and ].<ref name=pitchforkrev>{{cite web|last=Finney |first=Tim |url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11892-the-sound-of-girls-aloud-overloaded/ |title= Girls Aloud / Sugababes The Sound of Girls Aloud / Overloaded |publisher=] |date=14 December 2006 |accessdate=27 March 2010}}</ref> The album received comparisons to girl groups such as ], ], and the ].<ref name="digitalspy">{{cite web | url=http://www.digitalspy.com/popstars/a11004/girls-aloud-prepare-for-album-release.html | title=Girls Aloud prepare for album release | author=Neil Wilkes | work=] | publisher=] | date=30 April 2003 | accessdate=31 July 2009 }}</ref><ref name="blondiebangles">{{cite web | url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2003/0327/girlsaloud.html | title=New Girls Aloud single set for May | work=] | publisher=] | date=27 March 2003 | accessdate=28 February 2009 }}</ref><ref name="yahoo">{{cite web | url=http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/l_reviews_a/29596.html | title=Girls Aloud – 'Sound of the Underground' | author=Angus Batey | work=] |publisher=Yahoo! | date=30 May 2003 | accessdate=31 July 2009 }}</ref> Similarities to ] and ] were also noted.<ref name="yahoo"/><ref name="times">{{ cite news | url= http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/article1134850.ece | title=Hello, girls | author=Lisa Verrico |work=The Times |location=UK | date=23 May 2003 | accessdate=31 July 2009 }}</ref> A majority of the songs make use of guitars and ] ]. The rise of ] also inspired Brian Higgins to "blur the edges between commercial music and so-called 'indie' music."<ref name="ponystep"/> He continued, "pop music was on its backside and indie music was about to rise, through ] and everything else. We were an independent company and we were as indie as the other bands around us. The guitar riff on No Good Advice is very very similar to the riff on the track ] by ]."<ref name="ponystep">{{cite web | url=http://www.ponystep.com/music/article/ThePopDontStop_439.aspx | title=Brian Higgins: The Pop Don't Stop. | author=Andreas Soteriou | work=Ponystep | date=13 April 2010 | accessdate=13 April 2010 }}</ref> '']'' further explores different subgenres of pop, especially ]. Synthesizers are more prominent on the album, although the usage of guitar remains prominent in several songs. The backing track to "]", composed by Xenomania musicians ] and Nick Coler, was inspired by ],<ref>{{cite album-notes |title=The Singles Boxset |bandname=Girls Aloud |year=2009 |notestitle=Love Machine |first=Peter |last=Robinson |authorlink=Peter Robinson (journalist) |pages=16–17 |format=Booklet |publisher=] |location=London, England }}</ref> while "]" includes a guitar riff inspired by ].<ref name="wwtnsguardian"/><ref name="musicomh">{{cite web | url=http://www.musicomh.com/albums/girls-aloud.htm | title=Girls Aloud – What Will The Neighbours Say? (Polydor) | author=John Murphy | work=] | publisher=OMH | date=November 2004 | accessdate=14 April 2010 }}</ref> | |||
| '']'' takes influences from a wide variety of sources, including "everything from French chanson to piano-pounding blues to the clipped R&B of the Small Faces".<ref name="chemguardian"/> Rapping in the same vein as artists like ] and ] is prominent.<ref name="chemyahoo">{{cite web | url=http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/051209/33/1z4hy.html | title=Girls Aloud – Chemistry | author=Anna Britten | work=] |publisher=Yahoo! | date=9 December 2005 | accessdate=13 December 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/review.php?ID=3621 | title=Girls Aloud – Chemistry | author=Dom Passantino | work=] | date=12 December 2005 | accessdate=12 February 2009 }}</ref> ] says "there's nary a 'formula' in sight. There are as many sudden tonal and tempo switches as the tricksiest Chicago art rock band. And all but one song here gives guitars a starring role."<ref name="chemyahoo"/> The songs are noticeably less rooted in ], although "Swinging London Town" is "a dark, squiggly ] epic a la ]" and "It's Magic" is composed of "little ]-like keyboard riffs".<ref name="musicomh">{{cite web | url=http://www.musicomh.com/albums/girls-aloud-2_1105.htm | title=Girls Aloud – Chemistry (Polydor) | author=John Murphy | work=].com | date=11 December 2005 | accessdate=13 February 2009 }}</ref> Alternatively, '']'' features a ], more electronic sound, inspired by the success of their 2006 single "]". "]", "Close to Love", and "Girl Overboard" are all electropop numbers reminiscent of ]. However, "Control of the Knife" is more inspired by ] and ],<ref name="bbc">{{cite web | url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/59rg/ | title=Tangled Up | author=Talia Kraines | work=] |publisher=BBC | date=17 November 2008 | accessdate=1 February 2009 }}</ref> while "]" employs "jazzy guitar changes" and "Black Jacks" recalls "sixties psychedelica".<ref name="digitalspy">{{cite web | url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/a80108/girls-aloud-tangled-up.html | title=Girls Aloud: 'Tangled Up' | author=Nick Levine | publisher=] | date=19 November 2007 | work=1 February 2009 }}</ref><ref name="trackbytrack">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailystar.co.uk/playlist/view/20415/Girls-Aloud-track-by-track/|title=Girls Aloud Track By Track|accessdate=12 November 2007|date=7 November 2007|publisher=Daily Star}}</ref> '']'' features a number of songs inspired by 1980s electropop, while also exploring retro styles.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/news/454096-girls-aloud-collaborate-with-pet-shop-boys | title=Girls Aloud collaborate with Pet Shop Boys | author=Erica Powell | work=] | publisher=MTV | date=17 October 2008 | accessdate=18 October 2008 }} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7640596.stm|title=Girls Aloud go Out of Control|date=29 September 2008|accessdate=29 September 2008|author=Mark Savage|work=BBC News |publisher=BBC }}</ref> "]" is a 1960s ]-influenced number, while "Rolling Back the Rivers in Time" was compared to ].<ref name="slant">{{cite web | url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/girls-aloud-out-of-control/1566 | title=Girls Aloud: Out of Control | author=Robin Carolan | work=] | date=11 November 2008 | accessdate=4 August 2009 }}</ref> | |||
| ===Legacy=== | |||
| {{Listen|filename=SoundOfTheUndergroundSample.ogg|title="Sound of the Underground" (2002)|description=Girls Aloud's first number-one hit single in the UK, was one of the songs credited with reshaping British pop music for the 2000s. |format=]}} | |||
| Girls Aloud's debut single "]" and another Xenomania production, ]' "]", have been called "two huge groundbreaking hits",<ref name="telegraph2">{{ cite news | url= http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/neilmccormick/100002407/xenomania-how-to-write-a-hit-song/ | title=Xenomania: how to write a hit song | author=Neil McCormick |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London | publisher=Telegraph Media Group | date=13 August 2009 | accessdate=24 November 2009 }}</ref> credited with reshaping British pop music for the 2000s.<ref name="xenomanianews.blogspot.com">{{cite web | url=http://xenomanianews.blogspot.com/2009/11/end-of-decade-sound-of-overground-nme.html | title=End of Decade: Sound of the Overground | author=Emily MacKay |work=NME |location=UK | publisher=] | date=November 2009 | accessdate=3 December 2009 }}</ref> '']'' placed the song at number 15 on a list of 100 songs that defined the 2000s, while '']'' included it at number 39.<ref name="endofdecadelists">{{cite web | url=http://xenomanianews.blogspot.com/2009/11/end-of-decade-lists.html | title=End of Decade: lists | work=Xenomania News | date=29 November 2009 | accessdate=3 December 2009 }}</ref> ] named "Sound of the Underground" the eighth best British song of the 2000s.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.spinner.com/2009/12/06/best-british-songs-of-the-2000s/ | title=Best British Songs of the 2000s | author=Richard Moore | work=] | publisher=] | date=6 December 2009 | accessdate=31 December 2009 }}</ref> In 2009, ''The Times'' included 2007's '']'' at number 62 on a list of the decade's best pop albums,<ref name="timesdecade">{{ cite news | url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article6922991.ece?token=null&offset=60&page=6 | title=The 100 best pop albums of the Noughties |work=The Times |location=UK | publisher=] | date=21 November 2009 | accessdate=11 August 2010 | first=Fiona | last=Hamilton}}</ref> while the '']'' listed it as the twentieth best album of the decade.<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1234927/Now-thats-I-music-The-50-best-albums-Noughties.html | title=Now that's what I call music: The 50 best albums of the Noughties | author=Adrian Thrills |work=Daily Mail |location=UK | publisher=Associated Newspapers | date=12 December 2009 | accessdate=31 December 2009 }}</ref> ] listed 2005's '']'' as one of the decade's best albums.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://music.uk.msn.com/photos/photos.aspx?cp-documentid=151395351&page=15 | title=MSN writers' best albums of the decade | author=Rob Morgan and Tom Townshend | work=] |publisher=MSN | date=16 December 2009 | accessdate=31 December 2009 }}</ref> Girls Aloud were one of the few pop acts to achieve continued success and longevity throughout the mid-2000s while R&B and rock music became more popular. In a review for the group's 2008 ], David Pollock of '']'' noted that "Girls Aloud remain confidently the only pop show in town."<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/first-night-girls-aloud-secc-glasgow-823132.html | title=First Night: Girls Aloud, SECC, Glasgow |work=The Independent |location=UK | author=David Pollock | date=8 May 2008 | accessdate=8 May 2008 }}</ref> '']'' stated, "Not since ] and ] has pure pop been so unanimously praised."<ref name="timesdecade"/> | |||
| Girls Aloud are also notably one of the few British reality television acts to achieve continued success and longevity. According to '']'', Girls Aloud are the highest-earning UK reality television stars, having amassed a fortune of £25 million by May 2009.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://timesbusiness.typepad.com/money_weblog/2009/05/the-20-richest-reality-tv-stars.html |title=The 10 richest reality TV stars | author=Laura Whateley |work=The Times |location=UK | publisher=] | date=29 May 2009 | accessdate=2009-05-30 }}</ref> The figure was increased to £30 million the following year, following Cheryl Cole's appearance on '']''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a216110/girls-aloud-storm-music-rich-list.html | title=Girls Aloud storm music rich list | author=Robert Copsey | work=] | publisher=] | date=23 April 2010 | accessdate=26 June 2010 }}</ref> All five members were included in a 2010 list of Britain's richest stars under 30.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Entertainment/20101130/daniel-radcliffe-richest-brit-101130/ | title=Daniel Radcliffe is Britain's youngest star | work=] | publisher=] | date=30 November 2010 | accessdate=3 December 2010 }}</ref> Reviews of Girls Aloud's debut album noted the high quality of the album compared to output from other reality show contestants.<ref name="yahoo"/><ref>{{ cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/reviews/3051139.stm | title=Girls Aloud trounce pop rivals | author=Ian Youngs |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC | date=23 May 2003 | accessdate=28 February 2009 }}</ref> In 2004, David Hooper of ] exclaimed that "Girls Aloud are currently British pop royalty in the ultra-fickle world of TV-generated pop, Girls Aloud have real staying power."<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/bwqv/ | title=Girls Aloud, What Will The Neighbours Say? | author=David Hooper | work=] |publisher=BBC | date=29 November 2003 | accessdate=28 February 2009 }}</ref> Andrew Lynch of ] said, "Girls Aloud really shouldn't have made it as far as a second album. There's just one problem – the girls have a knack of coming up with utterly infectious pop songs".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://entertainment.ie/album-review/Girls-Aloud---What-Will-the-Neighbours-Say?/3611.htm | title=Girls Aloud – What Will the Neighbours Say? | author=Andrew Lynch | work=] |work=The Irish Times | date=6 December 2004 | accessdate=30 July 2009 }}</ref> | |||
| The group has found themselves a number of celebrity fans such as the ], ], ]' ], former ] member ], ], ]' ], and ].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://uk.news.yahoo.com/wenn/20080914/ten-jonas-brothers-still-want-girls-alou-c60bd6d.html | title=Jonas Brothers still want Girls Aloud | work=] |publisher=Yahoo! | date=14 September 2008 | accessdate=3 October 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/aggro-santos/news/253865-aggro-santos-girls-aloud-kimberley-walsh-like-u-like | title = Aggro Santos : Gary Barlow Sorted Kimberley Duet | author=Joanne Dorken | publisher=MTV News | date=18 January 2011 | accessdate=19 January 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article2715781.ece?token=null&offset=12|title=Why it's OK to love Girls Aloud|accessdate=12 February 2008|date=27 October 2007|work=The Times |location=UK |publisher=News International|quote=They're the best Their songs do really musical, clever things; the stutter-rapping in Graffiti My Soul… They’re unbeatable | first=Johnny | last=Davis}}</ref><ref>{{ cite news | url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/article1744322.ece | title=Girls Alewd | author=] | work=The Sun |location=UK | publisher=News International | date=29 September 2008 | accessdate=3 October 2008 | quote=Former GUNS ’N’ ROSES bassist DUFF McKAGAN has declared himself Aloud and Proud too... }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://angryape.com/news/gabriella-cilmi-backs-girls-aloud-and-james-morrison-for-brit-awards | title=Gabriella Cilmi Backs Girls Aloud And James Morrison For BRIT Awards | date=15 February 2009 | accessdate=31 July 2009 | work=angryape }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/celebrity/Noel+Gallagher-27344.html | title=Take That Fan Noel Gallagher | date=10 July 2009 | accessdate=21 July 2009 | work=Female First }}</ref><ref>{{ cite news | url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/article1767103.ece | title=Cheryl's song plea to Ashley | author=] |work=The Sun |location=UK | publisher=News International | date=3 October 2008 | accessdate=3 October 2008 | quote=He popped in to say how much he loved the girls and walked out agreeing to work with them | location=London}}</ref> ] frontman ] said that he is a fan of the band, saying "I think Girls Aloud are at the cutting edge of pop music. They are a great band and they deserve to be centre stage".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://music.aol.co.uk/bonos-girls-aloud-wish/article/20090219082155804590835?rsp=Music+News | title=Bono's Girls Aloud wish | work=] | date=20 February 2009 | accessdate=21 March 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a147179/bono-girls-aloud-are-cutting-edge.html | title=Bono: 'Girls Aloud are cutting edge' | author=Mayer Nissim | work=] | date=19 February 2009 | accessdate=21 March 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/music/bono-boots-up-the-brits-but-the-night-belongs-to-duffy-1645337.html | title=Bono boots up the Brits, but the night belongs to Duffy | date=19 February 2009 | accessdate=2 August 2009 | author=Cormac Murphy | work=Herald }}</ref> ] of alternative rock band ] also said that he is a fan of Girls Aloud, referring to them as "the ultimate form of life".<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/oct/05/girlsaloud.popandrock | title=Girls uninterrupted | author=Sylvia Patterson |work=The Observer |location=UK | publisher=Guardian Media Group | date=5 October 2008 | accessdate=6 October 2008 }}</ref> Former ] members ] and ] are also reported to be fans.<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1189124/Remember-used--Geri-Halliwell-Emma-Bunton-reminisce-Girls-Aloud-concert.html?ITO=1490 | title=Remember when we used to do that... Geri Halliwell and Emma Bunton reminisce at Girls Aloud concert | date=28 May 2009 | accessdate=5 August 2009 | author=Daily Mail Reporter |work=Daily Mail |location=UK }}</ref> ] has also stated that she is a fan of Girls Aloud. She has stated that they are "simply the most perfect pop group since ]."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article2715781.ece?token=null&offset=12|title=Why it's OK to love Girls Aloud|accessdate=7 April 2009 | location=London | work=The Times | first=Johnny | last=Davis | date=27 October 2007}}</ref> Girls Aloud have had their music covered by artists as varied as Arctic Monkeys, ], and Coldplay, among others.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gigwise.com/news.asp?contentid=13302 | title=Arctic Monkeys heckled at homecoming show | author=Scott Colothan | work=] | date=9 February 2006 | accessdate=10 Jane 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hardcandymusic.com/2009/02/bloc-party-call-shots-girls-aloud-cover.html | title=Bloc Party : Call The Shots (Girls Aloud Cover) | year=2008| accessdate=28 July 2009 | work=Hard Candy }}</ref><ref>{{ cite video | url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7evula1JUg | title=Coldplay @ Brixton – End of Square One/Girls Aloud Cover | people=] | format=flv |publisher=YouTube | medium=Live recording | date=17 June 2008 | accessdate=22 May 2010 }}</ref> | |||
| ==Other endeavours== | |||
| Girls Aloud came together with ] in 2005 to produce ] ]s. Each member designed the outfit and look of a doll modelled after themselves. In addition to live DVDs of their tours and both of Girls Aloud's television series, the group has also released '']'' and '']''. Official calendars have also been issued annually from 2004 to 2009, the only exception being 2005. Girls Aloud co-wrote an autobiography titled '']''.<ref name="official">{{cite web | url=http://girlsaloud.co.uk/site.php | title=Dreams That Glitter – Our Story | publisher=GirlsAloud.co.uk | date=8 April 2008 | accessdate=8 April 2008 }}</ref> The book, named after a lyric in "]", was published in October 2008 through the ] ] ].<ref name="amazon">{{cite web | url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0593061225 | title=Girls Aloud: Our Story, Our Style, Our Life | publisher=] | accessdate=8 April 2008 }}</ref><ref name="bookseller">{{cite web | url=http://www.thebookseller.com/news/56111-girls-aloud-and-westlife-sign-book-deals.html | title=Girls Aloud and Westlife sign book deals | publisher=TheBookseller.com | author=Alison Flood | date=4 April 2008 | accessdate=8 April 2008 }}</ref> Before the release, ] magazine bought the rights to preview and serialise the book.<ref>. Ok.co.uk (24 September 2008). Retrieved on 5 August 2011.</ref><ref>. Thesun.co.uk (24 September 2008). Retrieved on 5 August 2011.</ref> | |||
| In 2007, Girls Aloud signed a ]1.25m one-year deal to endorse ] brand ].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://itn.co.uk/news/1989ab8b4eeeec8d8bf2ea72ecd29bce.html | title=Girls Aloud land shampoo deal | publisher=ITN News | date=2 April 2007 | accessdate=7 March 2008 }}</ref> The girls filmed a television advertisement and appeared in and magazine advertisements, with each of the five members being the face of a different shampoo. The same year, Girls Aloud also sealed a deal with the UK division of ]. They endorsed mobile phones and MP3 players, made personal appearances and sang at Samsung events, and contributed to competition prizes, among other activities.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i4151a69586472f436fbf38e96168960b | title=Girls Aloud seal Samsung deal | publisher=Billboard.biz | date=26 June 2007 | accessdate=7 March 2008 }}</ref> The Samsung F210 Purple came with a 1GB memory card featuring Girls Aloud content.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.mobilechoiceuk.com/artman/publish/article_651.shtml | title=Samsung launches Girls Aloud phone | publisher=Mobile Choice Magazine | date=28 September 2007 | accessdate=7 March 2008 }}</ref> Girls Aloud appeared in television advertisements for ] the following year.<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/oct/20/advertising-nintendo | title=Girls Aloud to appear in Nintendo ads | author=Mark Sweney |work=The Guardian |location=UK | publisher=Guardian Media Group | date=20 October 2008 | accessdate=20 October 2008 }}</ref> The girl group signed a deal to front a promotional campaign for a new low-calorie ] bar called "Senses" in March 2008. The chocolate bar manufacturer also sponsored Girls Aloud's ].<ref>{{ cite news | url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/article885999.ece | title=Girlband get million pound payout from KitKat |work=The Sun |location=UK | date=7 March 2008 | accessdate=7 March 2008 }}</ref> The exact worth of the endorsement is unknown, but a figure of £500,000 each has been suggested.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.metro.co.uk/fame/article.html?in_article_id=112459&in_page_id=7&in_a_source= | title=Girls Aloud's KitKat cash in| publisher=] | date=7 March 2008 | accessdate=9 March 2008 }}</ref> Sales increased 6.8% in the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://money.aol.co.uk/uk-chocolate-sales-bolster-nestle/article/2009081208412386742213 | title=UK chocolate sales bolster Nestle | work=] | publisher=] | date=13 August 2009 | accessdate=21 August 2009 }}</ref> | |||
| Beginning in 2009, Girls Aloud teamed with Eylure to release five sets of ], each set designed by a different member of the band.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1168711/Girls-Aloud-launch-range-fake-eyelashes--promo-photos-dont-look-real-either.html | title=Girls Aloud launch range of fake eyelashes | work=] | publisher=] | date=9 April 2009 | accessdate=20 November 2012 }}</ref> A range of ]-themed lashes followed in 2010, while limited edition "10th Anniversary" lash was released in 2012.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/beauty/451772/girls-aloud-launch-festival-false-lashes.html | title=Girls Aloud launch festival false lashes | last=Hutchings | first=Lucy | work=] | publisher=] | date=22 April 2010 | accessdate=20 November 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://m.reveal.co.uk/miss-mode-fashion-beauty/news/a432751/girls-aloud-launch-limited-edition-false-lashes-to-celebrate-reunion.html | title=Girls Aloud launch limited edition false lashes to celebrate reunion | last=Ascroft | first=Amber | work=Reveal | publisher=] | date=23 October 2012 | accessdate=20 November 2012 }}</ref> Similarly, to celebrate their tenth anniversary, each member designed a ] for ], available as either a complete bracelet or a "starter" bracelet.<ref name="dailymailpandora">{{cite web | url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2221396/Girls-Aloud-anniversary-Celebrations-continue-stars-designing-charm-bracelets.html | title=Girls Aloud anniversary: Celebrations continue with the stars designing their own charm bracelets | last=London | first=Bianca | work=] | publisher=] | date=22 October 2012 | accessdate=20 November 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity/539060/cheryl-cole-designs-charm-bracelet-to-celebrate-girls-aloud-anniversary.html#index=1 | title=Cheryl Cole designs charm bracelet to celebrate Girls Aloud anniversary | last=Twomey | first=Rebecca | work=] | publisher=] | date=24 October 2012 | accessdate=20 November 2012 }}</ref> ] is the official sponsor of the group's ].<ref name="dailymailpandora"/> | |||
| ==Philanthropy== | |||
| All five members of the group have been involved in charity work. Girls Aloud's cover of ]' "]" was released as the official 2004 ] single, with proceeds going to the charity.<ref name="cincbbc">{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/music/newsid_3986000/3986493.stm | title=Girls Aloud help Children in Need | work=] ] |publisher=BBC | date=5 November 2004| accessdate=28 February 2008 }}</ref> Nicola Roberts said, "Hopefully if our single does well it's a lot of money going to the charity."<ref name="cincbbc"/> Their cover ] and ]'s "]", a collaboration with the ], was the official charity single for ] in 2007, recorded at Comic Relief co-founder and trustee ]' request.<ref name="crbbc">{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6317377.stm | title=Girl groups get red noses rolling |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC | date=31 July 2007 | accessdate=31 August 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite album-notes |title=The Singles Boxset |bandname=Girls Aloud |year=2009 |notestitle=Walk This Way |first=Peter |last=Robinson |authorlink=Peter Robinson (journalist) |page=35 |format=Booklet |publisher=] |location=London, England }}</ref> Kimberley Walsh said, "It's a fantastic song and hopefully will raise tons of money for people living in really difficult situations here and in Africa."<ref name="crbbc"/> In March 2009, Cheryl Cole, Kimberley Walsh, and various other celebrities climbed ] in aid of Comic Relief.<ref name="comicthesun">{{cite news |date=2 February 2009 |url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/article2195086.ece |title=Comic Relief is Summit Special |work=The Sun |location=UK | publisher=] | accessdate=21 September 2009}}</ref> The trek raised £3.4 million for the charity.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-1230291/Kimberley-Walsh-The-Girls-Aloud-singer-likes-real.html | title=Aloud and proud: Why Kimberley Walsh likes to keep it real | author=Liz Jones |work=Daily Mail |location=UK | publisher=] | date=6 December 2009 | accessdate=30 December 2010 }}</ref> Between 3 February and 23 March 2009, Cole, Walsh, and other celebrities also raised money for Comic Relief by providing the voice for the ].<ref name="comicthesun"/> Walsh is also a charity ambassador for ]. She helped open a £2.2 million breast cancer centre in 2008 and participated in a "heel-a-thon" in 2009.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/news_behind/3800594.Girls_Aloud_s_Kimberley_helps_open___2_2_million_breast_cancer_centre/ | title=Girls Aloud's Kimberley helps open £2.2 million breast cancer centre | work=] | publisher=] | date=29 October 2008 | accessdate=30 December 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/2657273/Kimberley-Walsh-completes-charity-walk-with-drag-queen.html | title=Kimberley Walsh completes charity walk with drag queen |work=The Sun |location=UK | publisher=] | date=28 September 2009 | accessdate=30 December 2010 }}</ref> In February 2011, Cheryl Cole launched her own charitable foundation with ] following a meeting with The Trust’s President, HRH ]. The Cheryl Cole Foundation will provide vital funds for The Trust in the North East, helping disadvantaged young people from her own region.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/the_cheryl_cole_foundation.aspx | title=The Cheryl Cole Foundation | work=] | accessdate=22 February 2011}}</ref> Girls Aloud celebrated their 10 years as a group by releasing another Children in Need single, "]", which they performed on the ''Children in Need'' TV special on 16 November 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=Girls Aloud: "Something New"|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0119n1h |publisher=bbc.co.uk| accessdate=20 November 2012}}</ref> | |||
| ==Discography== | |||
| {{Main|Girls Aloud discography}} | |||
| *'']'' (2003) | |||
| *'']'' (2004) | |||
| *'']'' (2005) | |||
| *'']'' (2007) | |||
| *'']'' (2008) | |||
| ==Tours== | |||
| {{Main|List of Girls Aloud concert tours}} | |||
| * ] (2005) | |||
| * ] (2006) | |||
| * ] (2007) | |||
| * ] (2008) | |||
| * ] (2009) | |||
| * ] (2013) | |||
| ==See also== | |||
| {{Portal|Girls Aloud}} | |||
| *] | |||
| *] | |||
| ==References== | |||
| {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}} | |||
| ==External links== | |||
| {{commons}} | |||
| *{{official website|girlsaloud.com}} | |||
| *{{IMDb name|id=2130471|name=Girls Aloud}} | |||
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| {{Girls Aloud singles}} | |||
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Revision as of 00:52, 31 December 2013
| Girls Aloud | |
|---|---|
 Girls Aloud performing live during the Ten: The Hits Tour in 2013 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | London, United Kingdom |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2002–13 |
| Labels | |
| Past members | Cheryl Cole Nadine Coyle Sarah Harding Nicola Roberts Kimberley Walsh |
| Website | girlsaloud |
Girls Aloud were an English-Irish pop girl group, which was created through the ITV talent show Popstars: The Rivals in 2002. The group comprised singers Cheryl Cole, Nadine Coyle, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh. The group achieved a string of twenty consecutive top ten singles in the United Kingdom, including four number ones. They also achieved six certified albums, of which two reached number one. They have been nominated for five Brit Awards, winning the 2009 Best Single for "The Promise".