Girls Aloud have released a new version of I’ll Stand By You with the late Sarah Harding on lead vocals in support of BBC Children In Need.
The group first released their cover of The Pretenders‘ 1994 ballad back 20 years ago as the charity’s official 2004 single, when it reached No. 1 in the UK.
Harding’s previously-unheard lead vocals were discovered when they were pulling together material for their 2024 reunion tour, with I’ll Stand By You (Sarah’s Version) released on Friday (November 15), the same day as the charity telethon.
“The track played a key part in our ‘The Girls Aloud Show’ arena tour this summer and was an emotional moment for us all,” Girls Aloud wrote in a joint statement.
Pretenders frontwoman Chrissie Hynde – who wrote the song with Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly – added: “How wonderful to hear I’ll Stand By You with the lovely vocals of Sarah Harding leading the way for BBC Children in Need. Happy Christmas all!”
Proceeds from the single will benefit BBC Children In Need projects working with children in communities across the UK.
