Girls Aloud on course for UK No.1

"I'll Stand By You" (Sarah's Version) set to top the charts this weekend.

It’s been a decade since Girls Aloud last dominated the UK music charts, but this weekend, the iconic girl group is set to reclaim the top spot with a deeply personal rendition of "I'll Stand By You (Sarah's Version)". The reimagined ballad, a tribute to their late bandmate Sarah Harding, has captured the nation’s heart and sparked an outpouring of love from fans both old and new.

Originally recorded in 2004 as part of Girls Aloud’s charitable efforts for Children in Need, "I'll Stand By You" became one of the group’s most enduring hits. The emotional lyrics of the song resonate even more profoundly in its latest version, recorded in memory of Sarah Harding, who passed away in 2021 after battling breast cancer.

"Sarah loved this song—it was her favorite to perform," Nadine Coyle shared during a recent radio interview. "When we decided to re-record it, we wanted it to feel like a love letter to her, a way to keep her spirit alive and share her light with the world again."

The new version, dubbed "Sarah’s Version," features Sarah’s original vocals interwoven with fresh recordings from Cheryl, Kimberley Walsh, Nicola Roberts, and Nadine, as well as poignant spoken-word tributes from the group. Proceeds from the single are being donated to BBC Children In Need, further cementing its significance.

Listen to the Official Chart on Radio 1 this Friday from 4pm and The Big Top 40 Chart, Sunday from 4pm on Global Player.