View source for RLY

{{Short description|British girl group}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2020}}
{{for|the ICAO code RLY|Air Loyauté}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = RLY
| alias             = Real Like You
| landscape         = yes
| origin            = [[Birmingham]], England
| genre             =
| years_active      = 2019–2024
| label             = {{flatlist|
* [[Syco Music|Syco]]
* [[Warner Music Group|Warner]]}}
| current_members   =
| past_members      = * Seorsia Jack
* Luena Martinez
* Halle Williams
* Virginia Hampson
* Kellimarie Willis
* Jess Folley
* Kyra West
}}
'''RLY''' (an acronym for '''Real Like You''') were an English pop music [[girl group]] formed on ''[[The X Factor: The Band]]''. They went on to win the series, subsequently signing to [[Syco Music]], before moving to Real / Darco Recordings in August 2022. The group was composed of Halle Williams, Virginia Hampson, Kellimarie Willis, Jess Folley and Kyra West. On 3 August 2023, the group released their debut single "Love Me Or Not".
==History==
=== 2019: X Factor UK: The Band ===
In November 2019, each member of RLY auditioned for the [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]] talent competition series ''[[The X Factor: The Band]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2019-12-13/x-factor-the-band-contestants/amp/|title=Meet the contestants from The X Factor: The Band|date=15 December 2019|work=[[Radio Times]]|access-date=16 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214134851/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2019-12-13/x-factor-the-band-contestants/amp/|url-status=live}}</ref> Each member progressed to the bootcamp stage, where Jess Folley (who in 2017 had won ''[[The Voice Kids (British series 1)|The Voice Kids]]''), Luena Martinez (who appeared in series 13), Seorsia Jack, Halle Williams and Kellimarie Willis (who in 2017 appeared on ''[[Got What It Takes? (series 2)|Got What It Takes?]]'') were selected to be in the group. However, judge [[Nicole Scherzinger]] later called Virginia Hampson back, giving her a place in the group.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2019-12-12/virigina-hampson-x-factor-band/amp/|title=Virginia Hampson: "The X Factor has a bigger reputation than Little Mix: The Search"|date=12 December 2019|work=[[Radio Times]]|access-date=16 December 2019|archive-date=14 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214134849/https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2019-12-12/virigina-hampson-x-factor-band/amp/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 December 2019, RLY were announced as the winners, winning a record deal with [[Syco Music|Syco]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/newsbeat-50807862|title=X Factor: Can The Band winners Real Like You be successful?|date=16 December 2019|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=16 December 2019|archive-date=16 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216181146/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/newsbeat-50807862|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.metro.co.uk/2019/12/11/simon-cowell-could-have-found-next-little-mix-as-first-group-announced-on-x-factor-the-band-11769989/amp/|title=Simon Cowell could have found next Little Mix as first group announced on X Factor: The Band|last=Gillibrand|first=Abigail|date=11 December 2019|work=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]]|access-date=16 December 2019|archive-date=16 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216180935/https://metro.co.uk/2019/12/11/simon-cowell-could-have-found-next-little-mix-as-first-group-announced-on-x-factor-the-band-11769989/amp/|url-status=live}}</ref> As part of the competition they performed an original song, "Be Like Them".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/x-factor-the-band-who-won-winner-real-like-you-final-unwritten-rule-members-song-1342121|title=Girl group Real Like You crowned winners of The X Factor: The Band|website=Inews.co.uk|date=16 December 2019 |access-date=2 March 2020|archive-date=2 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302191505/https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/x-factor-the-band-who-won-winner-real-like-you-final-unwritten-rule-members-song-1342121|url-status=live}}</ref> Unlike winners of ''[[The X Factor (British TV series)|The X Factor]]'' and ''[[The X Factor: Celebrity]]'', RLY are the first winners of a British version of the show not to release a [[The X Factor (British TV series) discography|winners single]] following their win.
=== 2020-present: ''Generation'' ===
After their win on ''The X Factor: The Band'', Folley expressed that the group intend on releasing an album that is "new and original", and writing for the album started in January 2020.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the-x-factor/428029-x-factor-the-band-winners-reveal-their-plans-for-debut-album.html?amp|title=X Factor: The Band winners reveal their plans for debut album|date=22 December 2019|access-date=29 August 2020|last=Darvill|first=Josh|work=TellyMix|archive-date=23 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023085955/https://tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the-x-factor/428029-x-factor-the-band-winners-reveal-their-plans-for-debut-album.html?amp|url-status=live}}</ref> On 29 August 2020, Seorsia announced her departure from the group, stating that she wanted to pursue a solo career.<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1299667852845371392|user=SiaBabez|title=ANNOUNCEMENT ‼️ I want to thank my friends, my family, my team and everyone who has supported MR thus far. Here's to new beginnings ✨🙏🏽|date=29 August 2020}}</ref> On 9 August 2022, Martinez's departure from RLY was announced and the group became signed to [[Warner Records]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.warnerrecords.co.uk|title=Warner|publisher=[[Warner Records UK]]|access-date=22 September 2022}}</ref> On 2 January 2023, a new member, Kyra West, was announced on the groups social media pages.
On 6 January 2023, the group teased new music with an unreleased demo called "Love Me Or Not", which was uploaded to their SoundCloud.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.soundcloud.com/kellimariemusick|title=Warner|publisher=[[Warner Records UK]]|access-date=6 January 2023}}</ref> The song was later finalised and released on 3 August 2023 as the groups debut single through Real / Darco Recordings.
On 21 September 2023, RLY released the song "Superpower".
On 30 January 2024, RLY announced their new song called "Safe & Sound". The song was released on 9 February 2024.
On 7 March 2024, RLY released their song "Ring The Alarm". They also announced that they will be releasing their debut [[Extended Play|EP]], ''Generation''. The EP was released on 18 April 2024.
On 28 May 2024, RLY released the single "Restroom Booth Confessions".
In June 2024, member Virginia announced through an Instagram group chat with fans that the group had decided to disband, and that the members would all pursue solo careers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 June 2024 |title=RLY announces decision to disband as their individual lives have began to go down different paths. |url=https://x.com/wgirlgroups/status/1806821060605534347?s=46&t=fjv6459rwrGNoCU0VVeJcQ |access-date=9 July 2024 |website=[[Twitter|X]]}}</ref>
==Members==
'''Seorsia Jack''' was born in [[Dublin]], Ireland, to Zimbabwean parents. She started her career as a solo female artist in 2019. She announced her departure from the band on 29 August 2020 on [[Instagram]], after deciding to pursue a solo career.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 August 2020 |title=ANNOUNCEMENT‼️ Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this process and believed in me. Here's to new beginnings! ✨ and a special thank you to all the fan accounts who brought a smile to my face everyday with your edits and beautiful messages! I love you all x |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CEeJX2pnoaZ/ |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CEeJX2pnoaZ |archive-date=24 December 2021 |access-date=29 August 2020 |website=[[Instagram]]}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
'''Luena Martinez''' was born in [[East Finchley]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Meet X Factor: The Band winner Luena Martinez – age, Instagram, parents! |url=https://www.realitytitbit.com/talent-shows/x-factor/meet-x-factor-the-band-winner-luena-martinez-age-instagram-parents/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227102551/https://www.realitytitbit.com/talent-shows/x-factor/meet-x-factor-the-band-winner-luena-martinez-age-instagram-parents |archive-date=27 December 2019 |access-date=2 January 2020 |work=Reality Titbit}}</ref> In 2016, Martinez auditioned for the [[The X Factor (British series 13)|thirteenth series]] of ''[[The X Factor (British TV series)|The X Factor]]'', where she made it to the six chair challenge, but failed to proceed further.<ref name="XF2016">{{Cite news |title=Student Luena Martinez hopes to inspire others through X Factor appearance |url=https://www.feweek.co.uk/2016/10/17/student-luena-martinez-hopes-to-inspire-others-through-x-factor-appearance/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102222511/https://feweek.co.uk/2016/10/17/student-luena-martinez-hopes-to-inspire-others-through-x-factor-appearance/ |archive-date=2 January 2020 |access-date=2 January 2020 |work=FE Week}}</ref> She attended SoundSkool in [[London Borough of Enfield|Enfield]].<ref name="XF2016" /> Her departure from the band was announced on 9 August 2022;<ref name="lm">{{cite web |title=RLY (@reallikeyou) |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/ChC-IwOMSJE/ |accessdate=9 August 2022 |publisher=[[Instagram]]}}</ref> she later adopted the stage name FranQi, and joined KYNO<ref>{{Cite web |title=KYNO Live & Unplugged |url=https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com/whats-on/kyno-live-unplugged |access-date=2023-12-18 |website=www.pizzaexpresslive.com |language=en}}</ref> and [[Loud LDN]].<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=LOUD LDN on Instagram: "Here is our Loud LDN wrapped 2022 💖 We're very excited about what 2023 has in store and are excited to grow our community in the new year!" |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmwxo_2NtML/?hl=en |access-date=2023-10-10 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref>
'''Halle Williams''' was born in [[Cambridge]].<ref name="TellyMix" /> Williams is a trained dancer, having studied dance and musical theatre at [[Urdang Academy]].<ref name="TellyMix" />
'''Virginia Hampson''' was born in [[Chelmsford]].<ref name="Virginia">{{Cite news|url=https://www.realitytitbit.com/talent-shows/x-factor/meet-virginia-hampson-x-factor-the-bands-comeback-star-is-an-instagram-influencer/|title=Meet Virginia Hampson – X Factor: The Band's comeback star is an Instagram influencer!|work=Reality Titbit|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227102549/https://www.realitytitbit.com/talent-shows/x-factor/meet-virginia-hampson-x-factor-the-bands-comeback-star-is-an-instagram-influencer|url-status=live}}</ref> Hampson has no formal vocal training.<ref name="TellyMix">{{Cite news|url=https://www.tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the-x-factor/426958-the-x-factor-the-band-meet-girl-group-real-like-you.html/|title=The X Factor: The Band: Meet the new girl group Real Like You|last=Darvill|first=Josh|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102225458/https://tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the-x-factor/426958-the-x-factor-the-band-meet-girl-group-real-like-you.html/|url-status=live}}</ref> Upon her initial audition for ''The X Factor: The Band'', she was told to audition again, at a later point in the day. At the second audition round, she was cut from the band; [[Nicole Scherzinger]] called her three days later and added her to the band. <ref name="Virginia" />
'''Kellimarie Willis''' was born in [[Coventry]].<ref name="Kellimarie">{{Cite news|url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-girl-wows-public-win-17428561|title=Coventry girl wows public to win X Factor: The Band|work=[[Coventry Live]]|access-date=2 January 2020}}</ref> In 2017, Willis competed in the [[Got What It Takes?#Series 2 (2017)|second series]] of ''[[Got What It Takes?]]'' winning a sing-off and advanced to the semi-final, at the age of 13.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://coventryobserver.co.uk/news/mother-and-daughter-team-sing-and-dance-their-way-through-hit-cbbc-programme-got-what-it-takes/|work=[[Coventry Observer]]|title=Mother and daughter team sing and dance their way through hit CBBC programme 'Got What It Takes?'|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102225456/https://coventryobserver.co.uk/news/mother-and-daughter-team-sing-and-dance-their-way-through-hit-cbbc-programme-got-what-it-takes/|url-status=live}}</ref> Willis is studying songwriting in [[Birmingham]].<ref name="TellyMix" />
'''Jess Folley''' was born in [[Essex]].<ref name="Voice Kids">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-essex-40646131/jess-folley-wins-30k-music-bursary-on-the-voice-kids|title=Jess Folley wins £30k music bursary on The Voice Kids|work=[[BBC News]]|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102222450/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-essex-40646131/jess-folley-wins-30k-music-bursary-on-the-voice-kids|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, Folley won the [[The Voice Kids (British series 1)|first series]] of ''[[The Voice Kids (British TV series)|The Voice Kids]]''.<ref name="Voice Kids" />
'''Kyra West''' was announced as a new member in January 2023;<ref name="kyra">{{cite web|url=https://musictalkers.com/latest-news/8598-rly-tease-new-music-with-%E2%80%98love-me-or-not%E2%80%99-demo|title=RLY TEASE NEW MUSIC WITH 'LOVE ME OR NOT' DEMO|date=6 January 2023 |publisher=Musictalkers.com|accessdate=15 February 2023}}</ref> she had previously been a semi-finalist on the 2017 series of ''[[Got What It Takes?]]''.<ref name="tresa">{{cite web|url=https://tresamagazine.com/2017/08/07/kyra-west/|title=Kyra West|date=7 August 2017 |publisher=Tresamagazine.com|accessdate=15 February 2023}}</ref>
== Discography ==
=== Extended plays ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col"| Title
! scope="col"| Details
|-
! scope="row"| ''Generation''
|
* Released: 18 April 2024
* Label: Real Recordings / Darco Recordings
* Formats: [[Music download|digital download]], [[Streaming media|Streaming]]
|}
=== Singles ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1"
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="1" style="width:14em;"| Title
! scope="col" rowspan="1" style="width:1em;"| Year
! scope="col" rowspan="1"| Album
|-
! scope="row"| "Love Me or Not"
| rowspan="2"| 2023
| rowspan="4"| ''Generation''
|-
! scope="row"| "Superpower"
|-
! scope="row"| "Safe & Sound"
| rowspan="3"| 2024
|-
! scope="row"| "Ring The Alarm"
|-
! scope="row"| "Restroom Booth Confessions"
| Non-album single
|}
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{S-start}}
{{S-ach}}
{{Succession box| before = [[Megan McKenna]] | title = {{nowrap|Winner of ''[[The X Factor (British TV series)|The X Factor]]''}} | years = [[The X Factor: The Band|2019]]| after = None}}
{{S-end}}
{{The X Factor (UK)}}
{{Syco}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:2019 establishments in England]]
[[Category:21st-century British women singers]]
[[Category:British pop girl groups]]
[[Category:British vocal groups]]
[[Category:English girl groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2019]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Birmingham, West Midlands]]
[[Category:Syco Music artists]]
[[Category:The X Factor (British TV series) winners]]
[[Category:Warner Records artists]]