Girls Aloud's Nadine Coyle breaks down in tears onstage during Sarah Harding tribute and is comforted by Cheryl, Kimberley and Nicola
Nadine Coyle was seen in tears as she paid tribute to her late Girls Aloud bandmate, Sarah Harding.
Sarah tragically passed away at the young age of 39 in September 2021, a year after announcing her diagnosis with breast cancer that unfortunately spread to other parts of her body.
In honour of Sarah's memory, Nadine, along with Cheryl Tweedy, Nicola Roberts and Nicola Roberts decided to go on tour as per Sarah's last wish. The proceeds from the completely sold-out The Girls Aloud Show are being donated to The Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, contributing to crucial funds for research into the disease.
Girls Aloud
However, the tour concluded on an emotional note at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena on Sunday, June 30. During their performance of I'll Stand By You, Nadine, 39, couldn't hold back her tears.
The audience was informed that they would be singing alongside a previously unreleased recording of the song featuring only Sarah. As the song progressed, Nadine, originally from Derry, was spotted wiping her tears with her hair, struggling to continue the performance.
With a video of Sarah playing in the background, Nadine turned to face her friend before seeking comfort from her bandmates. During the last chorus of the track, the girl band gathered for an emotional group hug while Nadine Coyle dried her tears.
Girls Aloud
Fans in the stadium, and online were also emotional, as one penned: "Sarah would be so f******g proud of all of them, but especially Nadine."
"Nadine’s delivery and the look of sadness after makes me teary eyed every single time, especially with Sarah projected behind her," wrote another.
Cheryl previously disclosed on Heart FM that she and Sarah Harding had a heart-to-heart about Girls Aloud during Sarah's final days.
She confessed: "I did speak to Sarah one on one at one point, this was in the later stages when she was really poorly though, and she'd said to me 'I hope you four do something when I'm not here' and in that moment I couldn't entertain that conversation. I was trying to keep her up."
Sarah's spirit was alive throughout the concert, with her famous line, "Take a walk on the wild side of life," from Something New echoing around the venue. As the Girls finished their act, an enormous screen emerged onstage for The Promise, showcasing Sarah as she sang: "So here I am, a walking primrose, wondering when I'm gonna see you again," prompting cheers from the audience and the band.
Just before they exited the stage, a photo of Sarah flashed on screen, coupled by the words: "In loving memory of Sarah Nicole Harding. 17.11.81 - 05.09.2021."