Simons has had an interest for music since she was ten years old, and after listening to the Nightwish album Oceanborn at the age of fifteen, she began taking classical singing lessons. She sang in a choir for a couple of months in 2002, joining Epica soon after. She was previously in a romantic relationship with Epica guitarist Mark Jansen and co-writes the band's lyrics with him. Her boyfriend is Oliver Palotai,keyboardist of the American power metal band Kamelot^[2], a band for which she has provided guest vocals on two occasions, as well as appeared with on stage several times. Her favourite song to perform is "Reprendo mai più" by Emma Shapplin.^[3]

In January 2008, it was announced on Epica's website that Simone is suffering from MRSA. This has caused Epica to have to cancel many of their shows. In February, her condition was getting better, but she was not completely recovered. In March, Epica toured with Amanda Somerville, replacing Simons for their US tour^[4] until May 11, 2008, when Simone performed again at their show in Bibelot, Dordrecht^[4].

Sumber : wikipedia