Lauren Bennett, the English singer who shot to global fame on LMFAO's 2011 smash hit 'Party Rock Anthem' and later performed with the girl group G.R.L., has died at the age of 37. Her death was announced on Instagram by her surviving G.R.L. bandmates Natasha Slayton, Emmalyn Estrada, and Paula van Oppen. No cause of death has been released.
G.R.L. Bandmates Pay Tribute
In a joint statement posted to Instagram, the three singers wrote: 'It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren. Our hearts are broken, and we cannot begin to express how much she meant to us. We will forever cherish the love, laughter, and countless memories she gave us. Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and she will be deeply missed and forever loved. Rest peacefully, sweet Lauren. You will always be in our hearts. Your GRLs, Em, Tash, and P.' The message concluded with a heartfelt farewell to their friend and former bandmate.
Early Career and Breakthrough with Paradiso Girls
Born in Meopham, England, Bennett's music career began after an appearance on 'The X Factor' led to an invitation to audition for the Paradiso Girls, a group formed by Pussycat Dolls creator Robin Antin. Alongside Aria Crescendo, Kelly Beckett, Shar Mae Amor, and Chelsea Korka, the quintet released the single 'Patron Tequila' in 2009, which climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. The group disbanded in 2010.
Global Fame with 'Party Rock Anthem'
In 2011, Bennett was featured on LMFAO's 'Party Rock Anthem,' which became a worldwide phenomenon, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks and selling millions of copies. Speaking to Billboard at the American Music Awards that year, Bennett called the song's success 'incredible' and 'a dream come true.' She also hinted at future projects, saying, 'I'm doing everything I can. Fingers in all the pies.' As a solo artist, she collaborated with CeeLo Green and will.i.am.
Formation of G.R.L. and Chart Success
In 2012, Bennett joined G.R.L. (Girls Rock Life) alongside Estrada, Slayton, van Oppen, and Simone Battle. The group released the singles 'Vacation' and 'Ugly Heart,' the latter reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and topping charts in several countries. They also appeared on Pitbull's 2014 hit 'Wild Wild Love.' Their self-titled debut EP arrived in 2014.
Tragedy and Legacy
The group disbanded after Simone Battle died by suicide in September 2014, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The surviving members later reunited periodically and released the tribute single 'Lighthouse' in 2015. Reflecting on the song, Bennett told Billboard, 'It's bittersweet... obviously we're happy to be moving forward, and we really love the video and love the song. The response has been good. But it's just sad. It's a sad reminder of the reality.' She also expressed hope that the track could help fans struggling with depression, saying, 'There's a lot of young people who are taking their own lives, and the music industry is so influential on youth. Hopefully, for us, we would love to help at least one person.'
