Lauren Bennett, the British-born vocalist known for her feature on LMFAO's global hit "Party Rock Anthem" and as a member of the girl group G.R.L., has died at the age of 36. The group announced her passing on Instagram, stating: "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." A cause of death was not provided.
Early life and career beginnings
Born in Meopham, Kent, UK, Bennett began performing in local talent contests and singing in pubs and bars before auditioning for The X Factor as a teenager. After making it to the final 12, she was eliminated but soon asked to audition for a new girl group called Paradiso Girls. She joined the band and moved to Los Angeles at age 17. Paradiso Girls released the single "Patron Tequila" featuring Lil Jon and Eve, which reached No. 3 on the US dance club songs chart in 2009.
Rise to fame with LMFAO and G.R.L.
In 2011, Bennett was featured on LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem," which became a worldwide smash. She later joined G.R.L., a five-piece all-women band. The group appeared on Pitbull's 2014 single "Wild Wild Love" and achieved their biggest hit with "Ugly Heart," which reached the UK Top 20 and the Top 5 in Australia and New Zealand.
Tragedy and tribute
Following the death of G.R.L. member Simone Battle in 2014, the band released a tribute single titled "Lighthouse" and partnered with the mental health charity Give an Hour. Bennett commented at the time: "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." G.R.L. continued to perform occasionally and briefly reunited as a four-piece in 2020.
Remembering Lauren Bennett
In their tribute, G.R.L. wrote: "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."
