Lauren Bennett’s Passing
Lauren Bennett, a British-born vocalist known for her work with the girl group G.R.L. and as a featured artist on LMFAO’s international hit "Party Rock Anthem," has died at the age of 37.
G.R.L. shared the news on their official page, expressing their sorrow and the profound impact Bennett had on them.
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren,” the group wrote. “Our hearts are broken, and we cannot begin to express how much she meant to us.”
No cause of death has been disclosed.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Bennett was born in Meopham, Kent, United Kingdom. She began her singing career by participating in local talent contests and performing in pubs and bars. As a teenager, she competed on the television show The X Factor, advancing to the final 12 before being eliminated.
Following her departure from the show, Bennett was invited to audition for a new girl group named Paradiso Girls. At 17, she relocated to Los Angeles to join the band. Paradiso Girls released the single "Patron Tequila," featuring Lil Jon and Eve, which reached number three on the US dance club songs chart in 2009.
Success with LMFAO and G.R.L.
In 2011, Bennett gained further recognition as a featured artist on LMFAO’s global hit "Party Rock Anthem." Subsequently, she joined G.R.L., a five-member all-female group.
G.R.L. collaborated with Pitbull on his 2014 single "Wild Wild Love" and achieved their highest chart success with "Ugly Heart," which entered the UK Top 20 and reached the Top 5 in Australia and New Zealand.
Tributes and Advocacy
After the death of fellow G.R.L. member Simone Battle in 2014, the group released a tribute single titled "Lighthouse" and partnered with the mental health charity Give an Hour.
“There’s a lot of young people who are taking their own lives, and the music industry is so influential on youth,” Bennett said at the time. “Hopefully, for us, we would love to help at least one person.”
G.R.L. continued to perform live intermittently and briefly reunited as a four-piece in 2020.
Legacy
In their tribute to Bennett, G.R.L. emphasized the lasting impact she had on their lives and those of many others.
“We will forever cherish the love, laughter, and countless memories she gave us,” the group wrote. “Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and she will be deeply missed and forever loved.”
