UK singer Lauren Bennett, best known for her feature on LMFAO’s global hit “Party Rock Anthem” and as a member of girl group G.R.L., has died at the age of 37.
The news was confirmed by her former G.R.L. bandmates Emmalyn Estrada, Natasha Slayton and Paula van Oppen, who paid tribute to Bennett in a joint statement shared on Instagram.
“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.”
Bennett’s cause of death has not been disclosed and an inquest into her death is reportedly expected to take place.
Born in Meopham, Kent, England, Bennett first pursued music as a teenager before later joining the group Paradiso Girls in 2007.
She later launched a solo career, working with artists including CeeLo Green and will.i.am.
She rose to international fame in 2011 after lending her vocals to LMFAO’s chart-topping hit “Party Rock Anthem”. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks and became one of the biggest pop songs of the decade.
Bennett later joined G.R.L. to make hits like “Ugly Heart”, “Vacation” and “Wild Wild Love” with Pitbull.
According to reports, the group faced tragedy in 2014 following the death of member Simone Battle, who died by suicide at the age of 25.
In her honour, the group released the tribute song “Lighthouse” while also partnering with a mental health awareness campaign before eventually disbanding in 2015.
Over the years, Bennett reunited with her former bandmates for various projects while continuing to release music as a solo artist, including songs such as “Reality” and “Hurricane”.
She also explored a different musical direction by forming a country, folk and blues duo with her brother, Ryan Bennett.
According to reports, Bennett’s final social media post was shared in February and featured her performing a cover of “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'”.
She is survived by her six-year-old daughter, Harlow, whom she welcomed in 2019 with dancer and actor Kenny Wormald.
