Party Rock Anthem fame Lauren Bennett passes away at 37; G.R.L. members pay tribute, cause of death not disclosed
Singer Lauren Bennett, best known for her appearance on LMFAO’s hit song Party Rock Anthem and as a former member of the girl groups Paradiso Girls and G.R.L., has died at the age of 37.The news was announced on Monday by her former G.R.L. bandmates Paula van Oppen, Natasha Slayton and Emmalyn Estrada in a joint statement shared on the group’s Instagram account.”It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Lauren,” the statement began.”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.”The trio concluded the tribute by writing, “Rest peacefully, sweet Lauren. You will always be in our hearts. Your GRLs, Em, Tash, and P.”The cause of Bennett’s death has not been disclosed.
From Paradiso Girls to G.R.L.
Bennett began her music career as a member of Paradiso Girls, a pop group formed by Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin. The group’s debut single, Patron Tequila, featuring Eve and Lil Jon, was released in 2009 and reached No. 3 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.After Paradiso Girls were dropped by Interscope Records in 2010, Bennett pursued a solo career. She collaborated with artists including CeeLo Green and will. i. am, and was featured on LMFAO’s chart-topping hit Party Rock Anthem, which spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2011.She later joined G.R.L., which debuted in 2013. The group released its first single, Vacation, for the soundtrack of The Smurfs 2 before collaborating with Pitbull on Wild Wild Love in 2014. Later that year, G.R.L. released its self-titled debut EP.
Continued making music
Bennett was the second member of G.R.L. to pass away. Fellow member Simone Battle died in 2014 at the age of 25, and her death was ruled a suicide. The group disbanded the following year.In recent years, Bennett released music independently, including the songs Reality and Hurricane. She also reunited with her former G.R.L. bandmates for various projects over the years.
