Lauren Bennett, the British singer known for her vocals on LMFAO's 2011 hit "Party Rock Anthem," has died at the age of 37. Her former bandmates in G.R.L. confirmed her passing in a heartfelt statement posted on Instagram Monday. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Core Facts and Immediate Action
Bennett's bandmates, Emmalyn Estrada, Natasha Slayton, and Paula van Oppen, expressed their grief in the statement, calling her "beloved" and emphasizing the profound impact she had on their lives. The group described her as a source of "love, laughter, and countless memories." Bennett is survived by her six-year-old daughter, Harlow, whom she shared with dancer Kenny Wormald.
Deeper Dive and Context
Bennett began her career in the entertainment industry at the age of 18 as part of the girl group The Paradiso Girls, which released their debut single "Patron Tequila" in 2009. After the group disbanded, she pursued a solo career, collaborating with artists like CeeLo Green and Will.i.am. Her feature on "Party Rock Anthem" marked her first No. 1 single, propelling her to international fame.
In 2012, Bennett joined the girl group G.R.L., a reboot of the Pussycat Dolls formed by Robin Antin. The group released several singles, including "Vacation" and "Lighthouse," and was featured on Pitbull's 2014 song "Wild Wild Love." However, the group disbanded shortly after the tragic suicide of bandmate Simone Battle in 2014. G.R.L. reformed in 2016 but ultimately disbanded again in 2017.
Bennett's final Instagram post, shared on February 22, showed her performing a cover of Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'." Her death comes 12 years after the passing of her G.R.L. bandmate Simone Battle, who died by suicide at the age of 25.
Legacy and Impact
Bennett's contributions to the music industry, particularly her work with LMFAO and G.R.L., left a lasting impact. Her 2016 single "Hurricane" was inspired by the mental health struggles of those around her, including her mother. The song highlighted her personal connection to mental health advocacy, a theme that resonated with many fans.
As of now, no further details about the circumstances surrounding Bennett's death have been released. Her representatives have not responded to requests for comment.