Singer Lauren Bennett, best known for her appearance on LMFAO’s hit Party Rock Anthem and as a former member of the girl groups Paradiso Girls and GRL, has died aged 37.The news was announced on Monday by former GRL 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 he meant to us. We will forever cherish the love, laughter and countless memories he gave us. Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and she will be deeply missed and loved forever.”The trio concluded the tribute by writing: “Rest in peace sweet Lauren. You will always be in our hearts. Your GRL, Em, Tash and P.”Bennett’s cause of death has not been released.
From Paradiso Girls to GRL
Bennett began her musical 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 #3 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.After Paradiso Girls was dropped by Interscope Records in 2010, Bennett pursued a solo career. He collaborated with artists such as CeeLo Green and Will. i. am, and was featured on LMFAO’s hit Party Rock Anthem, which spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2011.He later joined GRL, who debuted in 2013. The group released their first single, Vacation, for The Smurfs 2 soundtrack before collaborating with Pitbull on Wild Wild Love in 2014. Later that year, GRL released their self-titled debut EP.
Keep making music
Bennett was the second GRL member to die. His partner 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 has released music independently, including the songs Reality and Hurricane. He also reunited with his former GRL bandmates for various projects over the years.