Lauren Bennett, GRL member and ‘Party Rock Anthem’ singer, dies at 37
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Singer Lauren Bennett, who rose to fame as a member of the band GRL, has died at the age of 37, with the group announcing the news in an Instagram statement shared on Monday, July 6.
A cause of death has not been disclosed. Bennett began her career at 18 with the 'Paradiso Girls,' who released their debut single 'Patron Tequila' in 2009, before pursuing a solo music career and later joining GRL.
GRL mourns Lauren Bennett with emotional tribute
GRL confirmed Bennett's death in a heartfelt 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," the statement began.
"We will forever cherish the love, laughter and countless memories she gave us,” the statement continued adding, “Her beautiful spirit touched so many lives, and she will be deeply missed and forever loved.”
The tribute concluded, “Rest peacefully, sweet Lauren. You will always be in our hearts.” The post was signed, “Your GRLs, Em, Tash and P.” Her passing comes years after the group experienced another devastating loss following the death of member Simone Battle in 2014 at the age of 25.
Speaking after Battle's death, Bennett reflected on the shock the group experienced. “You can never prepare yourself for something like this, ever,” she said at the time adding, “We’d just been in rehearsals the day before, learning choreography for our show, and the next day we were starting the morning as usual when we got the call."
She further said, "I still can’t believe it. I don’t think any of us can. It’s weird that we’re even sitting here, talking about it.” Group member Paula Van Oppen also described how Battle's death affected everyone, saying, “It all just came to a stop. Everything halted.”
Just before Battle's death, the group recorded "Lighthouse" and later released a music video featuring footage of her from childhood through her years with the band. “We learned so much from her,” Bennett concluded.
Lauren Bennett's music career spanned 'Paradiso Girls,' solo success and GRL
The British singer-songwriter began her music career at the age of 18 as a member of the girl group 'Paradiso Girls.' The group released its debut single, "Patron Tequila," in 2009 before disbanding shortly afterward.
Bennett then pursued a solo career and gained recognition after being featured on LMFAO's 'Party Rock Anthem.' She also collaborated with singer Will.i.am on the remix of 'I Got It from My Mama.'
She later joined GRL, which released its self-titled debut EP in 2014. That same year, the group was featured on Pitbull's song 'Wild Wild Love.' The EP included the single 'Ugly Heart,' which became the group's highest-performing single.
Following the temporary disbandment of GRL after Battle's death in 2014, she reunited with the group in 2016. The trio continued touring and, in 2021, confirmed plans for new music.
