The pop world is mourning Lauren Bennett. The singer, who became known as a member of the girl groups Paradiso Girls and G.R.L. and was featured on LMFAO's 2011 worldwide hit "Party Rock Anthem", has passed away at the age of 37. The news was announced by her former G.R.L. bandmates in a joint post on Instagram.
"Our hearts are broken, and we cannot put into words how much she meant to us", write Natasha Slayton, Emmalyn Estrada and Paula van Oppen in their statement. "We will forever honor the love, laughter and countless memories she gave us. Her wonderful spirit touched so many lives, she will be sorely missed and loved forever." The musicians did not state a cause of death.
From "X Factor" to Los Angeles
Bennett was born in Meopham in the county of Kent, England, and competed in local talent contests from an early age. Through the casting show "X Factor", she received a call to audition for the newly formed group Paradiso Girls in front of music mogul Jimmy Iovine and Pussycat Dolls founder Robin Antin. Bennett impressed them and moved to Los Angeles at just 17 years old.
Success with Paradiso Girls and G.R.L.
In 2009, Paradiso Girls released their debut single "Patron Tequila" featuring Eve and Lil' Jon, which reached number three on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. The single "Who's My Bitch" followed. One year later, the quintet disbanded.
Antin then brought Bennett into a new lineup that was originally intended to replace departed members of the Pussycat Dolls. Eventually, the project operated under the name G.R.L. and contributed the song "Vacation" to the soundtrack of "The Smurfs 2". This was followed by a guest appearance on Pitbull's hit "Wild Wild Love" (2014). The group's biggest success was the single "Ugly Heart".
Fresh Start as a Trio
In 2014, G.R.L. initially disbanded following the death of band member Simone Battle. In 2016, the group reformed with Bennett, this time as a trio. In the following years, the band went on tour repeatedly, and in 2021 they announced new music.
